- Tiny bleeds (glomerulations)
- Distinctive lesions/ulcers on the bladder wall (Hunner’s lesions)
BPS with evidence of tiny bleeds or lesions/ulcers on the bladder wall used to be referred to as interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome or IC/BPS for short.
elmiron® contains the active substance pentosan polysulfate sodium. It is taken orally and passes into the urine and attaches to the lining of the bladder, helping to form a protective layer, to reduce irritation and relieve symptoms over time.
- bladder pain
- the constant urge to pass urine
- the number of times you go to the toilet
- the need to get up in the night to go to the toilet.
Everyone is different, so you may notice relief sooner than expected, but even if you do not, it is important that you don’t get disheartened. The important thing is to keep taking your medication as directed by your healthcare team. If you have not experienced symptom improvement after 6 months of taking elmiron®, please talk to your healthcare team.
It is worth taking note of symptom changes using a questionnaire, which may be provided by your healthcare professional.
Always take elmiron® according to the instructions given to you by your healthcare team, but also take some time to read the patient information leaflet.
The recommended dose of elmiron® is one 100 mg capsule, three times daily, taken with water at least 1 hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal.
If you forget to take elmiron®, take your missed dose as soon as you remember or, if it’s nearly time for your next dose, skip your missed dose altogether.
The way elmiron® repairs the bladder lining is a gradual process; it may take several weeks to feel the benefit. It is important to keep taking elmiron® as directed until your treatment is reviewed by your doctor, usually after 6 months.
than your GP or local pharmacy. Your healthcare team will advise you on this.
- allergic to pentosan polysulfate sodium or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (also see allergens section below)
- other ingredients: microcrystalline cellulose, magnesium stearate, gelatin, titanium dioxide (E171)
- actively bleeding (other than menstrual bleeding)
- are taking anticoagulant therapy, such as warfarin sodium, heparin, high doses of aspirin (usually 300 mg or more) or other anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen
- could be pregnant or are breastfeeding; elmiron® is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
- have any liver or kidney problems
- are having surgery; elmiron® is a weak anticoagulant (blood thinner), which may increase bleeding
elmiron® capsules are not halal or kosher and contain gelatin so therefore may not be suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
elmiron® does not contain any of the major allergens, including milk, gluten and soya.
elmiron® capsules do not contain any of the major allergens
elmiron® is generally well tolerated but, like all medicines, it may still cause some side effects. Most of these are minor, but if something is bothering you or if anything doesn’t feel right, it is important to tell your healthcare team.
In rare cases, eye problems have been reported with elmiron® use (especially after long-term use). It is important to tell your healthcare team immediately if you experience visual changes such as reading difficulties and slower adjustment to low or reduced light. Your healthcare team will discuss with you whether your treatment should be continued and how often you should go for an eye test while taking elmiron®.
If you experience some hair loss while taking elmiron®, don’t panic! It’s important to note that elmiron® does not cause permanent hair loss, but rather it increases the time your hair follicles go into a rest phase before they re-grow. For more explanation on hair loss please watch this educational video below that explains how the hair grows and what this means.
Remember, if you experience any side effects, talk to your healthcare team. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard.
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