pentosan polysulfate sodium Health Article

Generic name(s):

pentosan polysulfate sodium

Brand name(s):

Elmiron

What is the most important information I should know about pentosan polysulfate sodium?

Before taking pentosan polysulfate sodium, tell your doctor if you have a bleeding or blood clotting disorder, a history of aneurysm or stroke, a stomach ulcer, intestinal polyps, diverticulitis, or liver disease.

Take the medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. Call your doctor at once if you have any easy bruising or unusual bleeding such as nosebleed, blood in your urine or stools, rectal bleeding, coughing up blood, bleeding gums, or feeling like you might pass out.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your doctor will need to check your progress every 3 months. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with pentosan polysulfate sodium. You may also need blood tests to check for certain side effects. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

Tell your doctor if you use any other medications that can increase your risk of bleeding, including blood thinners, medications to treat or prevent blood clots, or an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) such as ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), indomethacin (Indocin), and others.

What is pentosan polysulfate sodium?

Pentosan polysulfate sodium works like an anticoagulant (blood thinner) that prevents the formation of blood clots. However, it is used to treat bladder pain and discomfort caused by cystitis (bladder inflammation or irritation).

Pentosan polysulfate sodium may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking pentosan polysulfate sodium?

You should not use this medication if you are allergic to pentosan polysulfate sodium.

Before taking pentosan polysulfate sodium, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;

• a history of aneurysm or stroke;

• a stomach ulcer, intestinal polyps or diverticulitis; or

• liver disease.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take pentosan polysulfate sodium.

FDA pregnancy category B. Pentosan polysulfate sodium is not expected to be harmful to an unborn baby. However, tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment. It is not known whether pentosan polysulfate sodium passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take pentosan polysulfate sodium?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take pentosan polysulfate sodium with a full glass of water. Take the medicine on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your doctor will need to check your progress every 3 months. This will help your doctor determine how long to treat you with pentosan polysulfate sodium. You may also need blood tests to check for certain side effects. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

If you need to have any type of surgery, tell the surgeon ahead of time that you are taking pentosan polysulfate sodium. You may need to stop using the medicine for a short time. Store this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to take the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.