What Is Elmiron And Why Should You Be Wary About This Prescription Drug?

February 24, 2021

  

Elmiron is a medication produced by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, a subsidiary of Johnson & Johnson, since 1996. This medication aims to treat interstitial cystitis, also known as inflammation of the bladder, and it is FDA-approved. However, despite its promised benefits, Elmiron has been claimed to have adverse side effects that are not stated in the pamphlet. On that note, let’s take a look at the issues associated with Elmiron and why we should be wary of it.

What is Elmiron?

Elmiron comes in white opaque capsules made from hard gelatin, and each capsule contains 100 mg of pentosan polysulfate sodium (PPS), microcrystalline cellulose, and magnesium stearate. This medication is taken orally to relieve pain or discomfort from interstitial cystitis by building a layer on the bladder to protect it from harmful elements in the urine. However, it may take six to eight weeks to notice any improvement in the symptoms.

Be Wary of Dosage

The dose of Elmiron is different from one patient to another, so consult with your doctor on the dosage or follow the directions on the label. Your doctor should tell you how many times per day you should take the medicine and for how long. Generally, for treating interstitial cystitis, Elmiron is taken three times a day for three months for adults and your doctor may decide for a longer period. The use and dosage of Elmiron for children must be decided by the doctor. If you miss a dose, you should take it as soon as possible, yet if it is almost time for the next dose then you can skip the first;  don’t double the next dose. It should be taken one hour before meals or two hours after them with 8 ounces of water.

What are the Common Side Effects of Elmiron?

Every medication has its side effects, and Elmiron is no exception. Here are the most common side effects of Elmiron:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Headache
• Hair loss
• Abdominal pain
• Rash
• Dizziness
• Depressed mood
• Bruising

• Abnormal liver function tests

The Lesser-known Side Effects of Elmiron

Aside from these side effects, some patients have reported experiencing excessive bleeding while on Elmiron. The drug is a weak blood thinner, so you must inform your doctor or surgeon of your dosage and the duration you have been taking it before undergoing any surgeries or treatments. Additionally, a blog at https://drugguardians.com/elmiron-lawsuit/ notes that Elmiron has been linked to Pigmentary Maculopathy after being taken for an extended period. Pigmentary Maculopathy is a degenerative eye disease that affects the macula in the eye, causing vision loss. If you experience vision loss, blurry vision, or difficulty reading, see your doctor immediately.
The rare side effects of Elmiron may also include:

• Retinal hemorrhage
• Rectal hemorrhage
• Mouth ulcers
• Pink eye
• Vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Colitis constipation
• Anemia and other blood abnormalities
• Precautions
• Before using Elmiron, check with your doctor if you have the following:
• Are allergic or hypersensitive to these kinds of drugs
• Have an active history of bleeding
• Have hemophilia
• Are pregnant or planning to get pregnant
• Are under 18 years old
• Are currently using heparin or oral anticoagulant therapy

Before using Elmiron, notify your doctor of all the medications you use, especially blood thinners, and while it’s safe to consume it with other medicines, it has a very strong reaction with mifepristone. During pregnancy, the doctor can prescribe the medication if it is necessarily needed. Though there is no evidence if Elmiron passes into breast milk, you should consult your doctor on that matter.

Additionally, if there is any unusual bleeding, bruising, blood in the urine or stools, or red patches on your skin, consult your doctor immediately. Since Elmiron is a blood thinner, be careful when using your toothbrush, toothpick, or dental floss, and find alternative ways to clean your teeth with your dentist. Stay away from any activities that may cause injuries or bruises as they can develop complications while you’re on Elmiron.

Elmiron may relieve the pain or discomfort caused by interstitial cystitis; however, some of its side effects are concerning. Pharmaceuticals are supposed to release drugs safe for human consumption. Unfortunately, when there are millions of dollars of profit on the line, they turn a blind eye towards the rare serious side effects of their drugs. Elmiron can cause Pigmentary Maculopathy, which can make you legally blind and this makes you eligible to file a lawsuit. Consult a trusted lawyer to know more details about Elmiron lawsuits and keep all the medical records documenting your symptoms and condition. If you suffer any of the side effects listed above,  visit the hospital immediately and contact your lawyer to know the right steps to follow. Seeking medical attention as soon as you experience any of the side effects is crucial for your well-being and health.

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