Interstitial Cystitis (IC): Steps to Improvement

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

If you've already been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis (IC) or think you may have it, it's easy to feel discouraged. But rest assured, IC is a treatable medical condition that can be improved over time.

In order to better manage your symptoms, there are 5 steps you can take towards improving your condition.

Understand your symptoms.

Having a clear understanding of your symptoms can lead to appropriate treatment.
Complete and print out the IC Self-Screener.
Answer a few questions about your symptoms to help you and your doctor come to a quicker diagnosis.
Schedule a specific doctor visit.
Since misdiagnosis of IC is common, the sooner you visit a doctor familiar with IC, the better. Urologists and obstetrician/gynecologists (OB/GYNs) tend to be most familiar with IC, due to their specialized clinical experience.
Prepare for your visit.
Make the most of your doctor visit and be prepared to ask some questions about your symptoms and treatment options.
Track your symptoms.
Keep a record of the severity and frequency of your symptoms, and see if any patterns exist over time.

pink arrow NEXT: About ELMIRON

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.

Please click here for the Full Product Information.

© 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