Transitioning From Elmiron

We are getting phone calls from frantic patients diagnosed with pigmentary maculopathy and/or inflammatory bowel disease due to Elmiron® use. You MUST talk with your medical care provider about the risks vs. benefits of Elmiron® to decide if you would like to transition to another therapy. Some have suggested stopping Elmiron® immediately if you are showing any eye symptoms, while others have suggested a gradual easing of Elmiron® with a gradual increase in a new OTC product. There are no other comparable FDA-approved oral medications that provide a similar coating effect to the bladder. (Click here to learn more about the new FDA warning & Elmiron® associated eye disease).

You could ask your doctor about using instillations, which put 100% of the medication directly into your bladder, such as a heparin lidocaine “rescue instillation.” Topical medications placed into the bladder do not distribute throughout the body at the same rate as oral medications and are generally considered safer. IAluRil bladder instillations contain both chondroitin sulfate and sodium hyaluronate to achieve a similar bladder-coating effect. This is not approved for use in the USA.

OTC Supplements (Nutraceuticals)

The American Urology Association suggests that patients try OTC products in Statement 10 of their Guidelines for IC/BPS. Here are some options that you can consider:
ALOEPATH® – For a soothing effect during bladder wall flares.
BLADDER REST® – For a simple chondroitin & quercetin formula
BLADDER BUILDER® – Our most comprehensive formula with chondroitin, quercetin, palmitoylethanolamide, and beneficial probiotics.
PEAORA® – To calm irritated nerves and reduce discomfort.
CystoMend® – Provides a coating effect with chondroitin and hyaluronate with an anti-inflammatory effect from pumpkin seed extract, collagen, and more.
CystoProtek® – The original chondroitin and hyaluronate formula.

*It’s not unusual for some to have sensitivities to various ingredients. Please review the label carefully for any known allergens. We suggest starting small. Try one capsule and see how your body handles it. If you feel good, try one a day for a week and again assess. If you are doing well, you can gradually increase to the manufacturers recommended dosages. Of course, if you struggle with any side effects, stop the supplement and talk with your physician.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.