Every drug prescribed comes with a list of side effects ranging from mild to serious that the user has to make note of and watch out for. The drug Elmiron is no different, though one of its side effects is much more serious than normal.
Elmiron is a drug that is FDA approved to treat Interstitial Cystitis, a bladder disease that results in pain and discomfort in and around the bladder and the persistent need to go to the bathroom, sometimes even immediately after you have finished. If you think that you have these symptoms, speak to your primary care physician about how you can treat them.
Elmiron is one of the main ways to treat Interstitial Cystitis, but it is not without its downsides. There is a list of side effects that all those who take the medication should look out for.
The Side Effects
According to the Elmiron website, these are the most common side effects that a person taking the medication might face:
- Hair loss
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Blood in the stool
- Headache
- Rash
- Upset stomach
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Dizziness
- Bruising
If these symptoms persist, most specifically blood in the stool, notify your doctor as soon as possible. If you notice anything else out of the ordinary that you think may be a result of the medication, notify your doctor as well.
The final side effect that has been discovered about Elmiron is also one of the most serious ones. Studies in 2018 and 2020 have shown that there is a link between long-term use of Elmiron and an eye condition called Pigmentary Maculopathy.
Pigmentary Maculopathy affects the macula in your eye, which is in the center of your retina. It controls your central vision and is what sends the image to your brain that allows you to make sense of your surroundings. As the macula degenerates, you may have difficulty seeing color on things you’re looking at and can lead to being legally blind, though your vision will not completely disappear.
A Reported Case of Injuries
According to a woman who has filed a lawsuit against the company Johnson & Johnson for allegedly hiding this side effect from the general public, after using the drug for about 6 years she experienced a rapid deterioration of her eyesight before being diagnosed with Pigmentary Maculopathy a year later.
It is unknown whether she experienced the deterioration early, late, or at an average time. If you start to experience something similar, let your doctor know immediately. If you have not experienced symptoms, it may be wise to be screened for the disease every year so that you can catch it early. Talk to your doctor to know the best course of action for you.
Call a Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you have experienced a rapid deterioration of your eyesight after long-term use of Elmiron, contact a personal injury lawyer to talk about what your options are and what the next steps you could take might be. Contact us online or call our office at 267-457-5570 to schedule a complimentary consultation today.