Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium, or PPS) was approved by the FDA way back in September 1996 for the treatment of painful bladder syndrome (interstitial cystitis). Over the past several years, however, cases of Elmiron-related eye damage have been reported. Remarkably, according to a recent medical study, patients with high levels of Elmiron use have more than a 2-times increased risk for getting a diagnosis of pigmentary maculopathy or macular degeneration.
The article, “Pentosan Polysulfate and Vision: Findings from an International Survey of Exposed Individuals”, was published in December 2020 by the Retina medical journal. From the Abstract for this article we get these facts about high levels of Elmiron use:
Purpose: To investigate patient-reported visual function in individuals taking [Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium, or PPS)] for interstitial cystitis.
Results: … Respondents in the highest [Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium, or PPS)] exposure tertile were more likely to report difficulty with reading small print (adjusted OR 2.29, 95%CI 1.15-4.57) and to have a diagnosis of macular degeneration and/or pigmentary maculopathy (adjusted OR 2.41, 95%CI 1.44-4.03) than unexposed respondents.
It is important to know that a patient does not have to have current Elmiron use right up until the time when their pigmentary maculopathy or macular degeneration is diagnosed in order for those conditions to be considered Elmiron-related eye damage.
We are currently investigating possible Elmiron lawsuits for patients with past Elmiron use diagnosed with pigmentary maculopathy or macular degeneration.
If we can be of assistance to you or someone you know with Elmiron-related eye damage, you can submit an online Elmiron Case Evaluation Form or you can call us on our toll-free number: 800-426-9535.
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