The Current Status of Elmiron Lawsuits
What is Elmiron?
Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate) is a prescription drug manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a Johnson and Johnson subsidiary. Elmiron is prescribed to treat interstitial cystitis (IC), a chronic bladder condition that causes pressure and discomfort. IC affects women primarily, and Elmiron is currently the only drug approved by the FDA to treat this condition.
Retinal pigmentary maculopathy is a severe condition that causes irreversible vision problems. Research suggests that stopping Elmiron can reduce maculopathy progression, but the damage done is likely irreversible.
Elmiron – A Brief Timeline and Update
2018
The connection between Elmiron and eye damage was first discovered by researchers at Emory Eye Clinic in Atlanta, Georgia.
Harvard Medical published initial reports detailing eye damage in patients taking Elmiron in 2018. The authors stated that their patient cases “adds a new layer of concern by demonstrating progressive maculopathy continuing for up to 6 years after the cessation of PPS.”
2019
Physicians at Kaiser Permanente in Northern California discovered and reported links between Elmiron and maculopathy.
Janssen updated the Elmiron labeling in Canada, warning that patients with a maculopathy history should not use Elmiron.
2020
May 2020: The first Elmiron lawsuit is filed by Tina Pisco. She was diagnosed with interstitial cystitis in 2012 and began taking Elmiron. She developed vision issues which were diagnosed as pigmentary maculopathy in 2019. She sought legal counsel shortly after that, and the case is still active.
June 2020: The FDA changes the Elmiron label to include “Adverse Reactions” and “Warnings and Precautions,” noting retinal pigmentary changes.
September 2020: Over fifty cases have been filed across the country in both federal and state courts. About half of the cases are in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
November 2020: Over 100 individual lawsuits have been filed against Janssen in federal courts. Additional cases have been filed in state courts.
2021
All Elmiron cases are being consolidated into a class-action lawsuit. The class action is currently in the discovery phase.
Want to Learn More?
If you or a loved one have taken Elmiron long-term and have vision problems, you may be entitled to compensation. Contact us for a free consultation.
