It is also a blood thinner and may increase the risk of bruising or bleeding from the nose or gums. However, alarming new research links Elmiron with
serious side effects
, including severe eye damage.
Can Elmiron cause blindness?
Maculopathy
Is Elmiron still used?
Elmiron is currently the only FDA-approved medication for treating interstitial cystitis
. In addition to seeking Elmiron alternatives, some injured patients are filing Elmiron lawsuits based on potential negligence by the manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals (a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson).
What does the drug Elmiron do?
This medication is used to
treat pain/discomfort from a certain bladder disorder (interstitial cystitis)
. It may work by forming a layer on the bladder wall and protecting it from harmful/irritating substances in the urine.
How long should you take Elmiron?
Clinical response may require
3 to 6 months of continuous therapy
. Patients should be reassessed after 3 months. If improvement has not occurred and if limiting adverse events are not present, ELMIRON
®
may be continued for another 3 months.
Does Elmiron cause liver damage?
Discussion: Elmiron-induced
hepatotoxicity has been rarely reported
. This case indicates that hepatotoxicity could very well occur when routine dosages are used. Providers should be aware of the association to timely manage Elmiron-induced liver injury.
Are eggs bad for interstitial cystitis?
Also rich in protein, eggs are on several lists as one of the “
least bothersome” foods
for bladder conditions.
What happens if you stop taking elmiron?
In most cases,
vision problems and eye damage continued to worsen
even though patients stopped taking Elmiron, The study’s formal conclusion states that damage can continue to evolve for at least10 years after you stop taking Elmiron PPS, and may remain a “long-term threat to central vision.”
Can elmiron cause weight gain?
Weight gain and swelling caused by fluid buildup in the body
have also been reported in patients taking ELMIRON®. Call your doctor if these side effects persist or are bothersome or if there is blood in your stool or if you have any other side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.
Does elmiron cause depression?
dizziness,
depressed
mood, or. itching or skin rash.
Can the bladder lining repair itself?
The bladder is a master at self-repair. When damaged by infection or injury,
the organ can mend itself quickly
, calling upon specialized cells in its lining to repair tissue and restore a barrier against harmful materials concentrated in urine.
Can you take Elmiron for years?
Patients
must stay on the medication to receive the benefits
. That means thousands of patients have taken the drug for years, often decades, without realizing its potential effects on their vision.
How quickly does Elmiron work?
After taking ELMIRON, it may be at least
six to eight weeks
before you notice improvement in your symptoms.
Is interstitial cystitis serious?
IC is a chronic disease. Patients may find some comfort in the fact that
it is not life-threatening
and it does not lead to cancer. However, because the symptoms are always present, patients need to develop coping skills to deal with them.
Is Elmiron a narcotic?
A wide range of drugs get prescribed to relieve the symptoms of IC. They include: Elmiron (pentosan)
Narcotic
and non-narcotic medications.