Elmiron®
Elmiron® is the first oral medicine that is specifically for Interstitial Cystitis, although it has been used for the past 30 years for the prevention of blood clots. At present, it is only available on a named-patient basis in the U.K. and America, but in other countries such as Canada, Australia and South Africa it is approved for sale in treating Interstitial Cystitis.
Urine is a waste product that contains substances that can harm the body's cells. The bladder is normally protected from the harmful substances by a thin layer of chemicals known as glycosaminoglycans, or GAGs. In IC, the GAG layer becomes thin and defective which then exposes the bladder to these harmful chemicals which irritate the bladder wall and create an inflammatory reaction. This results in the symptoms of IC such as frequency and pain as the bladder is unable to retain much urine. Elmiron® is a form of GAG and is believed to work by coating and protecting the bladder wall. Elmiron® is excreted in the urine, and once the urine reaches the bladder Elmiron® sticks to the exposed bladder walls and begins to replace the broken GAG defences.
Elmiron® seems to have few side effects, but in some people who may experience them, they are usually mild and consist of diarrhoea. Quite frequently blood tests are taken to check that there are no changes in the blood but this is usually a precautionary measure. Other precautions must be taken if you are having invasive surgery, you suffer from a bleeding disorder or you are taking an anticoagulant. Because less than 10% of the drug is excreted through the urine, and rebuilding of the GAG layer is a slow process, it may take a while for the drug to work. Some response usually occurs within 4 weeks but treatment should be continued for a minimum of 3 months. Generally, patients who receive Elmiron® early in the course of their disease are more likely to receive benefit, but recent studies show that patients who received little or no help from other IC treatments may also be helped significantly.
Elmiron® is taken in capsule form, usually in doses of 100mg to 200 mg, three times a day. It should not be taken with meals but preferably 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. If you do notice some improvement do not stop or reduce the dosage of Elmiron®. If the treatment is stopped symptoms will normally return within a month or so. Elmiron® is still undergoing clinical trials in the U.K.
As always, please contact your own doctor in the first instance if you have any questions or concerns about your condition, or require further information.
Urine is a waste product that contains substances that can harm the body's cells. The bladder is normally protected from the harmful substances by a thin layer of chemicals known as glycosaminoglycans, or GAGs. In IC, the GAG layer becomes thin and defective which then exposes the bladder to these harmful chemicals which irritate the bladder wall and create an inflammatory reaction. This results in the symptoms of IC such as frequency and pain as the bladder is unable to retain much urine. Elmiron® is a form of GAG and is believed to work by coating and protecting the bladder wall. Elmiron® is excreted in the urine, and once the urine reaches the bladder Elmiron® sticks to the exposed bladder walls and begins to replace the broken GAG defences.
Elmiron® seems to have few side effects, but in some people who may experience them, they are usually mild and consist of diarrhoea. Quite frequently blood tests are taken to check that there are no changes in the blood but this is usually a precautionary measure. Other precautions must be taken if you are having invasive surgery, you suffer from a bleeding disorder or you are taking an anticoagulant. Because less than 10% of the drug is excreted through the urine, and rebuilding of the GAG layer is a slow process, it may take a while for the drug to work. Some response usually occurs within 4 weeks but treatment should be continued for a minimum of 3 months. Generally, patients who receive Elmiron® early in the course of their disease are more likely to receive benefit, but recent studies show that patients who received little or no help from other IC treatments may also be helped significantly.
Elmiron® is taken in capsule form, usually in doses of 100mg to 200 mg, three times a day. It should not be taken with meals but preferably 1 hour before or 2 hours after eating. If you do notice some improvement do not stop or reduce the dosage of Elmiron®. If the treatment is stopped symptoms will normally return within a month or so. Elmiron® is still undergoing clinical trials in the U.K.
As always, please contact your own doctor in the first instance if you have any questions or concerns about your condition, or require further information.