Elmiron Lawsuit Overview
Medical literature has linked Elmiron, a common bladder medication used to treat chronic bladder pain and other issues, to an increased risk of vision problems.
Patients who were prescribed the drug Elmiron and developed maculopathy and vision problems have accused Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the drug’s manufacturer, of failing to warn the public about the risks of ocular toxicity and potentially permanent vision damage or loss.
Many patients were initially misdiagnosed, attributing their vision issues to other causes.
It’s only with emerging research that reported vision problems have been linked to the prescription drug.
If you or a loved one used the prescription drug Elmiron to treat Interstitial Cystitis (IC) and subsequently suffered injuries such as blurred vision, distorted vision, vision loss, or other vision impairment, you may be eligible to file an Elmiron Lawsuit.
Contact TorHoerman Law for a free consultation. You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for an Elmiron Lawsuit instantly.
Elmiron MDL Established For Nationwide Elmiron Lawsuits
Almost all Elmiron lawsuits have been consolidated into the Elmiron MDL (multidistrict litigation) in New Jersey Federal Court:
- Elmiron MDL (2973): created in January 2022.
- Elmiron MDL Judge: Brian Martinotti (District of New Jersey)
Multidistrict litigation (MDL) is a legal procedure that centralizes numerous similar lawsuits to one court for pretrial proceedings, streamlining the process and conserving resources.
By grouping cases that share common factual issues, MDL promotes efficiency in the judicial system.
Thousands of Elmiron lawsuits have been consolidated into the MDL, reflecting the many claims against Janssen Pharmaceuticals regarding vision damage from the drug.
How Many Elmiron Lawsuits are There?
According to the most recent filings by the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML), there are currently over 1,900 pending cases and over 1,900 cases filed in the Elmiron Multidistrict Litigation.
Elmiron lawyers are still accepting new clients and filing cases to be consolidated in the US District Court for the District of New Jersey.
How Many Elmiron Lawsuits Have Been Filed? Current Status of the Elmiron MDL
The Elmiron MDL continues to grow, with nearly 1,400 pending Elmiron Lawsuits filed as of January 2025.
New Elmiron Lawsuits are currently being filed by lawyers across the country.
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Is There an Elmiron Recall?
Despite medical studies displaying tangible evidence of the danger presented by Elmiron, the drug has not faced a recall.
Elmiron is still available in the market though evidence has linked Elmiron to a number of adverse health risks including maculopathy, retinal damage, vision, loss, and blindness.
If you or a loved one has been prescribed Elmiron, talk to your doctor about whether there are alternative remedies available, even though a safe, scientifically similar medication does not exist.
If you have suffered eye injuries or vision loss and believe it is related to Elmiron, talk to your doctor about whether it is safe to discontinue use of the drug. At that point, contacting an attorney is also a step you should consider taking.
Elmiron Lawsuit Settlement Amounts
Injuries and side effects associated with Elmiron are serious, but each and every case is different.
Potential Elmiron settlements would be determined based on the victim’s tangible and intangible losses, referred to as damages.
Those who have endured complications or injuries from Elmrion can potentially receive reimbursement for various damages, encompassing medical bills, costs of future treatments, emotional distress, pain and suffering, and others.
On average, the projected average Elmiron settlement fluctuates between $10,000 and upwards of $600,000, contingent upon the specifics of each unique case.
It’s essential to understand that these figures are merely estimations and not a guarantee of what one might receive in an Elmiron settlement.
Talking with an experienced Elmiron Lawsuit attorney is crucial to accurately assess the potential damages in your situation.
To gain a clearer understanding of your specific Elmiron claim, reach out to us for a no-obligation consultation or use the chatbot on this page.
Elmiron Vision Loss Dangers
Janssen did not issue warnings about potential vision damage or loss despite Elmiron related eye damage being investigated by multiple health agencies.
Major injuries and vision problems potentially linked to taking Elmiron include:
- Pigmentary macular degeneration
- Pigmentary maculopathy
- Retinal maculopathy
- Dry macular degeneration
- Wet macular degeneration
- Drusen
- Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) toxic maculopathy
- Pattern dystrophy
The American Academy of Ophthalmology report noted patients might also experience additional symptoms.
