Elmiron, Pentosan Polysulfate (generic): Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elmiron expensive?
The cost of Elmiron is around $160-$200 American dollars per one month supply (90 capsules), and approximately $120 in Canada per one month supply. No generic form of Elmiron is available yet. So yes, it is more expensive than many other medications, however most drug schemes and health plans do cover Elmiron and may be able to help lower the cost.
Source: www.icadvice.com
What is Elmiron?
Elmiron is an FDA approved drug (since 1996) used in the treatment of Interstitial Cystitis (IC). Elmiron's chemical name is pentosan polysulfate sodium. It is manufactured in 100mg doses, taken in pill form. In the United States it is manufactured by Alza Pharmaceuticals. Elmiron is a fairly new drug treatment for IC. At it's root Elmiron is a very weak anticoagulant (blood thinner) when administered through an IV, however taking it orally as IC patients do, has very little of this action. ...
Source: www.icadvice.com
What is the recommended dosage of Elmiron?
0mgs taken 3 times daily. Elmiron is manufactured in 100mg white capsules that have a hard gelatine coating. Some IC patients note an adverse reaction to gelatine and therefore opt to remove the medication from the capsule prior to consuming it.
Source: www.icadvice.com
What is Elmiron's chemical compound (name)?
β-D-Xylan (1->4) 2, 3 bis (hydrogen sulfate), sodium salt. It has a molecular weight of 4,000-6,000 Dalton. Elmiron is a white, odourless powder, which is soluble in water. It is a semi synthetic Heparin like drug (macromolecular carbohydrate) which resembles glycosaminoglycans chemically, and in it's overall structure.
Source: www.icadvice.com
Will Elmiron cure me?
As the cause/causes of IC are unknown, a definitive "cure" also eludes medical science, so the short answer is no, Elmiron will not cure you. However, it may help relieve your IC symptoms. Many patients find that Elmiron allows them to regain a sense of "normalcy" in their lives, as it may decrease many IC symptoms such as frequency, urgency and bladder/pelvic/lower abdominal pain. ...
Source: www.icadvice.com
What are the side effects of Elmiron?
Overall most patients easily tolerate Elmiron. The most frequently occurring side effects are gastrointestinal issues such as diarrhoea and nausea. Other symptoms may include dizziness, headache, abdominal pain, nosebleed, sore throat, lethargy and rash. Two serious side effects that have been reported are temporary hair loss, often in patches (hair re-grows when Elmiron is discontinued) and liver dysfunction. ...
Source: www.icadvice.com
Is Elmiron safe for children with IC?
An FDA approved dosage of Elmiron for children has not been established yet. However many physicians will prescribe Elmiron to children with IC and no higher incidence of side effects have been reported.
Source: www.icadvice.com
Why is it recommended to wait before taking Elmiron after eating?
In order for as much Elmiron to directly reach your bladder as possible it is recommended that you take it on an empty stomach. It is best to take Elmiron at least one hour before a meal or two hours after a meal (or drinking heavy beverages). Elmiron should be taken with at least 8 ounces of water. The less stomach matter Elmiron has to navigate through the more that can reach the bladder's GAG layer. ...
Source: www.icadvice.com
How does Elmiron affect Interstitial Cystitis?
Though the medical community does not yet understand exactly how Elmiron works, the most likely reason is that it appears to coat the bladder and subsequently aid in the restoration of the bladder's surface or glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer. This very important layer is often damaged/deteriorated in IC patients for whatever reason (no exact cause of IC is thus far known, so reasons as to why the GAG layer becomes damaged are also not precisely known at this point in time. ...
Source: www.icadvice.com
What are some good sources of further Elmiron information?
IC message boards such as those on ICadvice feature a section devoted to Elmiron. Here patients can discuss Elmiron and offer personal insight on the subject. As well you or your doctor may wish to call 1-888-ELMIRON, and/or check out credible online sources of information such as: Alza Ortho McNeil Ortho Elmiron Elmiron 100 IC Help IC Help press release (08/12/03) IC Network handbook
Source: www.icadvice.com
How long does Elmiron remain in your body?
When taken orally Elmiron has a half-life of about 5 hours, and one single dosage is completely expelled by your body within 144 hours.
Source: www.icadvice.com
How long does Elmiron take to work?
I could see results anywhere from 4 weeks to 6 months. My doctor said since I'm so young, I may be feeling better within 6 weeks (so I'm praying for that! ).
Source: lisamartin.blogspot.com
Should Elmiron be taken in conjunction with other medications in the treatment of IC?
Increasingly Elmiron is being prescribed alongside other IC treatments (oral or intravesical). Combinations which are garnering positive results, are Elmiron and Hydroxyzine (Atarax, Vistaril), Elmiron and Elavil (and other antidepressants) and Elmiron and antispasmodics/anticonvulsants.
Source: www.icadvice.com
Can I take Elmiron while I am pregnant or breast-feeding?
If you are considering getting pregnant or are pregnant or breast-feeding it is best to consult your doctor before continuing on Elmiron. While no birth defects have been seen in humans who take Elmiron, animal studies have shown Elmiron (pentosan) may pose a risk to the fetus. It is not yet known if Elmiron is excreted through the breast milk, however most medications do (in small amounts) pass through the milk and into the baby's system. ...
Source: www.icadvice.com
I have heard Elmiron referred to as an orphan drug why is this?
Elmiron is often referred to as an orphan drug primarily for two reasons. One is that it is the only drug of it's kind, in the sense that it's chemical properties are unique to it. Elmiron has no oral substitutes, and no similar drugs exist on the market at this time. As well it is the only FDA oral drug approved specifically for the treatment of IC.
Source: www.icadvice.com
I am currently on Elmiron and I don't see/feel any benefits, why?
Many IC patients find that if they are going to see any positive effects of Elmiron it takes between 3-6 months, and some opt to keep trying for as long a year. A decrease in pain is often one of the first reported positive effects, with fewer frequency and urgency symptoms following. Clinical and open-label trials (tests) have shown that Elmiron does indeed improve symptoms of IC. ...
Source: www.icadvice.com
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