Elmiron is a drug prescribed for a chronic and painful bladder condition called interstitial cystitis. The medication was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1996 and is the only approved treatment for this condition. It is manufactured and distributed by Johnson & Johnson and Janssen Pharmaceuticals. The chemical name of the drug is pentosan polysulfate sodium. It has proved to be a dangerous drug associated with severe side effects, including vision loss and blindness, for which there is no cure. Other adverse reactions have also been reported.
You may be entitled to compensation if you have been harmed by the drug Elmiron. If you or someone you know has been affected, please contact legal counsel to discuss your options immediately. The complex litigation attorneys at The Michael Brady Lynch Firm are experienced in handling Elmiron litigation and are ready to help with your case. Time is critical. Call us to file a lawsuit on your behalf within the Statute of Limitations.
History of the Lawsuits
The Elmiron lawsuits began in 2020, when three plaintiffs filed claims against Janssen Pharmaceuticals, alleging the company did not disclose the risk of permanent vision loss to consumers and their doctors. Litigation is ongoing, based on the premise that the pharmaceutical companies knew about the adverse reactions and research linking the drug to vision loss but failed to warn consumers until June 2020. At that time, the FDA released information regarding a label change to include the risk of pigmentary maculopathy in sections of the product’s label.
Due to the large number of plaintiffs filing lawsuits, the cases have been consolidated into a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) before Judge Brian R. Marinotti in the United States District Court, District of New Jersey. The consolidation streamlines the litigation and makes it more efficient.
Qualifying Diagnoses Related to Elmiron Usage:
- Retinal Pigmentary Maculopathy
- Retinal Maculopathy
- Pigmentation Maculitis
- Pigmentation Macular Degeneration
- Dry Macular Degeneration
- Retinal Hemorrhage
- Optic Neuritis
Litigation Update
As of August 2022, more than 1,700 Elmiron lawsuits have been filed for severe side effects associated with Elmiron usage. It is believed there are many more consumers affected by this drug. However, consumers are not connecting this medication with their eye damage. The FDA has not asked the pharmaceutical companies to issue a recall of the drug, and it continues to be widely prescribed in the United States.
Bellwether Trials to Begin in 2023
Bellwether test trials have not yet begun. However, three Elmiron lawsuits have been selected. For these cases, discovery must be completed by September 9, 2022. The first bellwether trial will begin in January 2023, followed by the second trial in March and the third in May 2023. These trials will help determine how the cases will proceed based on how the juries will likely respond to the evidence and testimony. It will help to decide the potential settlement offers or if the defendant chooses to go to trial.
Visual Problems from Elmiron Usage Includes, but is Not Limited To:
- Changes in Vision
- Depth Perception Problems
- Blindness
- Blurry Vision
- Night Vision Loss
- Difficulty Reading
- Difficulty Driving
- Dark Spots
- Prolonged Adaptation to Dim Light
- Color Perception Changes
Critical Factors to Consider when Filing a Claim:
- Have you been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis?
- How long have you been taking Elmiron?
- Did the vision changes occur within one year if you stopped taking Elmiron?
- When did you notice vision changes?
- Do you or your family have a history of eye disease?
- Are the visual limitations getting progressively worse?
- Have you been diagnosed with vision-related diseases such as pigmentary maculopathy, macular degeneration, or toxic maculopathy?
- What has been the impact on your mental health and well-being?
Call To Speak with A Nationally Recognized Law Firm
The personal injury attorneys at The Michael Brady Lynch Firm are actively reviewing Elmiron lawsuits. We are passionate about holding pharmaceutical companies accountable when placing profits before consumer safety. We believe those who have suffered harm should be compensated for medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, lost wages, and future earnings if unable to work due to visual deficits. Juries may award punitive damages for the grossly negligent actions of the defendant.
The Michael Brady Lynch Firm offers a no-obligation consultation to review your case to determine if you qualify for a claim. We are reviewing cases nationwide. Call us today at (888) 585-5970. Let us help you get the results you deserve.
Sources:
“Drug Safety-Related Labeling Changes”, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, June 16, 2022, accessed August 13, 2022
Michelle Llamas, BCPA, “Elmiron Lawsuits,” Drugwatch, August 2, 2022, accessed August 13, 2022
https://www.drugwatch.com/elmiron/lawsuits/