Elmiron Vision Loss and Impairment Side Effects
Vision impairment side effects experienced by Elmiron users may include:
- Blurry vision
- Difficulty reading
- Central vision loss
- Colors seeming dull or less vivid
- Distorted vision
- Difficulty recognizing faces
- Trouble adjusting to dim lighting
- Glare
- Blind spots (scotoma)
- Floaters or spots in the field of vision
- Eye color change
- Straight lines appear curvy or wavy (metamorphopsia)
- Eye pain
- Other vision impairment problems
The American Academy of Ophthalmology report noted patients might also experience additional symptoms.
Additional side effects experienced by Elmrion users may include:
- Choroidal Neovascularization
- Macular edema (leaking retinal fluid)
- Retinal bleeding
- Scar tissue formation
- Visual distortion
- Visual impairment
- Vitreomacular adhesion
- Vitreomacular traction
- Vitreous degeneration
Other Side Effects Experienced By Elmiron Patients
Taking Elmiron may be linked to a number of side effects not mentioned on the drug’s label.
These side effects include vision impairment, vision loss, blurred vision, macular degeneration, retinal disease, and other vision related injuries.
Elmiron Vision Damage Lawsuits are being filed on behalf of people who have suffered.
Janssen Pharmaceuticals lists common Elmiron side effects as:
- Hair Loss
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Blood in the stool
- Headache
- Rash
- Upset stomach
- Abnormal liver functions
- Dizziness
- Bruising
- Weight gain
- Swelling
Scientific Studies on Elmiron Vision Damage
Growing scientific evidence has drawn attention to the potential vision risks associated with prolonged Elmiron consumption.
Multiple reports and studies have come out that link taking Elmiron for long periods of time to vision problems, eye disease, eye injury, and potential permanent vision loss.
If you were prescribed Elmiron and developed changes in your vision, including but not limited to macular degeneration, impaired vision, blurred vision, and any other related eye disorder, you could be eligible for a lawsuit.
Contact an Elmiron vision loss lawyer to learn more.
Elmiron Linked to Macular Degeneration and Other Serious Vision Problems in Studies
The Emory Eye Center published a study, finding that chronic exposure to pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) is associated with pigmentary maculopathy, a unique form of macular degeneration.
A cumulative dose appears to onset the symptoms of the eye disorder.
Elmiron users analyzed in the Emory Eye Center study were originally diagnosed with age related macular degeneration, a common eye disease that affects the macula, the central part of the eye’s retina.
Visual symptoms of age related macular degeneration include vision loss, distorted vision of the central eye, and more.
Researchers discovered that pigmentary maculopathy could “masquerade as other known maculopathies“, leading us to believe that there is a large group of people who have taken Elmiron, suffered vision damage, and have been potentially misdiagnosed.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology researchers presented findings that showed links between pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS) and vision-threatening eye conditions and changes in the macula.
Kaiser Permanente in Northern California reported that taking Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) led to retinal damage in nearly 25 percent of patients.
Their research also found that Elmiron patients showed signs of drug toxicity, and that higher rates of toxicity correlated with higher doses of Elmiron.
Those suffering from this rare eye disease should contact an experienced attorney about an Elmiron Pigmentary Maculopathy Lawsuit.
What Are The Symptoms Of Maculopathy?
Maculopathy (macular degeneration) is often painless, and patients might have trouble detecting symptoms early on.
The symptoms of maculopathy vary based on the specific type and cause of the condition.
Maculopathy symptoms include:
- Blurred or distorted central vision: Objects in the center of the visual field may appear wavy or distorted. This is often the first noticeable symptom for many people.
- Difficulty reading: Due to central vision impairment, reading can become challenging, even with reading glasses.
- Difficulty recognizing faces: Faces might appear blurred or parts of faces might be missing from one’s vision.
- Central scotoma: A scotoma is a blind spot, and in maculopathy, it’s usually in the central field of vision.
- Decreased intensity or brightness of colors: Colors may appear faded or washed out.
- Phantom images or hallucinations: In some cases, individuals may experience visual hallucinations known as Charles Bonnet Syndrome. These are typically benign and not associated with a psychiatric disorder.
