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Every day, pharmaceutical companies produce new drugs to treat medical problems, but despite FDA approval, these drugs are not always safe. After using Elmiron, which is the only drug that the FDA has approved to treat a painful bladder condition called interstitial cystitis, patients increasingly have developed maculopathy, which affects their vision. If you or a loved one has suffered these debilitating side effects from taking Elmiron, you may wish to contact a Raleigh Elmiron lawyer to evaluate any potential claims you may have.

You trust the medicine that your doctors prescribe to heal or alleviate the symptoms of various medical conditions. However, you do not expect for that medicine to cause you new medical problems. When you are in this situation, a dangerous drugs attorney may be able to help.

Elmiron and Maculopathy

Researchers have found that some patients who have taken Elmiron experience pigmentary maculopathy, which impacts the macula, or the central part of the retina, and has no known cause. The effects of pigmentary maculopathy include the development of abnormalities in capillaries and small blood vessels around the macula, lesions that form beneath the macula, and hyperpigmented spots on the retina, all of which contribute to severe long-term vision loss. This is also similar to other conditions such as macular degeneration and pattern dystrophy.

Even after patients have discontinued taking Elmiron, progressive damage to their vision still has occurred in some cases. Eye pain, vision changes in low light, difficulty reading, and challenges adapting to low-light environments all may result from prolonged Elmiron exposure. Fortunately, personal injury law may provide a mechanism for individuals who have suffered from the unwanted effects of pigmentary maculopathy due to Elmiron usage. Individuals may be eligible for compensation for their medical expenses and loss of vision. An Elimiron attorney in Raleigh can be vital in assessing potential product liability claims based on the injuries suffered as a result of Elmiron.

What is Interstitial Cystitis?

Interstitial cystitis is a painful bladder condition that can cause chronic pain and pressure in the bladder and pelvic area. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), interstitial cystitis affects both genders and various ages, however, it is more common in women between the ages of 35-50. Symptoms of IC include frequent urination, a feeling of urgency to urinate, and pain or pressure in the bladder or pelvic area.

As interstitial cystitis often is a chronic condition, patients whose doctors prescribe Elmiron usually take the medication regularly for long periods, which may contribute to further degeneration of vision.

Damages in Elmiron Claims in Raleigh

Pigmentary maculopathy can have devastating effects on the individuals who have developed the condition after taking Elmiron. Individuals may no longer be able to work and engage in activities that they enjoyed, such as reading or sports activities. This condition also may cause pain in some cases, which can contribute to a loss of quality of life. Other consequences include:

  • Retinal Maculopathy
  • Blurred Vision
  • Blindness (unilateral or bilateral)
  • Vision Loss/Vision Impairment
  • Visual disturbances

Medical treatment for pigmentary maculopathy, which is likely to be ongoing, can be extensive. A successful claim for damages could cover these medical costs and more. Depending on the nature of the impairment and how it impacts the lives of individuals, they may be able to claim other various damages, including non-economic damages such as compensation for pain and suffering.

Proving Negligence in Elmiron Claims

North Carolina law requires that injured parties prove negligence to hold defective product manufacturers responsible for injuries caused by their products, including pharmaceutical companies that produce dangerous drugs. A claim of negligence in a hazardous drug claim may rest on allegations that the manufacturer failed to warn physicians and consumers of the potential dangers and side effects of taking the drug. For example, in some cases, drug manufacturers may not provide adequate packaging inserts that thoroughly explains the dangerous aspects of taking medication.

While it may seem that drug manufacturers would escape liability after the FDA approves their drugs, this is not always the case. If the pharmaceutical company negligently performs testing on the drug, manipulates data, or misrepresents outcomes, it may be liable for any injuries caused to patients who take the medication. An Elimiron attorney in Raleigh can investigate each potential claim and determine whether injury victims are eligible for relief.

Call a Raleigh Elmiron Attorney Today

When your doctor prescribes you a drug that effectively treats your medical condition, you likely are to be happy with the results. However, if taking the drug results in further medical problems, such as maculopathy from taking Elmiron, you may suffer unanticipated consequences. Relying on a Raleigh Elmiron lawyer can be crucial to your ability to hold pharmaceutical companies liable for the harm that they have inflicted on you.

Given the potentially disastrous ramifications of taking Elmiron for your vision, your overall health, and your livelihood, consulting a personal injury lawyer can be essential. By holding big drug companies responsible for the ill effects of the drugs they manufacture, you may be able to seek justice for your losses.