ICN Announces That Elmiron Now Has Warnings About Vision Loss
The Interstitial Cystitis Network (ICN) has reported on its website ic-netowork.com, that the label for Elmiron has a revised warning. The ICN stated that “After multiple research studies and peer-reviewed publications, an FDA citizens’ petition and patients sharing their stories, the label for ELMIRON has now been changed in the USA .” The new label provides a warning about the link between taking Elmiron and developing eye disease.
Doctors prescribe Elmiron to treat the symptoms of Interstitial Cystitis, also called “painful bladder syndrome.” Many of the patients who take Elmiron, do so for years. Some patients reported vision problems within the first year of taking the drug, but most vision problems occurred after three years. According to research studies, taking Elmiron can cause maculopathy, resulting in changes in vision, loss of vision, and blindness.
A number ofpatients who have experienced vision loss and other eye injuries have filed lawsuits against the makers of Elmiron, Janssen Pharmaceuticals. In these lawsuits, the victims allege that Janssen’s failure to warn that Elmiron could cause blindness was negligent. The victims are seeking compensation from the makers of this dangerous drug.
New Label Warns That Elmiron Might Cause Pigmentary Maculopathy
The label notifies patients that taking Elmiron might result in retinal changes that could lead to vision loss and changes. It also tells patients that the risk of developing problems might increase, the longer they take Elmiron.
Interestingly, the label also advises doctors to get patients’ “ophthalmologic history” before prescribing Elmiron. It also suggests conducting baseline retinal tests, and periodic follow up tests to determine if problems develop or worsen after starting Elmiron. The warning also lets patients know that vision problems can continue to progress after they stop taking Elmiron.
ICN Thanks Those Who Helped Link Elmiron to Blindness
ICN reported that getting the warning label changed was a victory for its organization and patients everywhere. Doctors across the nation played a role in sharing research data and test results that showed a clear link between Elmiron and the risk of maculopathy. Doctors at Emory Eye Institute, Harvard University Medical School, and Kaiser Permanente, along with many others, provided crucial information to the FDA as part of their efforts to get these changes made.
If You Took Elmiron and Suffered Vision Loss, Call Our Lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP
Our lawyers at Alonso Krangle, LLP, understand that drugs can have side effects and taking medication comes with some risks. You have the right to know what those side effects and risks are. Drug manufacturers must warn patients and doctors. When they don’t, and the drugs harm patients, it can result in legal liability.
Call us today to find out if you have an Elmiron blindness claim. You can reach our Elmiron lawyers at 800-403-6191.