Pentosan Polysulfate Sodium Is Highly Effective Therapy.(Elmiron from ALZA Corporation for treating interstitial cystitis)

2001 JUL 5 - (NewsRx Network)-- Interstitial cystit is patients taking pentosan polysulfate sodium ([Elmiron.sup.R]) experienced increased symptom relief with continued therapy, according to the results of a study presented at the 96th annual American Urological Association meeting.

Moreover, of patients completing the study. 67% assigned to the recommended 300 mg dose of Elmiron responded favorably, with patients assigned to higher doses reporting similar symptom improvement. All those completing the study reported symptom relief starting as early as four weeks after start of treatment and increasing steadily over the course of treatment from baseline.

"This is the first study to evaluate onset of effect and dose-response relationship in patients treated with Elmiron," said lead investigator J. Curtis Nickel, MD, of Queens University in Kingston, Ontario. "We were pleased to find that not only did symptoms improve for many patients as early as four weeks into treatment, but also that the majority of patients experienced increased symptom relief as the study progressed - regardless of dose. These results are good news for IC patients, because they confirm the efficacy of Elmiron and suggest that even further improvements may be obtained with prolonged treatment."

Interstitial cystitis (IC) is a chronic, progressive, and frequently painful bladder condition, the cause of which is unknown. It affects hundreds of thousands. perhaps millions, of people in the United States, 90% of whom are women. Symptoms include the urgent and frequent need to urinate (day and night) and pain in the bladder and pelvic area. These symptoms may create substantial psychological and social problems. In addition, pain and sleep loss associated with IC can lead to depression.

Elmiron is the only oral medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for treating IC symptoms. Other treatments include invasive procedures that instill medication directly into the bladder. The recommended dose of Elmiron is 300 mg/day, taken as one 100 mg ...