What is IC? (Interstitial Cystitis)

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A better understanding of IC can lead to a better treatment.

Interstitial cystitis (IN-ter-STISH-ul sis-TY-tis) — also known as IC or Painful Bladder Syndrome — is a chronic, yet treatable, inflammatory condition of the bladder that affects both women and men. If you think you have IC, it may seem like no one understands what you're going through. Remember, you're not alone. And with your doctor's help, you can overcome IC.

Although IC is most commonly recognized in women, many men are also being diagnosed. The exact number of people with IC is unknown, but current estimates suggest that there may be as many as 9 million women in the United States who suffer from chronic pelvic pain.

IC can affect people of any age, race or sex. Many people think that IC is a condition of middle age. But approximately 25% of patients are under 30 years old when they first develop symptoms, and the mean age at diagnosis is 44 years.

Although there is no known cure for IC, relief can be achieved through proper treatment. ELMIRON^® is the only oral medication that is FDA approved to treat the pain and discomfort of IC.

How IC Affects Your Bladder

Inside the bladder, there is a mucous layer that lines and protects the bladder wall. When someone has IC, the mucous layer is believed to be damaged, which may allow irritating substances in the urine to aggravate and inflame the bladder wall, resulting in pain.

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ELMIRON^® is indicated for the relief of bladder pain or discomfort associated with interstitial cystitis.

Important Safety Information

ELMIRON^® has been shown to be generally well-tolerated. The most common side effects were blood in stool, diarrhea, nausea, hair loss, headache, rash, upset stomach, abdominal pain, liver function abnormalities and dizziness. When side effects did occur, they were generally mild and usually did not interfere with continuing treatment. Hair loss, when it occurred, was almost always limited to a single area of the scalp, and it grew back when ELMIRON^® was discontinued.

ELMIRON^® is a weak anticoagulant (blood thinner), which may increase bleeding. Call your doctor if you will be undergoing surgery or will begin taking anticoagulant therapy, such as warfarin, heparin or high doses of aspirin; or anti-inflammatory drugs, such as ibuprofen.

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© Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2008. All rights reserved. Your use of the information on this site is subject to the terms of our Legal Notice. This site is published by Ortho Women's Health & Urology™, Division of Ortho-McNeil-Janssen

ELMIRON^® is a registered trademark of IVAX Research, Inc, under license to Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

This information is intended for use by our customers, patients and healthcare professionals in the United States only. Ortho Women's Health & Urology™ recognizes that the Internet is a global communications medium; however, laws, regulatory requirements and medical practices for pharmaceutical products vary from country to country. The Full Product Information included here may not be appropriate for use outside the United States.
Last modified Sep 12 2008 at 08:56:08 EDT