Elmiron Ships to Pharmacies - Shortage over as of today

[LithEruiel]

Mine is one pill 3x a day also. I have to take all my meds the rest of my life (except birth control), so its not a shock...

[newICnurseynurs]

Re: how many times/day to take Elmiron

My doctor prescribed one capsule tid (three times a day). Very difficult to do, since it requires being taken on an empty stomach, and spacing it between meals one hour before or 3 hours afterward has proven a challenge. At least a challenge to get in all 3 doses. Interesting to note the different dosing schedules.

[Agape]

I know everyone is different, but was wondering how many Elmiron tablets/capsules do you have to take daily? I was prescribed 2, 2 times per day, so 4 total. When the shortage occured, I dropped myself down to taking only 2 once per day. Today I saw my doctor and they advised me to start back on the 4 per day or they said I could return to having the same symptoms I had when first diagnosed. I guess it's upsetting to think I will have to take this medication the rest of my life!

[LithEruiel]

I was able to get my first prescription filled for Elmiron. Hoping that it will help. Does it always take close to a month to work?

It can take 3-6 months or more to start working, but some people do notice a difference in less time. It's really different for everyone. I hope it helps you!

[newICnurseynurs]

Rx for Elmiron

I was able to get my first prescription filled for Elmiron. Hoping that it will help. Does it always take close to a month to work?

[IC4MEN2]

FYI

I picked up my new Rx, 3 month supply of Elmiron at the post office today.

[flowerangela]

happy for ash and others elmiron really helps

[alycat]

So of course Kaiser scares me by telling me two months, then a few days later I get some. Only a months worth instead of my normal three month supply, but better than nothing.

[IC4MEN2]

I mailed off a new Rx for Elmiron today.

Fingers are crossed.

[alycat]

Yikes, I'm glad, though Kaiser Permanente says it'll still be two to three months before I can expect to see any....blegh.

[nottoc4]

I hear a collective sigh of relief around the USA! Thank you for the update.

[LithEruiel]

I got the e-mail too, great news!!!!

[chap0904]

Question

My pharmacists didn't know how long this would take. Does anyone else know?

I also got the e-mail. Was so thrilled.

[Zygala87]

WONDERFUL news, thank you. Ziggy

[icnmgrjill]

HOT NEWS! ELMIRON® SUPPLY AVAILABLE AGAIN

Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc., would like to provide you with a product availability update for ELMIRON® (pentosan polysulfate sodium) 100-mg capsules. We have now resumed shipments of ELMIRON® to distributors and pharmacies.

For a limited time, prior participants are eligible for the EarlyAssist™ co-pay support program. Patients may pay no more than $5 per month for up to 4 months. Visit www.orthoelmiron.com to register.

If you are currently taking ELMIRON®, you should check with local pharmacies and plan treatment accordingly with your healthcare professional.

Our priority is to reestablish supply as quickly as possible. We thank you for your patience and understanding.

What is ELMIRON® ?

ELMIRON® is a prescription medication used to treat the pain and discomfort of interstitial cystitis (IC). It is not known exactly how ELMIRON® works, but it is not a pain medication like aspirin or acetaminophen and therefore must be taken continuously for relief as prescribed by your doctor.

Important Safety Information

ELMIRON® should not be taken if you have a known hypersensitivity to the drug or similar drugs.

ELMIRON® is a weak blood thinner (anticoagulant) which may increase bleeding. Call your doctor if you will be undergoing surgery or if you are taking or will begin taking anticoagulant therapy such as warfarin sodium, heparin, high doses of aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen.

Tell your doctor

• If you are pregnant or plan on becoming pregnant.
• If you have any liver problems.
• The most common side effects are hair loss, diarrhea, nausea, blood in the stool, headache, rash, upset stomach, abnormal liver function tests, dizziness and bruising.
• Hair loss, when it occurred, was almost always limited to a single area of the scalp.

Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please click here for the full Product Information for ELMIRON®.

If you have any questions on ELMIRON®, please contact the Janssen Medical Information at 1-800-526-7736 or visit our website at www.orthoelmiron.com.

© Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 2011 July 2011 02E11044