Elmiron

 
Generic Name: pentosan polysulfate sodium

Brands: Elmiron

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What is the most important information I should know about Elmiron?

· Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, and others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox, and others), indomethacin (Indocin), or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication without first talking to your doctor. These medicines may lead to bleeding when taken with Elmiron. Ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication while taking Elmiron.

 

What is Elmiron?

· Elmiron has mild blood clot prevention and breakdown activity. It is not known how Elmiron works in the the treatment of interstitial cystitis.

· Elmiron is to treat the pain and discomfort associated with interstitial cystitis.

· Elmiron may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Elmiron?

· Before taking Elmiron, tell your doctor if you     ·have a low level of platelets in your blood;     ·have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;     ·have a history of aneurysm or stroke;     ·need to have (or have recently had) surgery or another invasive procedure;     ·have a stomach ulcer;     ·have polyps or diverticulitis;     ·have liver disease; or     ·take other medicines, especially blood thinners, platelet inhibitors, aspirin, or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID).

· You may not be able to take Elmiron, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Elmiron is in the FDA pregnancy category B. This means that it is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do no take Elmiron without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

· It is not known whether Elmiron passes into breast milk. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I take Elmiron?

· Take Elmiron exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

· Take each dose with a full glass of water.

· Take Elmiron on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after meals.

· It is important to take Elmiron regularly to get the most benefit.

· Your doctor may want you to have blood tests or other medical evaluations during treatment with Elmiron to monitor progress and side effects.

· Store Elmiron at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not take a double dose of this medication.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

· Symptoms of an overdose may include nosebleed; black, bloody, or tarry stools; upset stomach; liver problems; blood in the urine; and easy bruising or bleeding.

 

What should I avoid while taking Elmiron?

· Do not take aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, and others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox, and others), indomethacin (Indocin), or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication without first talking to your doctor. These medicines may lead to bleeding when taken with Elmiron. Ask your pharmacist or doctor before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication while taking Elmiron.

 

What are the possible side effects of Elmiron?

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking Elmiron, and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:     ·an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); or     ·any prolonged or unexplained bleeding (e.g., nosebleeds, coughing up blood, blood in urine or stool).

· Other less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to take Elmiron and notify your doctor if you experience     ·increased bruising (contact doctor if severe);     ·diarrhea or upset stomach;     ·hair loss; or     ·headache.

· Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

 

What other drugs will affect Elmiron?

· Do not take Elmiron with any of the following medicines without first talking to your doctor:     ·aspirin,     ·ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin, and others), ketoprofen (Orudis KT, Orudis, Oruvail), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn, Anaprox, and others), indomethacin (Indocin), diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), etodolac (Lodine), fenoprofen (Nalfon), flurbiprofen (Ansaid), ketorolac (Toradol), nabumetone (Relafen), oxaprozin (Daypro), piroxicam (Feldene), sulindac (Clinoril), tolmetin (Tolectin), or any other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication;     ·heparin;     ·dalteparin (Fragmin), danaparoid (Orgaran), enoxaparin (Lovenox), or tinzaparin (Innohep);     ·warfarin (Coumadin);     ·aspirin and dipyridamole (Aggrenox);     ·ticlopidine (Ticlid) or clopidogrel (Plavix); or     ·dipyridamole (Persantine).

· The drugs listed above may increase the risk of bleeding during treatment with Elmiron, which could be dangerous. You may not be able to take Elmiron, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

· Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Elmiron. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your pharmacist has additional information about Elmiron written for health professionals that you may read.