Elmiron
Elmiron (EL ma ron) is a brand-name medication prescribed for interstitial cystitis (irritation and inflammation of the bladder). Elmiron belongs to a group of drugs called bladder protectants.
Elmiron (EL ma ron) is a brand-name medication prescribed for interstitial cystitis (irritation and inflammation of the bladder). Elmiron belongs to a group of drugs called bladder protectants.
- Brand
- • Capsule
- • 100mg
- • 90 Capsules
Dosage settings
Set your dosage
Make sure your dosage values are correct! In order for Optum Perks to provide the most accurate discount pricing for your prescription, take a moment to verify your dosage above.
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
- Retailer Name3.5 mi
Intro
Introduction
Written by Sarah Lewis, PharmD
Medically reviewed by Amber Watson, PharmD
Updated on October 18, 2023
Elmiron (EL ma ron) is a brand-name medication prescribed for interstitial cystitis (irritation and inflammation of the bladder). Elmiron belongs to a group of drugs called bladder protectants.
Uses
Uses of Elmiron
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Elmiron for certain conditions. Approved uses for Elmiron are described below.
Use for bladder pain and discomfort related to interstitial cystitis
Doctors may prescribe Elmiron oral capsule for treating interstitial cystitis. It’s used for this purpose in children ages 16 years and older and adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
With interstitial cystitis, the lining of the bladder becomes inflamed and irritated. It’s a chronic condition that causes pain, discomfort, and other symptoms that are like a bladder infection. These symptoms include:
- needing to urinate frequently, urgently, or right after going to the bathroom
- urinating in small amounts
- waking at night to urinate
The cause of interstitial cystitis isn’t known. But Elmiron can help relieve the pain and other symptoms.
FAQ
Common questions about Elmiron
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about Elmiron.
Are there any alternatives to Elmiron?
Yes, there are alternatives to Elmiron. Other medications that can help treat interstitial cystitis include:
- antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine or loratadine
- nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen
- tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline
There are also several procedures that may help, such as physical therapy, nerve stimulation, and bladder instillation (putting medications into the bladder through the urethra). Surgery may be an option if all other treatments don’t help relieve symptoms.
You can learn more about the treatment options for interstitial cystitis by talking with your doctor. Ask your doctor before taking over-the-counter medications with Elmiron.
How does Elmiron work? And how long does it take to start working?
The way Elmiron works to relieve the symptoms of interstitial cystitis isn’t clear. It’s thought that Elmiron helps prevent irritation by sticking to the lining of the bladder. This forms a barrier that protects the bladder lining.
Elmiron usually has a slow effect on symptoms of interstitial cystitis. It can take 3–6 months to see the full effect of the medication. Your doctor will check your symptoms 3 months after you start taking it and again at 6 months.
If you’d like to know more about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Side effects
Side effects of Elmiron
Elmiron may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of Elmiron and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about Elmiron’s side effects, ask your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the prescribing information for Elmiron listed in the “Resources” section.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with Elmiron are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about Elmiron’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for Elmiron listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Elmiron’s mild side effects include:
- diarrhea
- hair loss
- headache
- nausea
- mild allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Elmiron” section.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of Elmiron are listed below.
This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about Elmiron’s side effects, refer to the prescribing information for Elmiron listed in the “Resources” section.
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
In general, Elmiron’s serious side effects include:
- increased levels on liver function tests, which can be a sign of liver problems
- a higher risk of bleeding
- vision changes, which may continue even after stopping Elmiron
- severe allergic reaction*
* For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for Elmiron” section.
Interactions and warnings
Interactions and warnings for Elmiron
Below, you’ll find information about Elmiron’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of Elmiron
Certain things may affect how a drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take Elmiron, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription or over-the-counter drugs
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for Elmiron” section below.
Warnings for Elmiron
Some people should not take Elmiron, and others should take it cautiously.
Elmiron could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether Elmiron is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for Elmiron, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Elmiron can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Elmiron or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Elmiron. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause difficulty breathing
If you have an allergic reaction to Elmiron, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Overdose of Elmiron
You should not take more Elmiron than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to harmful effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much Elmiron, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and Elmiron
Information about Elmiron and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Elmiron and pregnancy
It’s not known whether Elmiron should be taken during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Elmiron and breastfeeding
It’s not known whether Elmiron should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Ask your doctor
What to ask your doctor
Let your doctor know whether you have questions about Elmiron or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How should I take Elmiron?
- Am I at higher risk of side effects than other people?
- What is the most important information I should know about Elmiron?
Resources
Resources
- Elmiron-100 mg (pentosan polysulfate sodium) capsules. (2021). https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/020193Orig1s015lbl.pdf
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
New! No Prescription? No problem.
Affordable Online Care is here! Answer a few questions about your concern and receive a treatment plan in as little as 15 minutes, from a board-certified provider, 100% online.
Learn more