Uses

What is Elmiron used for?

Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) is commonly used to relieve bladder discomfort or pain in people with interstitial cystitis (IC). IC is also known as painful bladder syndrome. People with IC have bladder pain and pressure, and often feel an urgent need to pee. 

Elmiron may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Elmiron work (mechanism of action)?

Elmiron may work by sticking to part of the bladder wall and keeping irritating substances from the urine away from bladder tissue. 

How is Elmiron supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Elmiron

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 100 mg oral capsules

How should I store Elmiron?

Elmiron should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Elmiron?

The most common side effects of Elmiron are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Hair loss
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea
  • Upset stomach
  • Stomach pain
  • Headache
  • Rash
  • Abnormal results on liver tests
  • Dizziness

There may be other side effects of Elmiron that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Elmiron?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Elmiron are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Elmiron may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Elmiron and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Changes in the Retina of the Eye (Pigmentary Maculopathy). Elmiron may cause changes in the retina (a layer of tissue at the back of your eye that processes light), also called pigmentary maculopathy. These changes may not go away, even if you stop taking Elmiron. You will need regular eye exams while you are taking Elmiron, including a retina exam. This helps your healthcare provider identify any problems as soon as possible. Your healthcare provider will tell you when to schedule eye exams. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of pigmentary maculopathy.

  • Vision changes, including blurred vision
  • Difficulty reading
  • Taking longer for your vision to adjust to low levels of light

Increased Bleeding. People taking Elmiron may have an increased risk of bleeding. You may be at higher risk if you are also taking high-dose aspirin, a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like ibuprofen, or a blood thinner such as warfarin or heparin. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bleeding.

  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Nosebleeds
  • Bleeding gums
  • Blood in your stool (poop) 

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Elmiron?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Elmiron.

  • Pentosan polysulfate sodium
  • Elmiron
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Elmiron.

What should I know about Elmiron before using it?

Do not take Elmiron unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Elmiron with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Elmiron out of the reach of children.

Elmiron should be taken with water on an empty stomach. Avoid taking Elmiron within at least one hour before meals or within two hours after meals.

Elmiron can cause dizziness. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Elmiron affects you.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Elmiron?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Elmiron is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Taking certain other medicines with Elmiron may increase your risk of bleeding. Before taking Elmiron, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Surgery. Before you start Elmiron, tell your healthcare provider if you are going to have any type of surgery. Your healthcare provider may advise you to stop taking Elmiron before your surgery. Talk to your healthcare provider about when to stop Elmiron and when to start it again. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Elmiron could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Elmiron passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take Elmiron while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Elmiron?

For more information about Elmiron, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.orthoelmiron.com or call them at 800-526-7736.

Interactions

Does Elmiron interact with foods or drinks?

Elmiron should be taken with water on an empty stomach, at least one hour before or two hours after meals.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Elmiron, but both Elmiron and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does Elmiron interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Elmiron. 

  • High-dose aspirin, which is in many prescription and OTC products, including those for pain, swelling, and fever
  • A nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), such as ibuprofen, naproxen, and others, which is in many prescription and OTC products for pain, swelling, and fever
  • A blood thinner, such as warfarin or heparin

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Elmiron. Always check with your healthcare provider.

Does Elmiron (pentosan polysulfate sodium) interact with other drugs you are taking?
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Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Elmiron?

If you or someone else has used too much Elmiron, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Elmiron?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses. 

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