Are your symptoms interstitial cystitis?

The right diagnosis can lead you to the right treatment.

Do you experience chronic pelvic pain (CPP)? Frequent urination? Pain during sex? These are all common symptoms of interstitial cystitis (IC), sometimes referred to as Painful Bladder Syndrome, a chronic, yet treatable, inflammatory condition of the bladder that affects both women and men.

Unfortunately, the symptoms of IC are similar to many other conditions, so misdiagnosis of interstitial cystitis is common. That's why it's important to have a clear understanding of IC's most common symptoms and to take the IC Self-Screener to evaluate your symptoms. Because the sooner you know what is causing your discomfort, the sooner you can get the right treatment and the relief you need.

NEXT: Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms

What is ELMIRON?
ELMIRON^® is a prescription medication used to treat the pain and discomfort of interstitial cystitis (IC). It is not known exactly how ELMIRON^® works, but it is not a pain medication like aspirin or acetaminophen and therefore must be taken continuously for relief as prescribed by your doctor.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

ELMIRON^® should not be taken if you have a known hypersensitivity to the drug or similar drugs.
ELMIRON^® is a weak blood thinner (anticoagulant) which may increase bleeding. Call your doctor if you will be undergoing surgery or if you are taking or will begin taking anticoagulant therapy such as warfarin sodium, heparin, high doses of aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.
Tell your doctor:
- If you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.
- If you have any liver problems.
The most common side effects are hair loss, diarrhea, nausea, blood in the stool, headache, rash, upset stomach, abnormal liver function tests, dizziness and bruising.
- Hair loss, when it occurred, was almost always limited to a single area of the scalp.

Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please see full Product Information for ELMIRON^®.

Please read the ELMIRON^® Patient leaflet and discuss it with your doctor.

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ELMIRON^® is a Registered Trademark of Teva Branded Pharmaceutical Products R&D, Inc, under license to Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc.

This information is intended for use by our customers, patients and healthcare professionals in the United States only. Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., 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 December 30, 2010