Generic Name:pentosan polysulfate sodium
Brand Names:Elmiron
Elmiron: Important Information
- 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 cause bleeding when taken with pentosan polysulfate sodium. Consult your pharmacist or doctor before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medication while taking pentosan polysulfate sodium.
What is Elmiron
- Elmiron has mild blood clot prevention and breakdown activity. It is not known how pentosan polysulfate sodium works in 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 to Discuss Before Using 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 pentosan polysulfate sodium 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. Yet, it is advisable not to take Elmiron without first consulting 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.
Elmiron Dosage Method
- Take Elmiron according to the directions of 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 pentosan polysulfate sodium on an empty stomach, one hour before or two hours after meals.
- It is important to take Elmiron regularly to derive utmost benefit.
- Your doctor may require 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.
Miss a dose: Problems?
- Take the missed dose the moment 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.
Elmiron Overdose?
- Call for emergency medical help if you suspect an overdose.
- 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.
Avoid During Treatment
- 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 consulting 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 this medicine.
Elmiron Side Effects
- Stop taking Elmiron and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately if you come across any of the following serious side effects:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty in 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 but do not forget to 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 of special concern.
What other drugs to avoid while undergoing treatment
- 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 interfere with the function of Elmiron. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines including vitamins, minerals and herbal products.
Elmiron is orally bioavailable pentosan polysulfate sodium. Its mechanism of action is thought to be adherence to the bladder surface supplementing the defective natural glycosaminoglycan layer. It is hypothesized that this action ameliorates the symptoms of interstitial cystitis. Elmiron is generally supplied in white, opaque, hard gelatin capsule, imprinted with BNP 7600 which contains: pentosan polysulfate sodium 100 mg. Non-medicinal ingredients: magnesium stearate and microcrystalline cellulose. Elmiron should be stored at a controlled room temperature 15 to 30°C.
