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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^®

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

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

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, high doses of aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.

ELMIRON^® should not be taken if you have a known hypersensitivity to the drug or similar drugs.

The most common side effects observed in clinical trials were blood in stool, diarrhea, nausea, hair loss, headache, rash, upset stomach, abdominal pain, liver function abnormalities, and dizziness. Hair loss, when it occurred, was almost always limited to a single area of the scalp, and grew back when ELMIRON^® was discontinued.

The mechanism of action of ELMIRON^® in interstitial cystitis is not fully understood.

Please see full Product Information for ELMIRON^®.

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.

© Ortho-McNeil-Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2010. 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 November 12, 2009