Why is Johnson and Johnson Coming Under Fire For Elmiron?

Product liability lawyer: Johnson and Johnson is facing criticism for its handling of the popular bladder drug Elmiron. The drug, which has been on the market for more than two decades, is now the subject of lawsuits alleging that it causes serious eye problems.

Johnson and Johnson knew about the potential risks of Elmiron for years but failed to warn consumers, according to the MDL updated in January 2022. Many victims now want to sue Janssen Pharmaceuticals due to vision loss associated with Elmiron, and they have every right to do so.

How It All Started

Elmiron was first approved by the FDA in 1996 to treat a bladder condition called interstitial cystitis (IC). IC is a chronic condition that causes urinary frequency, urgency, and pelvic pain. Elmiron is the only FDA-approved treatment for IC, and it has been widely used over the past two decades.

Sadly, because IC is so debilitating, people used high doses of Elmiron for long periods of time, not knowing the potential risks.

Elmiron’s Potential Risks

In May of 2018, a study was published in the American Academy of Ophthalmology Journal. The study revealed that Elmiron causes retinal pigmentary changes (RPC) in the eyes of some IC patients. These changes are also known as Pigmentary Maculopathy. This condition can lead to vision loss and even blindness.

The study found that the patients that had the highest risk of developing this condition were those that took the drug for up to 240 months, meaning they had been taking the drug for years and were chronically exposed to Elmiron.

Why Didn’t Johnson and Johnson Warn Patients?

Although Johnson and Johnson were aware of the potential risks of Elmiron for years, they failed to warn patients or doctors about the risks. The first warning label for Elmiron was not added until December 2020, more than 24 years after the drug hit the market.

This is unacceptable. If Johnson and Johnson had warned patients about the risks of Elmiron, many people would have avoided taking the drug or would have taken it for a shorter period of time. As a result, many people have suffered serious eye problems that could have been avoided.

While the FDA has now released warnings against the drug and has been able to prove that Elmiron can cause vision loss, this does not negate the fact that Johnson and Johnson knew about the risks of Elmiron for years and failed to warn patients.

The victims of Elmiron deserve compensation, and Johnson and Johnson should be held accountable for their failure to warn patients about the risks of this drug.

What Are the Victims Suing For?

The victims who are suing Johnson and Johnson are alleging that the company failed to warn about the risks of Elmiron, that the drug caused their vision loss, and that Johnson and Johnson is responsible for their injuries.

The victims are seeking compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

How Can I Join the Lawsuit?

If you or someone you know has taken Elmiron and suffered from vision loss or other eye problems, you may be eligible to join the lawsuit. You should conduct a product liability law firm, which will be able to tell you if you have a case and help you with the next steps.

You should not hesitate to join the lawsuit, as time may be running out. The statute of limitations, or the deadline for filing a lawsuit, may be as early as two years from the date of your injury.