Elmiron Vision Loss

A bladder drug is now positively linked to causing vision loss. A report has identified ingredients in Elmiron as toxic to the eye’s retina. Elmiron vision loss is real.

Interstitial Cystitis

Interstitial cystitis is a common problem for many people. Over 3 million Americans a year have symptoms of this condition. People with interstitial cystitis experience chronic pain in the pelvis and bladder area. Symptoms can last a few years or can be lifelong. A prescription drug used to treat interstitial cystitis is linked to vision loss. Learn more about interstitial cystitis on the Mayo Clinic website.

What is Elmiron?

Elmiron is a prescription medication used to treat interstitial cystitis. It is the only prescription drug approved in the United States to treat this condition. Elmiron is a pentosan polysulfate medication in pill form.

Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium

Pentosan polysulfate sodium has been included in these drugs for many years. Studies show it is the direct causation of vision loss in users; specifically, maculopathy. The manufacturer found 1 out of 4 long-term users of Elmiron experience vision loss.

Evidence of Vision Loss

Scientific evidence shows Elmiron users may experience maculopathy. Ophthalmologists are now taking images of the back of the eye and detecting vision loss and damage from the drug. Vision loss related to Elmiron use is a specific type of maculopathy.

Blindness Caused by Elmiron

The type of vision loss related to prolonged use of Elmiron can lead to blindness. Some people may notice a gradual change in vision. For others, vision loss and blindness are more sudden.

Pigmentary Retinal Maculopathy

The macula is the central part of the retina. The retina is a thin tissue located in the back of the eyeball. It is the light-sensitive tissue inside the eye. Damage to the macula, in medical terms, is maculopathy. Maculopathy is painless and progressive. Thus, many people don’t realize they have a problem until an eye exam.

Maculopathy Linked to Elmiron

Pigmentary maculopathy is a unique condition linked to the use of pentosan polysulfate. Elmiron patients who have vision loss all have damage to the maculae. Patients complain they experience these changes in their vision:

difficulty seeing in dim light
difficulty reading
dark spots in field of vision
seeing muted colors
difficulty seeing objects closely
seeing straight lines curving
blurred vision