Whether you are already taking Elmiron or you are considering putting it in your diet, you should be aware of some of the long-term effects it can have on your body. This includes the possibility of developing Macular eye damage, or vision impairment.
Macular eye damage
Several years ago, a study showed that the drug Elmiron could cause permanent vision damage. Researchers found that 25% of users displayed signs of macular eye damage. They also found that long-term use of Elmiron use of the medication may lead to other vision problems.
The study aimed to determine whether or not Elmiron can cause structural damage to the retina. The findings showed that the drug can have an effect on a special layer of cells in the retina known as the retinal pigment epitheium. This is a sensitive layer of cells that can change color and texture.
The study involved three ophthalmologists who examined 140 Elmiron patients. The researchers determined that the patients’ maculopathy was possibly avoidable.
The findings came too late for current Elmiron users. However, the warning has been added to the drug’s label. If you take the medication, you should be screened for retinal damage every year. If you do have any signs of toxicity, you should talk with your doctor about stopping the medication.
Until now, Elmiron was considered a safe drug. It was approved by the FDA in 1985, and it has been marketed by Teva Branded Pharmaceuticals. It was the only prescription medication for interstitial cystitis.
Elmiron has been the subject of numerous lawsuits. They allege that the drug manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals, failed to warn about the risks of the drug. It has been linked to a form of eye disease called pigmentary maculopathy.
Vision impairment
Those who have been using Elmiron for long periods of time may suffer from an eye condition called pigmentary maculopathy. The condition causes dark spots and blurred vision. The label for the drug does not warn of this ocular toxicity, but leading medical experts are aware of the potential risk.
Several studies have confirmed a connection between the drug and eye damage. One study, published in the Journal of Ophthalmology, shows that 25% of patients taking the drug for 15 years or more had signs of eye damage. Many of the patients were initially diagnosed with macular degeneration or pattern dystrophy.
A study in the British Journal of Ophthalmology has also linked Elmiron to pigmentary maculopathy. Researchers found that higher cumulative doses of the drug caused rod dysfunction, which is similar to age-related macular degeneration.
Another study, conducted by Emory University, concluded that Elmiron was causing a type of macular eye damage that had never been seen before. The study found that six patients treated for interstitial cystitis with the drug developed a new form of maculopathy.
A further study, published in the November issue of Ophthalmology, shows that the drug causes structural retinal damage. Researchers studied a database of 4.3 million Kaiser Permanente patients and discovered that those who had taken a median of 5,000 Elmiron pills over the course of 15 years were more likely to have pigmentary maculopathy.
Eye-drug interactions
Hundreds of thousands of women have taken Elmiron to treat interstitial cystitis (IC). This prescription medication has been linked to a serious eye disorder called pigmentary maculopathy.
A study conducted at the Emory Eye Center found that patients who were exposed to the drug were more likely to develop retinal damage. The macula is the part of the retina that provides sharp central vision. When it’s damaged, it can cause severe vision problems, including blindness.
Another study by the Kaiser Permanente Medical Group found that the risk of ocular toxicity increased with the amount of Elmiron a patient consumed. The results were alarming. Over a period of 15 years, the researchers studied 5,000 doses of the drug. They discovered that Elmiron caused structural changes to the pigmented layer of the retina.
The research showed that patients who took the drug for longer than 15 years had an increased risk of developing pigmentary maculopathy. This disease is a rare eye disorder that can result in permanent loss of vision. It’s caused by the toxins in Elmiron.
It’s important to catch the disease early, as it can lead to irregularities and permanent vision loss. Many physicians are unaware of the potential for eye damage from Elmiron. It’s recommended to have an eye exam every 12 months after taking the medication. If the doctor finds ocular damage, the medication should be stopped to avoid further harm.
