Elmiron

Cystitis, Interstitial

Treatment

2 FDA approvals

0 Active Studies for Elmiron

What is Elmiron

Pentosan polysulfate

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Pentosan polysulfate is a type of sugar molecule that has similar effects to heparin, a commonly used blood-thinning medication.

Elmiron

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

Elmiron Overview & Background

Brand Name

Generic Name

First FDA Approval

How many FDA approvals?

Elmiron

Pentosan polysulfate

1996

5

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Pentosan polysulfate, also called Elmiron, is approved by the FDA for 2 uses including Interstitial Cystitis and Cystitis, Interstitial .

Interstitial Cystitis

Cystitis, Interstitial

Effectiveness

How Elmiron Affects Patients

Pentosan polysulfate sodium is a medication that helps prevent blood clots and break up existing ones. It is similar to heparin.

How Elmiron works in the body

Pentosan polysulfate is a substance made of xylose and hydrogen sulfate molecules. It binds to Fibroblast growth factors and other molecules that can be found near heparin. It stops the growth of certain cancer cells and decreases the ability of other cancer cells to spread.

When to interrupt dosage

The recommended dosage of Elmiron is contingent upon the diagnosed condition. The amount of dosage also relies upon the method of administration (e.g. Capsule, gelatin coated or Capsule) delineated in the ensuing table.

Condition

Dosage

Administration

Cystitis, Interstitial

100.0 mg,

, Oral, Capsule, gelatin coated, Capsule, gelatin coated - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral

Warnings

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Elmiron.

Common Elmiron Drug Interactions

Drug Name

Risk Level

Description

Albutrepenonacog alfa

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Albutrepenonacog alfa can be decreased when used in combination with Pentosan polysulfate.

Andexanet alfa

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Andexanet alfa can be decreased when used in combination with Pentosan polysulfate.

Anti-inhibitor coagulant complex

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Anti-inhibitor coagulant complex can be decreased when used in combination with Pentosan polysulfate.

Antihemophilic factor (recombinant), PEGylated

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Antihemophilic factor (recombinant), PEGylated can be decreased when used in combination with Pentosan polysulfate.

Antihemophilic factor human

Major

The therapeutic efficacy of Antihemophilic factor human can be decreased when used in combination with Pentosan polysulfate.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Elmiron Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Elmiron?

16 active clinical trials are presently exploring the potential of Elmiron to address Interstitial Cystitis.

Condition

Clinical Trials

Trial Phases

Cystitis, Interstitial

0 Actively Recruiting

Elmiron Reviews: What are patients saying about Elmiron?

4.7

Patient Review

9/14/2019

Elmiron for Bladder Pain

Elmiron has been a complete game-changer for me since being diagnosed with IC 3 weeks ago. It's pricey, but my insurance covers it so that's a huge relief. I haven't experienced any negative side effects thus far.

4.3

Patient Review

10/25/2015

Elmiron for Bladder Wall Inflammation

I've been on Elmiron and Vistaril for a little over two years. I was originally told my pain was due to endometriosis and polycystic ovaries, but it turns out that it was just another cyst. OBGYN did some tests and started me on this treatment. At first it worked really well and I didn't have any pain or frequency issues. Recently though, it seems like the medication isn't working as well as it used to. I'm not sure what to do next, but I'm looking for options. Interstitial cystitis is no fun, and I'm tired of dealing

4.3

Patient Review

1/27/2016

Elmiron for Bladder Pain

I was diagnosed with IC in the fall of 2012 and have taken Elmiron since. I believe that I haven't experienced any side effects from the medication, though after reading more about it, I think I should get my liver function checked. In addition to Elmiron, Flomax has also helped me manage my IC effectively.

3.3

Patient Review

10/21/2015

Elmiron for Bladder Pain

This medication has been helpful in reducing my pelvic pain, but unfortunately comes with some very unpleasant side effects like nausea and headaches.

3

Patient Review

2/11/2020

Elmiron for Bladder Wall Inflammation

I've been using this drug for 15 years and it's helped me a lot. However, I still have flares and need further treatment. I follow the diet and take care of myself, but I'm worried that the ELMIRON has caused MACULAR DEGENERATION.

2.7

Patient Review

6/12/2017

Elmiron for Bladder Wall Inflammation

I've only been taking this for a week, and I'm already experiencing severe leg cramps and tendonitis. I skipped a dose this morning, but the pain is still there. This feels exactly like the permanent disability-inducing tendonitis caused by levaquin, and I'm very interested to know if anyone else has had this side effect.

2

Patient Review

9/26/2022

Elmiron for Bladder Wall Inflammation

I had to stop taking Elmiron because of the intolerable side effects. I tried homeopathy as an alternative and it actually worked! I'm so much happier now that I'm pain-free.

2

Patient Review

2/1/2019

Elmiron for Bladder Pain

I'm a bit hesitant to take this new prescription medication while also taking Eliqis, since they are both blood thinners. Has anyone else had experience with this?

1.7

Patient Review

8/28/2017

Elmiron for Urinary Tract Irritation

I began taking Elmiron a week ago for IC, and it's been incredibly painful. I've been taking the medication three times daily as prescribed, but it doesn't seem to be helping.

1

Patient Review

5/8/2018

Elmiron for Bladder Wall Inflammation

I have not had any relief and I’m losing my hair. I’m trying to stick it out since it’s only been a month but I wish the FDA would invest more time and money into the study of Interstitial Cystitis. There are too many people suffering for something that is incurable. I cannot Work, I can barely ride in a car. It’s affecting my life and I feel like nothing is being done to help.

1

Patient Review

8/22/2017

Elmiron for Bladder Wall Inflammation

I've had this problem for six years and this medication did nothing to alleviate my bladder symptoms. On top of that, it caused me terrible stomach upset and smelly urine.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about elmiron

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What type of drug is Elmiron?

"Elmiron is a drug used to treat bladder pain and pressure associated with interstitial cystitis, a chronic condition. Elmiron is a weak blood thinner, and as such, may help to relieve discomfort associated with the condition."

Answered by AI

Has Elmiron been taken off the market?

"Patients who have been prescribed the drug Elmiron and have suffered any form of vision loss are eligible to file lawsuits against the manufacturer, Janssen Pharmaceuticals."

Answered by AI

What are the long term side effects of Elmiron?

"The main side effects of Elmiron use are changes to vision, hair loss, clotting, and bleeding. Studies have shown that taking Elmiron for a long time raises the risk of developing serious problems."

Answered by AI

What is Elmiron drug used for?

"ELMIRON® is a prescription medicine that is used to treat bladder pain or discomfort that is associated with interstitial cystitis. The safety and effectiveness of ELMIRON® in children who are 16 years of age or younger is not known."

Answered by AI