ELMIRON® should be considered part of a multimodal approach that may include additional pharmacologic agents and dietary and lifestyle modifications.


Although ELMIRON® is the only FDA-approved oral agent indicated for the relief of bladder pain or discomfort associated with interstitial cystitis, other medications may be considered for IC symptom management.

  • Intravesical Dimethyl Sulfoxide (DMSO) for symptomatic relief1
  • Tricyclic antidepressants* for anticholinergic and sedative effects2
  • Antihistamines* to stabilize mast cells and block the action of histamine2
  • Anticonvulsants* to modulate pain2
  • Intravesical Anesthetic Instillations* for acute pain and flares3

*Not FDA-approved for the treatment of IC.



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. Parkin J, Shea C, Sant GR. Intravesical dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) for interstitial cystitis, a practical approach. Urology. 1997;49(suppl 5A):105-107.
  2. Butrick CW. Interstitial cystitis and chronic pelvic pain: new insights in neuropathology, diagnosis, and treatment. Clin Obstet Gynecol. 2003;46:811-823.
  3. Parsons CL. Successful downregulation of bladder sensory nerves with combination of heparin and alkalinized lidocaine in patients with interstitial cystitis. Urology. 2005;65:45-48.
  • Dietary modifications to reduce or eliminate spicy and acidic foods and beverages containing caffeine and alcohol1,2
  • Gentle exercise, including walking, yoga, and low-impact aerobics2
  • Stress-reduction and relaxation techniques
    • Controlled breathing exercises
    • Warm baths with baking soda
    • Applying warm or cold compresses on the lower abdomen
  • Bladder training to reduce urgency and frequency2
  • Physical therapy, including gentle stretching and pelvic floor muscle relaxation exercises2


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. Interstitial Cystitis Network. Understanding diet and IC. IC Patient Handbook.
    http://ic-network.com/handbook/diet.html.
  2. Whitmore KE. Self-care regimens for patients with interstitial cystitis. Urol Clin North Am. 1994;21:121-130.