Yesterday, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) created a new MDL for federal lawsuits for individuals who have developed a serious vision disorder called pigmentary maculopathy after taking Elmiron®. The lawsuits allege that the drugmakers failed to properly warn consumers, physicians, and the public that Elmiron® could cause significant visual damage, including atypical or pigmentary maculopathy.
In the 12/15/20 order, the JPML ordered the transfer of the cases to the U.S. District Court for New Jersey before the Honorable Brian R. Martinotti for coordinated pretrial proceedings. (An MDL is a type of legal proceeding that helps federal courts efficiently manage many similar cases filed in many different federal courts across the U.S. by allowing the temporary transfer of all of the federal civil lawsuits to one or more district courts for pretrial consolidation or coordination. The JPML is a group of federal judges designated by the Chief Justice of the United States, which has the responsibility for determining which cases qualify for MDL treatment, as well as which district court to transfer and consolidate these cases. The transfers are made if the Panel determines that the transfers will result in the convenience of the parties and witnesses and will promote the just and efficient conduct of the cases. For more information about MDLs and the JPML, contact Borgess Law.)
Here’s What You Should Know About the Litigation:
- Elmiron®, a prescription drug used to treat bladder pain or discomfort from interstitial cystitis, has been linked to a serious vision disorder called pigmentary maculopathy.
- This condition resulting from Elmiron® use can be confused with or initially diagnosed as age-related macular degeneration, macular or pattern dystrophy, diabetic retinopathy, or certain other genetic retinal diseases.
- Lawsuits have been filed by individuals who have developed vision problems after taking Elmiron®.
- The lawsuits accuse the prescription drug manufacturers of manufacturing, marketing, and selling a pharmaceutical which they knew or should have known could cause eye issues, yet did not properly warn consumers, physicians, or the public.
- Contact Borgess Law, LLC at (567) 455-5955 for a free, confidential and no-obligation consultation for additional information or if you believe you or a loved one could have a potential claim.
Elmiron®
Elmiron® (pentosan polysulfate sodium) is an FDA approved oral medication prescribed for interstitial cystitis. Interstitial cystitis is a chronic regional pain syndrome of the bladder and pelvis that predominately affects females, manifesting with urinary urgency and pain or discomfort. More than 1 million people in the United States are estimated to be affected by this condition, which can also disrupt sleep and lead to emotional stress. Elmiron® is thought to act by binding to the bladder’s epithelial lining, regulating irritation and cellular permeability.
Link to Eye Damage
Multiple scientific studies have linked Elmiron® to a specific type of progressive and permanent eye disease called pigmentary maculopathy. Sometimes this condition resulting from Elmiron® use can be confused with or initially diagnosed as age-related macular degeneration, macular or pattern dystrophy, diabetic retinopathy, or certain other genetic retinal diseases.
What Are the Symptoms of Pigmentary Maculopathy?
Reported symptoms for patients experiencing potential Elmiron®-associated eye damage include:
- Prolonged light to dark adaptation
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty reading
- Metamorphopsia (lines look curvy)
- Central vision loss
- Loss of vision detail
- Dimming of vision
- Blind spots
- Floaters
- Blindness
- Spots
- Impaired color vision
- Difficulty with near vision
Lawsuits
Lawsuits have been filed against various pharmaceutical manufacturers by individuals who have suffered vision loss or other eye problems from taking Elmiron®. The lawsuits allege that the drugmakers failed to properly warn consumers, physicians, and the public that Elmiron® could cause vision significant visual damage, including atypical or pigmentary maculopathy.
How We Can Help:
Borgess Law, LLC is currently reviewing potential legal claims for individuals who have experienced eye or vision problems after taking Elmiron®. There is no charge for this review. Further, if the claim is one we are willing to pursue, there is no fee or expense owed unless a recovery is obtained.
Attorney Pamela Borgess, the founder of Borgess Law, LLC, has decades of experience with numerous national high-profile defective medical drug/device cases and can discuss your legal options. For more information about the Elmiron® litigation or to discuss a potential claim, contact Borgess Law at (567) 455-5955. You can also contact Borgess Law by submitting an online inquiry. Again, this consultation is free and confidential. We welcome any questions you may have.
*This blog does not contain medical advice and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Please consult with your physician for personalized medical advice.