Elmiron

Elmiron is the first oral medication to be approved by the FDA to treat bladder pain and discomfort associated with interstitial cystitis. Although it is not completely understood how Elmiron works, it is known that this drug is a weak blood thinner that helps rebuild the mucous lining of the bladder. Because Elmiron may not start relieving bladder pain in the initial few months of treatment, it is important to continue Elmiron use for at least six months to give the drug an adequate chance to relieve symptoms. Possible side effects of this drug include hair loss, diarrhea, and nausea.

 

What Are the Generic and Trade Names for Elmiron?

Elmiron® is the brand name for this medication. The generic name for Elmiron is pentosan polysulfate sodium.
 

Who Makes Elmiron?

Elmiron is manufactured by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.
 

What Is Elmiron Used For?

Elmiron is used to help relieve bladder pain or discomfort associated with interstitial cystitis (IC). Elmiron is the first and only oral medication to be approved by the FDA for this indication.
 
Elmiron has not been approved for use in children.
 

Elmiron: How Does It Work?

Elmiron is actually a weak blood thinner. It is not completely understood how Elmiron works, but it is believed that it works by helping to rebuild the mucous lining of your bladder.
 
After taking Elmiron, the drug dissolves and eventually ends up in your bladder. Here, it sticks to the bladder wall (instead of being removed with urine) and helps rebuild the lining.
 

Elmiron: Effects

In clinical studies, Elmiron was able to improve bladder pain in about 38 percent of women with chronic interstitial cystitis, while 18 percent of women taking a placebo (sugar pill) had improved symptoms of interstitial cystitis. Patients may not feel relief from interstitial cystitis pain for the first two to four months. A decrease in urinary frequency may take up to six months. Patients are urged to continue with Elmiron for at least six months to give the drug an adequate chance to relieve interstitial cystitis symptoms.
 

Elmiron: When and How Do I Take It?

Elmiron comes in the form of a gelatin capsule. This Elmiron capsule is taken three times a day. It is recommended that you take your Elmiron capsule with water, either one hour before or two hours after a meal.
 
Elmiron should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level of Elmiron in your blood. It is not considered a pain medication -- like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) or aspirin; it will only reduce the pain if you take it consistently. For Elmiron to work properly, you have to take it as prescribed.
 

Elmiron: Dosage

The dose of Elmiron your healthcare provider recommends will vary depending on a number of factors, including
 
  • Other medical conditions you may have
  • Other medications you may be currently taking.
     
Most people start with Elmiron 100 mg, three times a day.
 
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click Elmiron Dosage for more information about dosing for Elmiron.)
 

Elmiron: Side Effects

(The side effects listed below are NOT a complete list of possible side effects of Elmiron. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of side effects with you.)
 
As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Elmiron. However, not everyone who takes Elmiron will experience side effects. When people do develop Elmiron side effects, however, they are generally minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by their healthcare provider.
 
Common side effects of Elmiron (occurring in 1 percent to 4 percent of people) can include, but are not limited to:
 
  • Hair loss
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Blood in the stool
  • Unexplained rash
  • Bruising
  • Indigestion
  • Abdominal pain
  • Increases in liver enzymes
  • Dizziness.
     
(Click Elmiron Side Effects to learn more about the side effects of Elmiron.)
 

Elmiron Drug Interactions

Elmiron has not been studied for drug interactions. However, due to its ability to thin blood, one can follow some basic guidelines generally associated with blood thinners.
 
(Click Elmiron Drug Interactions for more information about Elmiron and these general guidelines.)
 

Elmiron: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking Elmiron if you have any of the following conditions:
 
  • You are taking anticoagulant (blood-thinning) medications, such as warfarin sodium (Coumadin®), heparin, high doses of aspirin, or anti-inflammatory pain medication (such as ibuprofen)

 

  • Liver disease

 

  • An aneurysm

 

  • Thrombocytopenia (low platelets)

 

 

  • Peptic ulcer or stomach ulcer

 

 

Please let your healthcare provider know if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are breastfeeding.
 
Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you may already be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click Elmiron Precautions and Warnings for more information on this topic, including information on who should not take Elmiron.)
 

Elmiron: Overdose

Although no Elmiron overdoses have been reported, people who take too much Elmiron may have overdose symptoms that could include:
 
  • Inability of the blood to clot
  • Bleeding
  • Decrease in platelets
  • Increase in liver enzymes
  • Upset stomach.
     
If you happen to overdose on Elmiron, seek medical attention immediately.
 

Elmiron: Storage Methods

Elmiron should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.
 
Keep Elmiron and all medications out of the reach of children.
 

Elmiron: What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?

If you do not take your Elmiron as scheduled, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and continue with normal dosing. Do not take a double dose of Elmiron.
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;