- Trouble adapting to different light conditions: Transitioning from a brightly lit environment to a dim one, or vice versa, might become challenging.
- Dark or empty area in the center of vision: As the condition progresses, there might be a noticeable blank or dark spot in the central vision.
It’s essential to understand that the symptoms can vary based on the type of maculopathy, its severity, and its progression rate.
If someone suspects they have maculopathy or is experiencing any of these symptoms, they should see an ophthalmologist for a thorough eye examination.
Early detection and treatment can help manage the condition and potentially slow its progression.
Reporting Elmiron Injuries
To help the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) track safety issues regarding Elmiron, the agency encourages both health professionals and patients to report any adverse reactions and side effects to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program.
Information can be submitted through:
Elmiron Vision Loss Cases: What to Do if You've Suffered
If you’ve used Elmiron to treat bladder pain and subsequently developed an Elmiron linked eye injury or vision impairment, you may be wondering what your next steps should be.
These steps will help put you in position to file an Elmiron Lawsuit:
- Contact your doctor for guidance
- Seek medical treatment for your vision impairment injuries
- Retain medical evidence
- Contact an Elmiron Lawyer
An experienced Elmiron Lawyer will help you through the process of filing an Elmiron Lawsuit, but you can do things on your own to strengthen your claim and retain vital medical treatment evidence.
Mitigate Your Injury
The first steps of Elmiron victims after being diagnosed with an injury should be mitigation.
You should do everything in your power to mitigate injury – mitigation is the process of minimizing the impacts of your injury, both physically and financially.
You should seek medical attention right away, follow your doctor’s orders, and discuss substituting or discontinuing your use of Elmiron if you are still taking the drug.
Mitigation also helps strengthen your claim and makes it easier to assess your damages.
Do You Qualify to File an Elmiron Lawsuit?
If you were prescribed Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) and experienced maculopathy, reduced vision, retinal injury, other adverse side effects – you could be eligible for an Elmiron lawsuit.
If you took Elmiron and were diagnosed with any of the above symptoms, you may be entitled to compensation for any losses that you incurred as a result of your injuries.
An Elmiron vision loss lawyer can help you to calculate your total damages, including both compensatory damages and punitive damages.
THL Attorneys are currently accepting clients for the Elmiron Eye Damage Lawsuit.
Symptoms and injuries include, but are not limited to:
- Maculopathy (macular degeneration)
- Vision impairment or loss
- Unilateral or bilateral blindness
- Reduced nighttime and dark light vision
- Macular disease and dystrophy
- Retinopathy
- Retinal hemorrhage
If you were prescribed Elmiron and developed any of these injuries, contact an Elmiron vision loss lawyer right away to discuss your legal options.
What Will A Lawyer Do For Me?
Your Elmiron vision loss lawyer will help you to complete a few crucial steps to ensure that your lawsuit has the best chance at success.
An Elmiron lawyer will help you:
Lawyers will work to gain compensation for your losses through an Elmiron lawsuit settlement or verdict.
Your state’s statute of limitations bars the amount of time you have to take legal action after your injuries are first developed or discovered, so do not hesitate to reach out to a lawyer right away.
Gathering Evidence For Elmiron Lawsuits
Evidence is paramount in Elmiron Lawsuits. Lawsuits are often won and lost based solely on evidence available.
Gathering evidence to support your legal claims is essential in building a strong case.
A lawyer will help refine which evidence best supports your case, but you should gather any documentation or medical records related to your Elmiron Lawsuit as soon as possible.
Elmiron lawsuits typically contain evidence such as:
- Medical records and bills, doctors notes
- Medical research linking use of Elmiron to eye injury or vision loss
- Receipts or documents chronicling to use of Elmiron
- Elmiron prescription and dosage information
- Any other proof linking Elmiron use to vision impairment
Elmiron Lawsuit Damages
The total losses that you incurred as a result of your injuries are referred to as damages.
Common damages in Elmiron cases include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical bills related to vision loss
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages and earning capabilities
- Loss of enjoyment of life due to the disease, damages, and loss of vision
- Other tangible and intangible costs associated with your injury
An Elmiron vision loss lawyer can help you to calculate your total damages, including both compensatory damages and punitive damages.
