Elmiron

What Are the Generic and Trade Names for Elmiron?

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

 

Who Makes Elmiron?

Elmiron is manufactured by Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc.

 

What Is It Used For?

Elmiron is used to help relieve bladder pain or discomfort associated with interstitial cystitis (IC). It is the first and only oral medication to be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this purpose.

 

This medication has not been approved for use in children.

 

How Does It Work?

Elmiron is actually a weak blood thinner. It is not completely understood how the drug works, but it is believed to work 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.

 

Effects of Elmiron

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 (a "sugar pill" with no active ingredient) had improved symptoms of interstitial cystitis. People 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. You should continue with Elmiron for at least six months to give the drug an adequate chance to relieve interstitial cystitis symptoms.

 

When and How Do I Take It?

Elmiron comes in the form of a gelatin capsule. This capsule is taken three times a day. It is recommended that you take your dose 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 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.

 

Dosage Information

The dose of Elmiron your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including

 

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.

 

 

Side Effects of Elmiron

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with Elmiron. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. If people do develop side effects, however, they are generally minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated.

 

Common side effects (occurring in 1 to 4 percent of people) include but are not limited to:

 

 

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.

 

 

What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking Elmiron?

You should talk to your healthcare provider prior to taking this drug if you have any of the following conditions:

 

 

 

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.

 

 

What If I Take an Overdose?

Although no overdoses have been reported, people who take too much Elmiron may have symptoms that could include:

 

If you happen to take too much, seek immediate medical attention.

 

How Should Elmiron Be Stored?

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

 

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