Interstitial Cystitis (IC) Misdiagnosis is common

The right diagnosis can lead you to the right treatment.

Although more and more doctors are gaining awareness of interstitial cystitis (IC), this condition often goes undiagnosed for a long time. And it 's not uncommon for someone with IC to see several doctors, over the course of many years, before they are actually diagnosed with the condition. That's why it's important to find a doctor in your area who is familiar with IC. Urologists and bstetrician/gynecologists (OB/GYNs) are 2 types of specialists who tend to be most familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of IC due to their specialized clinical experience.

Because the symptoms of IC can be similar to other conditions, it's possible for it to be mistaken for something else. As a result, sometimes patients who have IC receive inappropriate treatment. Also, because it's possible to have IC in addition to another medical condition, such as endometriosis, understanding and communicating all of your symptoms to your doctor is important. Your doctor may evaluate you for other conditions, including bladder cancer.

IC is a chronic condition of the bladder that's characterized by urinary urgency, frequency and pelvic pain. As mentioned, IC has many symptoms that are in common with other conditions, such as: Chronic Pelvic Pain (CPP), Recurrent Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs), Endometriosis, Overactive Bladder (OAB), and Vulvodynia.

Interstitial Cystitis Symptoms Comparison Chart

Select a condition from the menu below to compare symptoms and to learn more about conditions that are similar to IC.

IC Comparison Chart

Shared Symptoms	Please select a condition	Interstitial Cystitis
Pelvic or abdominal pain
Pain during or after sex
Frequent urination
Painful urination
Waking up to urinate
Pain before menstruation

NEXT: How Is Interstitial Cystitis Diagnosed?

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 10, 2010