Elmiron ratings & reviews

Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium
Company: J&J
Brand: Elmiron
Drug class: Genito-urinary System and Sex Hormones
+2 more
Genito-urinary System and Sex Hormones, Urologicals, Urinary Analgesics and Anesthetics

Sermo AI Overview

  • Elmiron is often viewed as effective for managing interstitial cystitis, especially beneficial for patients diagnosed early, but it may only work well for a subset of patients. This reflects mixed efficacy in real-world use.
  • Compliance with Elmiron can be problematic owing to the lengthy treatment duration and slow onset of effects, alongside challenges like high cost and insurance coverage that limit patient access.
Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Elmiron contains the active ingredient pentosan polysulfate sodium, which is a heparin-like compound. This drug is available in hard gelatin capsule form, with each capsule containing 100 mg of pentosan polysulfate sodium. It is administered orally. Key inactive ingredients include microcrystalline cellulose and magnesium stearate, along with several colorants and other additives.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Take this medication on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before and 2 hours after food. Do not take with food. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 16 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets. Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date. To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired: -Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location. -If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding -Change in vision -Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Diarrhea -Dizziness -Hair loss -Headache -Nausea -Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Bleeding disorders -Bleeding in the brain -Eye disease, vision problems -History of low blood counts caused by a medication -Liver disease -Stomach or intestine problems -Take medications that treat or prevent blood clots -An unusual or allergic reaction to pentosan, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

-Aspirin, especially in higher doses -Certain medications that prevent and treat blood clots, such as warfarin, heparin, enoxaparin, dalteparin, apixaban, dabigatran, rivaroxaban -Clopidogrel -Dipyridamole -NSAIDs, medications for pain and inflammation, such as ibuprofen or naproxen -Ticlopidine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication. Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. It is important not to miss any appointments. This medication can cause serious eye damage. Tell your care team right away if you have changes in your eyesight. Within 6 months of starting this medication, you should have a retinal eye exam. If you take this medication long term, you will need regular eye exams. This medication may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your care team if you notice any unusual bleeding. Avoid sports and activities that might cause injury while you are using this medication. Severe falls or injuries can cause unseen bleeding. Be careful when using sharp tools or knives. Consider using an electric razor. Take special care brushing or flossing your teeth. Report any injuries, bruising, or red spots on the skin to your care team. If you are going to need surgery or a procedure, tell your care team that you are using this medication.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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