.

It may be years before a correct diagnosis is made and a treatment plan addressing the underlying issue is developed.1-3

What causes IC?

IC may be caused by a breakdown of the protective lining of the bladder—or glycosaminoglycan layer—which may allow potentially irritating solutes in the urine to reach the cells.

 

Proposed mechanism of action

Although the mechanism of action of ELMIRON® in interstitial cystitis is not fully understood, ELMIRON® is thought to adhere to the bladder mucosal lining, preventing potentially irritating solutes in the urine from reaching the bladder wall.

 


Important Safety Information

  • Contraindications: ELMIRON® is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to the drug, structurally related compounds, or excipients
  • Anticoagulant Activity: ELMIRON® is a weak anticoagulant (blood thinner) which may increase bleeding. Patients undergoing invasive surgery or having signs/symptoms of underlying coagulopathy or other increased risk of bleeding (due to anticoagulant therapy or high doses of anti-inflammatory drugs) should be evaluated for the risk of hemorrhage
  • Alopecia: In clinical trials of ELMIRON®, alopecia began within the first 4 weeks of treatment. Ninety-seven percent (97%) of the cases of alopecia reported were alopecia areata, limited to a single area on the scalp
  • Use in Pregnancy: ELMIRON® is a Pregnancy Category B drug
  • Most Common Adverse Reactions (frequency 1% to 4%): Alopecia (4%), diarrhea (4%), nausea (4%), headache (3%), rash (3%), dyspepsia (2%), abdominal pain (2%), liver function abnormalities (1%), dizziness (1%)


    References:
  1. Butrick CW. Interstitial cystitis and chronic pelvic pain: new insights in neuropathology, diagnosis, and treatment. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2003;46:811-823.
  2. Dell JR. Chronic pelvic pain of bladder origin: focus on interstitial cystitis. lnt J Fertil Womens Med. 2003;48(4):154-162.
  3. Curhan GC, Speizer FE, Hunter DJ, Curhan SG, Stampfer MJ. Epidemiology of interstitial cystitis: a population based study. J Urol. 1999;161:549-552.