Type of medicine: anticoagulant (medicine that reduces the chance of blood clots forming); analgesic
Generic and brand names: pentosan polysulfate sodium, oral; Elmiron
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat bladder pain caused by interstitial cystitis (inflamed bladder).
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Also tell your healthcare provider if you are taking a medicine that reduces the chance of blood clots forming such as warfarin (Coumadin) or heparin.
Females of childbearing age: Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Take it on an empty stomach (1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal). Take this medicine with a glass of water. This treatment may take 3 to 6 months. Your healthcare 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 healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: nosebleed, blood in the urine, black, bloody or tarry stools.
This medicine may cause you to bleed more easily or bleed longer. Contact your healthcare provider if you have any unusual bruising or bleeding.
This medicine may cause you to lose hair on one spot of your scalp. The hair will grow back after the treatment is over.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
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 healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare 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 healthcare provider right away): Severe stomach pain or diarrhea, unusual bruising or bleeding, bloody or black stools, blood in your urine, coughing or vomiting blood, unusual tiredness or weakness, severe dizziness or fainting.
Other: Nausea, diarrhea, headache, hair loss, mild dizziness.
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 healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
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 healthcare 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.
