All about Elmiron as a medicinal drug
Elmiron, or pentosane polysufate sodium, is a drug used as a medication for treating the symptoms of discomfort or pain associated with interstitial cystitis. This has blood-thinning properties that work in protecting the bladder and is used in such bladder inflammation and irritation problems. It does so by forming a protective layer over the bladder wall that protects it against harmful, inflaming, and irritating chemicals in the urine. The blood thinning property, however, increases the risk of bleeding and bruising in the gums and the nose.
How to take Elmiron
If you are prescribed the medicine by your doctor or pharmacist, you will also be provided an information leaflet, and reading this is necessary before you start the intake. Elmiron is to be taken by mouth an hour or two before meals and this is taken usually 3 times a day. The dosage for Elmiron is 300mg/day and this is to be taken as 3 100mg capsules orally thrice a day. Increasing or decreasing dosage strictly warned against by pharmacists. If the condition does not show any improvement, do not increase the dosage. Consult your doctor instead and look for a proper solution to the dilemma.
Common negative side effects of Elmiron intake
The most typical side effects of Elmiron include headaches, abdominal discomfort, dizziness, itching feeling, skin rash, nausea, hair loss, diarrhea, and depressed mood. Any unlikely, serious side effects like mental or mood changes, bruising or bleeding, heartburn, discomfort when swallowing, etc. you need to consult your doctor.
Elmiron interacts with other substances, drugs, or supplements as well. If taken with Aspirin, anistreplase, dipyridamole, clopidogrel, among others, these medications can interact with Elmiron and cause serious side effects.
Effects of Elmiron when taken during breastfeeding or pregnancy
Elmiron is not recommended at all during pregnancy or breastfeeding unless prescribed by your doctor. During breastfeeding, if the mother is taking the drug, the drug can be passed onto the child via breast milk.
Precautions to take when taking Elmiron
Elmiron acts as a weak anticoagulant, i.e. a blood thinner that reduces the risk of blood clotting. Patients have reported rectal and gum hemorrhages, and bruising. When a patient who takes such blood thinners that increase the risk of bleeding is about to undergo surgery, he should always inform the doctors about this. Also, people who suffer from liver problems must be careful when using Elmiron because it is known to cause liver damage. In short, your healthcare provider should know your entire drug history before they recommend any medication or conduct any medical procedure on you.
In August 2020, a lawsuit was filed against Elmiron producers Johnson & Johnson, Bayer, and Tea alleging that the manufacturers did not inform the potential users about the negative health effects of Elmiron. They alleged that the manufacturers were aware of the side effects of retinal damage and blurred vision but intentionally kept the customers in the dark. The manufacturers have been accused of negligence, failure in warning people about the negative effects and designing the drug without minimizing the negative health impact.
Elmiron as a treatment for any problem should only be taken under a doctor’s prescription and with great care with the side effects in mind.