Elmiron

Elmiron is used to relieve the symptoms of interstitial cystitis which are a condition that affects the bladder. 

Before using Elmiron, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it. The risk of using this medicine must be weighed against the good will of using the medicine.

This is a decision that has to be reached by both you and your medical doctor. Before the medicine can be used, the following have to be considered:

• Check for presence of allergies or any unusual reactions when using this medicine or any other form of medicine. It is important that you tell your doctor whether you have suffered from conditions of allergies to things such as foods, dyes, preservatives, and animals. For non-prescription products, always read the label or package ingredients carefully.
• Pediatric: Studies on this medicine have been done only in adult patients, and there is no specific information comparing the use of pentosan in children with use in other age groups. Similarly, this medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
• Pregnancy: Information about this pentosan polysulfate sodium oral route in animal studies have revealed no evidence of harm to the fetus, however, there are no adequate studies in pregnant women or animal studies have shown an adverse effect, but adequate studies in pregnant women have failed to demonstrate a risk to the fetus. 
• In cases of breastfeeding, there are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
• Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose or other precautions may be necessary.

When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.

Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

• Aceclofenac
• Acemetacin
• Acenocoumarol
• Alteplase
• Recombinant Amtolmetin
• Guacil Anistreplase
• Apixaban
• Argatroban
• Aspirin
• Bivalirudin
• Bromfenac
• Bufexamac
• Celecoxib
• Chamomile
• Choline Salicylate
• Citalopram
• Clonixin
• Dabigatran
• Etexilate
• Dalteparin
• Danaparoid
• Desirudin
• Desvenlafaxine
• Dexibuprofen
• Dexketoprofen
• Diclofenac
• Diflunisal
• Dipyrone
• Drotrecogin
• Alfa Droxicam
• Enoxaparin
• Escitalopram
• Etodolac
• Etofenamate
• Etoricoxib
• Felbinac
• Fenoprofen
• Fepradinol
• Feprazone
• Floctafenine
• Flufenamic Acid
• Fluoxetine
• Flurbiprofen
• Fluvoxamine
• Fondaparinux
• Garlic Heparin
• Ibuprofen
• Ibuprofen Lysine
• Indomethacin
• Ketoprofen
• Ketorolac
• Lepirudin
• Lornoxicam
• Loxoprofen
• Lumiracoxib
• Meclofenamate
• Mefenamic Acid
• Meloxicam
• Milnacipran
• Morniflumate
• Nabumetone
• Naproxen
• Nepafenac
• Niflumic Acid
• Nimesulide
• Oxaprozin
• Oxyphenbutazone
• Papaya
• Parecoxib
• Paroxetine
• Phenindione
• Phenprocoumon
• Phenylbutazone
• Piketoprofen
• Piroxicam
• Proglumetacin Propionic Acid
• Propyphenazone
• Proquazone
• Protein C
• Reteplase
• Recombinant Rivaroxaban
• Rofecoxib
• Salicylic Acid
• Salsalate
• Sertraline
• Sodium Salicylate
• St John's Wort
• Streptokinase
• Sulindac Tan-Shen
• Tenecteplase Tenoxicam
• Tiaprofenic Acid Tinzaparin
• Tolfenamic Acid
• Tolmetin
• Urokinase
• Valdecoxib
• Venlafaxine
• Warfarin

When you use this medicine with any of the following medicines, it may lead to an increased risk of certain side effects.  However, using both drugs may be the best treatment for you.

If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines. Avocado Chondroitin Coenzyme Q10 Curcumin Dong Quai Ginger Vitamin A.

It is possible that other Interactions may occur. Moreover, certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur.

It is also known that using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other medical problems may also cause or interfere with the use of certain medicines. Inform your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially: Blood or blood vessel disease or other blood problems or blockage or obstruction of the intestine or polyps or stomach ulcers.

The risk of bleeding may be increased. Liver disease or spleen problems, pentosan may not be broken down in the body as fast as it normally would. This, therefore, increases the chance of developing side effects.

To use Elmiron properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. It is advisable that one should take this medicine on an empty stomach (at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals) and at least 1 hour before or after any other food, milk, or medicine.

Also, always take it with a full glass (8 ounces) of water. Sometimes pentosan must be taken for up to 3 to 6 months before you begin to feel better. It is necessary that your doctor should check your progress at regular visits during this time.

Follow any special instructions from your doctor when required. It is indicated that some of the foods and beverages may aggravate your condition. Also, inform your doctor know if you are on any special diet, such as a low-sodium or low-sugar diet.

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine.

If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so. The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine.

Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

For oral dosage form (capsules):

To treat interstitial cystitis:

• Adults 100 milligrams (mg) three times a day for three months. You may also be advised to take repeated doses every time.
• In children, the use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

In the case of missed doses, take this dose as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule.

Never double doses. The medicine needs to be stored in a closed container and at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. In addition, the medicine needs to be stored away from freezing conditions.

Consult your medical doctor on how you can dispose of any medicine you do not use. Keep out of the reach of children. Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Before using Elmiron, there are some precautions you must take. Some of the side effects known include the increased risk of serious bleeding.

Before having any kind of surgery or dental or emergency treatment, tell the medical doctor or dentist in charge that you are using this medicine.

Check with your doctor before taking anticoagulant therapy (drugs that thin your blood) such as warfarin sodium, heparin, high doses of aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. Pentosan can temporarily lower the number of platelets in your blood, which are necessary for proper blood clotting.

If this occurs, there are certain precautions you can take to reduce the risk of bleeding. Check with your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising, black, tarry stools, blood in urine or stools, or pinpoint red spots on your skin.

Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick. Your medical doctor, dentist, or nurse may recommend other ways to clean your teeth and gums.

Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such as a safety razor or fingernail or toenail cutters. Avoid contact sports or other situations where bruising or injury could occur.

It is important that you follow any special dietary instructions from your doctor. Some foods and beverages may aggravate your condition.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Elmiron. However, not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur. In rare cases, chills, difficulty in breathing, fever, skin rash or hives, sore throat, unusual bleeding or bruising, unusual tiredness or weakness, vision impairment.

Other medical side effects may occur that may not need medical attention. This is because the effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine.

Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them.

Less common side effect includes:

• Abdominal pain
• bleeding gums
• constipation
• diarrhea
• difficulty or pain upon swallowing
• dizziness
• dryness of throat
• hair loss
• headache
• heartburn
• increased the sensitivity of skin to sunlight
• irritated or red eyes
• itching
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• nosebleed
• ringing in the ears
• runny nose
• sores in the mouth
• stomach gas
• stomach upset
• vomiting

There are many other side effects that may not be listed and may occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.