The side effects of Elmiron are still being studied by the science and medical communities. Currently, data shows that of the participants studied, those who were on the medication for an extended period had a significantly higher risk of presenting with atypical maculopathy.
A follow-up study looked at 140 patients who had consumed, on average, around 5,000 Elmiron pills over about 15 years. Researchers convinced 91 of these patients to have an eye exam and identified signs of drug toxicity in 22 of them, or around 24 percent. They also found that higher doses correlated with higher rates of toxicity and retinal damage. Because the rate of toxicity rises with long-term use, researchers recommend that anyone who has taken Elmiron for an extended period of time have an eye exam.
Unfortunately, researchers have not been able to determine if stopping treatment with the medication will alter the course of the eye disease. You should not stop taking your medication without speaking to your doctor first. Do tell them about any changes in your vision, and ask about other treatment options.