Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium, Oral

What are other names for this medicine?

Generic and brand names: pentosan polysulfate sodium, oral; Elmiron

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is taken by mouth to treat bladder pain caused by interstitial cystitis (inflamed bladder).

What should my health care provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your health care provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to this medicine
• liver or spleen problems
• heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (a reaction to heparin)

Also tell your health care provider if you are taking a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin).

Females of childbearing age: Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your health care provider's approval.

How do I use it?

Take this medicine exactly as your health care provider prescribes. Take it on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). This treatment may take 3 to 6 months. Your health care provider will review your condition after 3 months.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your health care provider.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine may reduce the amount of urine that the bladder can hold and cause you to urinate more often.

This medicine has a mild blood-thinning effect, so you may have some bleeding if you get a cut. If you have any bleeding, contact your health care provider right away.

This medicine may cause you to lose hair on one spot of your scalp. The hair will grow back after the treatment is over.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your health care provider right away. If you cannot reach your health care provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your health care provider right away): Severe stomach pain, unusual bruising or bleeding.

Other: Nausea, diarrhea, headache, depression, insomnia.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you are taking:

• blood thinners such as warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin.

Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, nonprescription, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins) with you. Be sure that you tell all health care providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

How should I store this medicine?

Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your health care provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.