People suffering from vision problems related to maculopathy might have an opportunity to join a class-action lawsuit against drug manufacturer Elmiron. People who took prescription Elmiron from the Janssen Pharmaceuticals company might qualify.
The medication, which was prescribed for bladder pain caused by interstitial cystitis, often causes vision problems that can advance to complete blindness.
Details for the Class-action Lawsuit
The lawsuit alleges that Janssen didn’t warn doctors or patients about the possible side effects, which is a clear case of negligence. The lawsuit alleges that the drug Elmiron is dangerously defective. Furthermore, company officials willfully misled the public by failing to disclose the side effects to the medical community, FDA, and the public.
There have been no completed lawsuits so far, and the class-action lawsuit is scheduled for trial sometime in 2023. The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation rendered the various lawsuits to be consolidated back in December of 2020 when 497 cases were pending. Experts predict that the final tally will number more than 1,000 lawsuits.
The expected settlements in the case depend on the severity of your vision problems, whether you lost or are expected to lose vision in one or both eyes, and other factors.
If you become disabled to continue working at a high-paying job, you would be entitled to lost wage compensation. The average settlements are expected to fall within a range of $10,000 to $600,000 per litigant. However, the award for each case will be determined by the specifics. Therefore, we can expect settlements to vary greatly case-by-case.
Dangerous Side Effects of Elmiron
If you were prescribed Elmiron and can find the records to prove it, you should follow the case closely. If you develop any vision problems since taking Elmiron, chances are you can join the class-action lawsuit. Some of the vision problems reported by those already in the Elmiron lawsuit include:
- Vision loss: any loss of visual acuity is suspect.
- Vision disturbances: these consist of experienced flashing lights for no reason. This can last for up to 20 minutes before your vision returns to normal.
- Trouble adjusting to darkness: you might become temporarily blind when entering a dark room or you might have trouble adjusting to darker lighting conditions.
- Development of pigmentary maculopathy: this unique disorder has only happened to Elmiron patients. Users developed pigmentary spots in the macula of the eye.
- The development of retinal maculopathy: also known as macular degeneration, affects the back part of the eye. This feature is also called the macula, and it controls the eye’s ability to focus properly. Being able to read and recognize visual details can quickly fade without treatment.
- Blurred or distorted vision: any abnormal blurring or vision distortions might be caused by exposure to Elmiron.
- Difficulty reading: Elmiron patients might notice a gradual reduction in their ability to read small print or any text in certain kinds of light.
- Pain: eye discomfort and genuine eye pain are strong indications of Elmiron damage. Pain often feels like you have large particles trapped under your eyelids that scrape the surface of the eye.
Do You Qualify?
If you took Elmiron to treat interstitial cystitis for at least two years, you might qualify to join the lawsuit. Developing some visual problems is also required, and you must have taken the Elmiron after January 1, 2010.
It is always possible that your eye problems have not become severe enough to notice, so schedule an eye exam if you suspect any minor damage. Elmiron eye injuries range in intensity from slightly blurry vision to full-blown pigmentary maculopathy. The diseases can degenerate until you become blind in one or both eyes.
Contact an Attorney
You should contact an attorney if you suspect eye damage from taking Elmiron. A legal expert can offer valuable guidance throughout the proceedings and ensure that you present a strong case.
