The attorneys at Gallon, Takacs, & Boissoneault are investigating allegations against Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, for their product Elmiron. Elmiron, which has been available since the 1990’s, is a drug used to treat interstititial cyctitis (IC), a bladder condition. Studies conducted within the past two years have shown a correlation between long-term Elmiron use and irreversible vision damage. If you or someone you know has taken Elmiron and is experiencing vision issues, contact us today. Find out if you can seek compensation for your injuries by completing our free case evaluation.

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the drug company responsible for Elmiron, does not list the risk of developing serious vision issues under Elmiron’s possible side effects and warnings.

Despite IC affecting millions each year, it is also the sole drug that has been FDA approved to treat pain associated with the condition. Both experts and physicians presented their research to the American Academy of Opthalmology, in which they stated that their findings added “strong support to the growing body of evidence that links long-term PPS use to the potential development of a toxic maculopathy.” The studies conducted have shown that Elmiron affects the macula, which is found in the backside of the eye. The macula is the back of the retina, which is responsible for sensing light and sending such signals to the brain, which allows for vision. Maculopathy, or the degradation of the macula, can very likely lead to blindness.

Elmiron has been linked to a specific type of maculopathy known as pigmentary maculopathy. If the issue is caught and use of the drug is suspended, damage could cease. But, studies have yet to be done on long-term effects on sight.

Some symptoms associated with Elmiron-linked macular damage include:

·         Notable areas of vision loss in field of vision

·         Difficulty acclimating to changes in light

·         Difficulty reading

·         Difficulty with close-up vision

·         Dimming of vision

Current and former users of Elmiron that have developed serious vision issues after taking Elmiron for at least two years, especially if they were taking Elmiron within the last two years, may be entitled to compensation from Janssen Pharmaceuticals. If you or someone you know have used the drug to treat symptoms of IC without knowing the risks to vision health, please contact our firm at 1-800-Gallon1 (1-800-425-5661) or fill out a free case evaluation form. We want to help you get the compensation you deserve.