Siskinds LLP and Siskinds Desmeules seek to recover compensation for Canadians suffering pigmentary maculopathy resulting from their use of prescription medication Elmiron to treat chronic bladder issues.
Elmiron (Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium) is an oral medication manufactured by the Janssen Inc pharmaceutical company. It is a drug that has been marketed in Canada since the 1990s and it is commonly prescribed for treating interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome, a chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pelvic pain.
Pigmentary maculopathy
In 2020, Health Canada issued a medical alert about the risk of an eye disorder known as pigmentary maculopathy affecting the part of the retina that allows for highly sensitive accurate vision, which has been associated with the long-term use of Elmiron.
The common symptoms and signs of Elmiron-associated pigmentary maculopathy are:
- difficulty adapting to darkness for prolonged periods and with reading;
- blurred or distorted (wavy) vision; and
- decreased vision.
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Canadian Elmiron Class Action Litigation
Siskinds and Siskinds Desmeules are part of a group of law firms acting as Class Counsel to pursue class actions for Canadians who used Elmiron and suffered certain eye injuries. CTV reported on this Canadian pharmaceutical class action and the scientific research concerning vision loss related to Elmiron titled, "Class-action lawsuit launched by Canadian women alleges bladder pain drug damaged their eyesight."
Stay informed
If you or someone you know has used Elmiron and has suffered vision issues, Siskinds invites you to click "Join" to stay informed about the progress of this class action brought against the drug manufactures. To consult with the Siskinds Elmiron litigation team, complete the form at the bottom of the page or call 1.800.461.6166. Quebec residents should contact Siskinds Desmeules by phone at 418.694.2009 or by email at [email protected].
By emailing Siskinds, I agree that I have read and accept the Privacy Notice and Terms of Use, and I understand that my personal information will be collected, used, and/or disclosed (“processed”) to respond to my inquiry.
Developments
British Columbia Class Action
On May 15, 2020, Siskinds LLP, in collaboration with the firm Slater Vecchio LLP, filed a proposed class action in British Columbia on behalf of all persons in Canada, excluding Quebec, who were prescribed and ingested Elmiron between December 31, 1993, and the date of certification. You can view a copy of the Amended Notice of Civil Claim here.
The BC case reached the stage called certification, where a court determines if the Elmiron lawsuit can be appropriately pursued as a class action. A hearing took place in before the Supreme Court of British Columbia, and the court released a decision, which stated that many aspects of the case were able to be certified. The BC decision is available here.
The parties did not accept all the findings of the court and the decision is now being appealed. The appeal proceedings will follow their course and will take several months.
Ontario Class Action
On June 19, 2020, a proposed class action against Elmiron drugmakers was commenced in Ontario by Siskinds LLP. You can view a copy of the Statement of claim here.
This class action has not yet been certified and is being held in stasis in favour of the British Columbia action.
Québec Class Action
On July 8, 2020, a similar Elmiron class action was commenced in Quebec by Siskinds, Desmeules.
On November 16, 2021, the Superior Court of Québec authorized the class action. You can view the decision on authorization here.
On April 30, 2026, Siskinds Desmeules filed its originating application. You may consult the originating application here.
The class action concerns members of the following group:
- “Any natural person residing in Quebec who was prescribed and consumed the medication marketed under the brand name Elmiron® between its introduction to the Canadian market on December 31, 1993, and September 23, 2019, and who was subsequently diagnosed with pigmentary maculopathy.”
FAQs
Do I have to pay anything to participate in the Elmiron class action?
Class action lawyers are usually paid on a contingency basis. This means that class action legal counsel are only paid if successful. Class counsel are paid a percentage of any settlement or court award. Class counsel fees are subject to court approval.
Who is affected by the Elmiron class action?
You are affected by the class action and are a “class member” if you fall within the class definition authorized (or certified) by the courts.
In Quebec, the authorized class definition includes all Quebec residents who were diagnosed with pigmentary maculopathy following the prescription and use of the medication marketed under the brand name Elmiron® between its introduction to the Canadian market on December 31, 1993, and September 23, 2019.
Can I join the class action?
There are no steps required to “join” the class action. Assuming you fall within the scope of the class member definition, you are automatically included in the proposed class action unless you “opt out” (exclude yourself from the class action).
Can I exclude myself from the class action?
Yes. You will be given an opportunity to opt out (exclude yourself from the class action). If you opt out, you will not be able to participate in any settlement or court award achieved in the class action, but you may be able to pursue your claim on an individual basis. Generally speaking, you would only want to opt out of a class action if you intend to bring an individual legal action. In most circumstances, it is more cost effective to participate in a class action because the legal costs are spread over a large number of people, making it more economic for any individual class member to obtain relief.
What should I do to protect my rights throughout the class action?
To protect your rights, you should:
- Register to receive updates about the Elmiron class action by clicking the ‘Join’ button above and completing the form.
- Obtain or retain proof of your diagnosis of pigmentary maculopathy and of your prescriptions for the medication Elmiron.
- If possible, keep a journal of vision symptoms and consequences arising from your vision problems (cessation of activities, inability to work, etc.)
If you have not already done so, you can contact Siskinds LLP so that we can help you obtain your relevant medical and pharmaceutical records. The more time passes, the more difficult it may be to collect this information. All personal information provided to Siskinds regarding any injuries/symptoms you may have suffered will be kept private and confidential.
I still have questions. Who should I contact?
For answers to common questions about class actions in Canada, such as timelines, eligibility, and settlement information, please visit our Class Action Lawsuit FAQ page.
If you have any other questions about the Elmiron class action lawsuit, please complete the form below.