Popular Bladder Drug Linked to Serious Vision Problems

New evidence shows that the drug commonly prescribed to treat interstitial cystitis or bladder inflammation, Elmiron, may cause serious vision problems. It has specifically been linked to pigmentary maculopathy.

Elmiron is currently the only oral medication approved by the FDA to treat bladder pain and discomfort. Side effects that were previously known to be associated with the drug included diarrhea, headache, upset stomach and hair loss but the American Academy of Ophthalmology reports that one-quarter of patients taking Elmiron demonstrated significant signs of damage to their eyes.

Pigmentary maculopathy occurs when the macula is damaged. Patients suffering from this condition have severe vision impairment including blurry vision, severe light and dark sensitivity and extreme difficulty in transitioning from outside to indoor light.

Patients taking Elmiron who have noticed a change in their vision need to discuss these changes with their physician and schedule regular eye exams with their eye care practitioner.