Determining Liability In An Elmiron Lawsuit
Liability in Elmiron Vision Loss Lawsuits is expected to be placed on Janssen Pharmaceuticals, the manufacturer of Elmiron.
Defendants named in the Elmiron Class Action Lawsuit include several pharmaceutical companies:
- Johnson & Johnson (who own Janssen)
- TEVA
- Bayer
- Alza
- Centocor
- Ortho-McNeil
- IVAX
TorHoerman Law is not involved in the Elmiron Class Action Lawsuit.
Example Of An Elmiron Lawsuit
To give insight on how an Elmiron Lawsuit may play out, here is a recent example of one:
In October 2021, Deborah Quick filed an Oregon court case which alleged the prolonged use of Elmiron had caused macular vision loss.
She used Elmiron every day for twenty years, from 2000 until April 2020.
During her second year using Elmiron, Quick began to have trouble with her vision.
Quick initially filed a complaint against Janssen in federal courts in Oregon.
Her case was later transferred to the Elmiron MDL in New Jersey.
Consult with a Team of Experienced Elmiron Lawyers
After you have received medical treatment and diagnosis, contact an Elmiron lawyer from TorHoerman Law for a free, no-obligation case consultation.
An attorney from our team can help you get started on filing an Elmiron Lawsuit and represent you if needed.
You should familiarize yourself with the process of a civil lawsuit so that you are aware of the process of your Elmiron lawsuit.
If you do decide to move forward with your lawsuit, you will need to hire a personal injury lawyer to represent you as your Elmiron vision loss lawyer.
Vision problems affect people for the rest of their lives.
Proper legal action can help remedy both the economic and non-economic damages suffered.
Hiring a lawyer educated on Elmiron Eye Damage Litigation is critical for earning full compensation for your potential case.
Legal action can be intimidating, but working with a law firm that understands the attorney-client relationship and is experienced in handling complex mass tort cases can ease unneeded stress.
If you have suffered eye injuries after using Elmiron, consider hiring the Elmiron Lawyers at TorHoerman Law for your case.
General Information on Elmiron
Elmiron is an FDA-approved daily oral medication that is prescribed to treat interstitial cystitis (IC) and bladder pain syndrome.
Elmiron, scientifically known as pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS), is thought to create a thin layer in the wall of the bladder to protect against irritating and potentially harmful substances found in urine.
Interstitial Cystitis (IC)
Interstitial cystitis is a chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain, painful bladder syndrome, and sometimes pelvic pain.
The cause of interstitial cystitis isn’t known, but factors that may cause the condition include defects in the protective lining of the bladder that allows toxic substances in urine to irritate your bladder wall.
This is what Elmiron, or pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS), attempts to combat. Elmiron is more commonly prescribed for women suffering from interstitial cystitis.
TorHoerman Law: Your Elmiron Lawyers
Contact TorHoerman Law today to learn more about your potential Elmiron case and legal options.
You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify for an Elmiron Lawsuit instantly.
TorHoerman Law has achieved more than $4 billion in verdicts and negotiated settlements for a variety of personal injury cases.
Our past results afford us recognition as some of the best attorneys in the country.
Our team of Elmiron Lawyers has put in the work to get justice for people around the country injured by dangerous drugs and defective medical devices.
We have some of the best attorneys in the state staffed on our team – and we aren’t just saying that.
A number of our attorneys have been named Top Lawyers in Illinois including Top 100 Lawyers in the state of Illinois – prestigious awards given through nominations by their peers in the industry.
Our focus is based solely on competent legal representation, relationship building, and full financial recovery for your serious injuries.
THL: Holding The Drug Manufacturer Accountable
Our law firm is deeply involved in the Elmiron litigation and the Elmiron MDL.
THL’s team of Elmiron Lawyers aims to hold Janssen Pharmaceuticals accountable for their negligence.
We are accepting Elmiron claims from any affected individual suffering from problems caused by Elmiron.
Our law firm offers free, no-obligation case consultations for all potential Elmiron Eye Damage Lawsuits.
TorHoerman Law – your Elmiron Lawyers
