What is Elmiron
Elmiron is a medication used to treat a bladder disorder called interstitial cystitis or “Painful bladder syndrome” for which there is no cure. Painful bladder syndrome predominantly affects women, and its symptoms can range from mild to severe. Pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS), the active ingredient in Elmiron, is the most effective known treatment for painful bladder syndrome.
Who makes Elmiron
Janssen pharmaceuticals
Risks associated with Elmiron
A number of studies suggest there is an association between prolonged PPS use (typically longer than three years) and maculopathy. Symptoms of maculopathy include difficulty reading, struggling to adjust to darker settings, and seeing straight lines as curved. Evidence for the link between maculopathy and PPS continues to grow. A recent study showed that among patients between 500 mg and 1,000 mg of PPS a day 11 percent suffered from maculopathy. That number jumps to 42 percent if the patients have been taking over 1500 mg daily. The maculopathy that results from PPS is often mistaken for age related macular degeneration (AMD). However, studies have shown that people taking PPS suffer may from maculopathy in the absence of the genetic markers that usually predict AMD. Moreover, the maculopathy associated with a PPS has a presentation in the retina that is distinguishable from age related macular degeneration.
The mechanism by which PPS causes maculopathy is unknown. However, researchers have speculated that it could result from the effect of PPS on the retinal pigmented epithelium (RPE) and metalloproteinase levels (MMP). PPS is known to reduce the presence of MMP which is vital to the replenishment of RPE. Moreover, similar molecular structures between PPS and RPE have some researchers wondering if interactions between them might compromise the organization of the latter.
Elmiron Lawsuits
Basis for the Lawsuits
We are suing Janssen pharmaceuticals for failing to communicate to the FDA, Doctors, and patients the risks to your visual health posed by Elmiron. Most Elmiron lawsuits, approximately 2,000, have been consolidated into a Federal MDL that is being held in New Jersey. However, increasingly, cases are being brought at the state level in New Jersey where Janssen is headquartered. At present, the number of cases being brought in the New Jersey State Courts stands at 165 and counting.
Elmiron Lawsuits in Philadelphia
Our firm is working with a group of highly experienced defective product litigators to continue the fight for victims of Elmiron. We have obtained approval of a mass tort program in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to pursue individual Elmiron lawsuits in the Philadelphia court system. The Philadelphia court system has historically been a leader in effectively, efficiently, and fairly handling complex litigation. Our firm is acting as co-liaison counsel, the plaintiffs’ counsels’ coordinators between the plaintiffs’ attorneys, defense attorneys, and the Court to assist in developing procedures that will move the litigation promptly and fairly towards resolution.
We are only working with experienced trial attorneys from around the United States who have decades of experience bringing justice to victims of negligence of large pharmaceutical and chemical companies. If you or a loved one has maculopathy or a related diagnosis after taking Elmiron and you would like to be considered for legal representation…
Do I qualify for an Elmiron lawsuit?
If you or someone you know has been taking Elmiron and has been diagnosed with some form of maculopathy you may be entitled to compensation. However, we recommend that you get an official diagnosis from a qualified ophthalmologist before seeking legal action as knowledge of your diagnosis will aid our handling of your case.
Contact a Philadelphia Elmiron Drug Injury Lawyer
You may be entitled to money damages if you suffered personal injuries after using Elmiron. Please contact Feldman & Pinto to learn more about filing a Elmiron drug injury lawsuit. Our personal injury lawyers can help you obtain the compensation and justice you deserve.