Elmiron Macular Degeneration: Grasping the Possible Connection

For a long time, Elmiron has been a widely recognized medication for managing bladder pain. However, concerns have emerged regarding the potential connection between its long-term usage and a severe eye condition called Elmiron macular degeneration. 

The connection between Elmiron and macular degeneration has led many to question its effects on health. So, to gain a better understanding of this connection and how to preserve eye health while consuming the medicine, let’s explore its implications more deeply!

What Is Elmiron?

According to the Web MD website, Elmiron is a special kind of medicine that is prescribed to help people with a condition called Interstitial Cystitis (IC). This condition causes a lot of discomfort in the bladder, like pain and the feeling of pee often.

Unlike regular painkillers, Elmiron doesn’t directly relieve pain. Furthermore, it doesn’t work like taking a painkiller for a headache. Instead, it might stop the acidic pee from irritating the already damaged bladder.

Even so, Elmiron doesn’t cure IC. It just helps a lot with the uncomfortable symptoms caused by this ongoing condition. So, with Elmiron, you might find it easier to go back to carry out your daily activities as your bladder starts feeling better.

Dosages of Elmiron

Generally, doctors suggest taking Elmiron three times a day, and it’s best to take it with water on an empty stomach. Typically, you’ll need to take three pills of 100 milligrams each day. You should take one pill about an hour before a meal or two hours after eating.

Elmiron doesn’t start working right away. Your doctor will want to see you three months after you start taking it to check how it’s going and whether you need any changes in your treatment.

You also need to let your doctor know if you’re taking blood thinners, aspirin, or any anti-inflammatory drugs because these can raise bleeding possibilities. Also, before starting Elmiron, tell your doctor about any other medicine and treatment you’re taking, like herbal medicines or homeopathic treatments.

Precautions for Using Elmiron 

Before jumping into an explanation about the Elmiron macular degeneration connection, note that your doctor will inform you about the possible side effects of Elmiron and how it might affect any other health issues you have (besides interstitial cystitis). If you have certain conditions as follows, you need to be extra careful when using Elmiron!

1. Bleeding Problems

Elmiron doesn’t usually mix badly with other drugs. However, it works a bit like a mild blood thinner, which might make it harder for your blood to clot properly.

2. Breastfeeding

We’re not sure if Elmiron can get into breast milk and affect a baby, so it’s safer not to consume it while breastfeeding.

3. Liver Enzymes

Some studies found that Elmiron might slightly increase certain liver enzymes after consuming it for a few months. If you’ve had liver issues before, you should be cautious about consuming this drug.

4. Eye Problems

There’s a possibility of getting an eye condition called pigmentary maculopathy after using Elmiron for more than three years. Thus, you need to consult with your professional healthcare about this risk.

5. Pregnancy

There isn’t enough information about how Elmiron affects pregnant women. However, it’s better not to consume it if you’re pregnant.

Elmiron Side Effects

Most of the side effects caused by Elmiron are not severe. Yet, they might make it more difficult to carry out your daily activities as normal. Here are some common Elmiron side effects to think about if you’ve taken it or plan to:

• abnormal liver test results;
• seeing blood on your stool;
• getting bruises easily;
• having diarrhea;
• feeling dizzy;
• losing hair;
• having headaches; and
• getting skin rashes.

What Is Macular Degeneration?

Macular degeneration is a gradual eye problem that impacts the center of the retina called the macula. This disease gradually blurs the central vision which can lead to difficult tasks that require sharp eyesight, like reading or driving.

Studies about Elmiron Macular Degeneration Connection

Recent research discovered that taking Elmiron for a long time can increase the possibility of getting a certain eye problem called pigmentary maculopathy. This eye issue can lead to central vision loss, blurry or distorted vision, trouble seeing colors, and difficulty judging distances.

In 2019, doctors Hanif and Jain published a study suggesting that Elmiron could cause this eye problem, which is different from other known eye conditions. They found the issue was linked strongly to long-term use of Elmiron, not the bladder condition it’s usually prescribed for or other treatments. 

Meanwhile, another study in 2019 about Elmiron Macular degeneration by doctors at Kaiser Permanente found evidence of eye damage in patients who had taken Elmiron over many years.

In addition, a review in 2022 confirmed that using a lot of Elmiron might cause this eye issue, similar to age-related macular degeneration or AMD, with symptoms like problems in rod cells that can help with vision in low light.

How Much Time Did It Take for Vision Issues to Appear?

In the study by Hanif and Jain, most patients used Elmiron for around 14.5 years. However, some people noticed problems with their vision as soon as three years after starting Elmiron.

During the study, patients had vision problems that lasted between one to nine years. This visual damage might be lasting. Those, who took Elmiron and had vision issues, experienced them for various lengths of time.

What’s the Best Way to Treat Elmiron Macular Degeneration?

Truly speaking, the ideal treatment for the adverse effect mentioned remains elusive since there’s no cure. Additionally, responses to treatment vary among individuals. Moreover, customized treatment plans are designed based on type and stage.

In the early stages, lifestyle adjustments, such as adopting a healthy diet and regular exercise are recommended. Yet, research conducted by the National Eye Institute suggests that special supplement formulas called AREDS and AREDS2 could potentially decelerate vision decline if taken daily.

These formulas encompass various nutrients such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E, copper, lutein, Zeaxanthin, and zinc. Notably, the AREDS formula is not advised for current or former smokers due to its composition. 

However, individuals who are dealing with late-stage or wet AMD have two viable options to impede or halt vision loss, such as photodynamic therapy (PDT) and anti-VEGF injections.

Is it Possible to Prevent the Elmiron Macular Degeneration Issue?

According to the studies cited in the explanation above, you may consider that long-term consumption has a high possibility of causing Elmiron Macular Degeneration. It’s best to discuss the adverse effects with your physician if they consider prescribing you this drug for treating the bladder or other health conditions. 

Hence, you may have a chance to prevent long-term consumption and the macular degeneration effect from occurring. Meanwhile, try to keep updated by reading studies and research related to the matter.