Side Effects & Potential Dangers Of Elmiron

A drug known as Elmiron could potentially precipitate significant side effects and serious complications. Individuals who have taken or been prescribed this medication should be educated on the important facts about it, as well as the possible adverse impacts it can cause.

Elmiron

Scientifically referred to as Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium, Elmiron falls into the classification of drugs known as carbohydrate derivatives. In its purest form, the substance is a white, odorless powder. When utilized for medicinal purposes, the chemical is compacted into a capsule formula that individuals can ingest and is distributed into prescription bottles, usually containing at least 100 pills.

Drug Uses

Typically, this medication is utilized to treat a urinary condition called interstitial cystitis. Also known medically as bladder pain syndrome (BPS), this ailment impacts both men and women. Elmiron is often prescribed to provide relief for the moderate to severe pain stricken individuals experience as a result of the illness. Pain associated with the illness may be felt in an afflicted person’s abdominal, pelvic or genital regions. Additional symptoms could include frequent urination and a continual feeling of urgency to urinate.

Incidents of the illness might come and go. However, for many diagnosed with the condition, the occurrence of physical manifestations can be chronic and might interfere with routine activities such as sleeping. Therefore, those stricken may be required to undergo treatment with Elmiron for extended durations. The drug is usually taken three times a day or as frequently as one’s physician deems necessary to keep the malady at bay and neutralize symptoms.

Side Effects Of Elmiron Usage

Those who ingest Elmiron in therapeutic dosages may experience a variety of relatively common side effects, which might vary from person to person and include issues such as:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Indigestion
• Abdominal discomfort
• Headaches
• Hair loss

These issues are often mild and transient.

That said, the drug has the potential to cause more serious manifestations such as bleeding (Elmiron is considered a mild blood thinner) and could precipitate bloody gums and perhaps more concerning internal incidents in susceptible individuals, such as atypical bodily bruising, mental issues like mood changes or disturbances, and swallowing difficulties.

Potential Serious Complications

Though considered rare, Elmiron is known to produce significant, possibly permanent eye and vision problems. A group of researchers representing Atlanta’s Emory University Medical School have concluded that those on a long-term therapeutic interstitial cystitis therapeutic protocol involving Elmiron may be at risk for developing a potentially serious eye condition known as retinal maculopathy.

If left unchecked, this ailment could lead to serious or permanent vision problems. Individuals prescribed in a therapeutic regiment involving Elmiron are urged by eye specialists to look out for potential warning signs such as:

• Difficulty reading
• Eye pain
• Vision disturbances
• Vision problems in low light

Doctors suggest anyone using the drug undergo a full eye exam regardless of whether symptoms are present. Additionally, those diagnosed with interstitial cystitis who also know eye degenerative issues are strongly cautioned to work with their doctor to find another treatment option.

Contact Us

Should an individual or someone they know and love be impacted by Elmiron’s serious side effects or complications, KBA Attorneys might be able to help. Our team of personal injury lawyers have extensive experience trying cases involving potentially dangerous drugs and could possibly be able to win clients compensation for serious manifestations associated with using said substances. For more information, please fill out our online application or contact us today.