Steps to Interstitial Cystitis (IC) Improvement

A better understanding of interstitial cystitis can lead to better treatment.

If you've already been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis (IC) or think you may have IC, 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 interstitial cystitis treatment options.
Track your IC Symptoms.
Keep a record of the severity and frequency of your symptoms, and see if any patterns exist over time.
Helpful IC Dietary Guidelines.
Since certain foods and drinks can trigger flare-ups of your IC symptoms, it is important to pay attention to your diet. Following these dietary guidelines may help you reduce flare-ups.

NEXT: About ELMIRON^®

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.

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.

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Last Modified December 09, 2010