Elmiron Newbie

[DKIM]

I just started taking elmiron 3 days ago. All my Urologist said was take it 3 times a day for 3 months to start, try and work thru the nausea and if I start to lose my hair then stop. I was getting tests results back to rule out any major problems (all was good) and I was so focused on that, that after I left, I realized I should have asked more questions. If any of you could help me out with these, that would be great.

I know you should not take it with food 1hr before or 2 hrs after but what about other meds? and fibre supps? - would it be the same way?

So far, I don't have any side effects but I still don't know about the hair loss thing...I have been losing more hair lately I believe do to more anxiety & stress...is it alot of hair and does it start to happen right away?

I am finding it hard do the 3 pills a day thing - could I possibly take 2 in the morning or at night instead (if my stomach can try it?)

Did anyone get constipated with taking these...I just want to prepare myself!

[sailawaygrl]

I take my elmiron with my other meds and don't know of anything we shouldn't take it with.

Hairloss is usually in one spot and if it happens once you stop it will grow back. One tip is to clean a brush and brush your hair with it, then take the hair that comes out and put it in a baggy. If you feel you are losing hair later, do the test again and compare amounts of hair in the brush.

Many of us do take our elmiron twice a day, I would make sure you clear it with your Dr first.

I havent' heard of constipation. Some do experience stomach upset but if you do there are a few tricks that can help with that, like taking the med out of the capsule and drinking it with water. Wait and see if you have any troubles, hopefully you won't.

Remember that elmiron can take some time to become effective. It is thought to help replenish the GAG layer in our bladders. It takes a while for enough to build up to show results. Some have good results in weeks, others months and some even a year (don't panic at that!) Please do give it time to work, it took a year for me, but I wouldn't stop taking elmiron now for anything.

I hope this helps some
Sandra

[DKIM]

Sandra, thank-you so much for the info...it helps me a lot!

[cmclien]

I take 1 pill 2x a day but have heard lots of people take 2 pills at one time and other pill at another. Also when I first started taking it I was getting stomach cramps and I found taking omeprazole or pepcid with it got rid of that. You can try taking it out of the capsule and then if that doesn't work, maybe try one of those with it.

I think it can cause diarrhea in some people, it hasn't in me yet. If you have that side effect you could take more calcium/tums etc to offset the side effect.

I just read recently that the hair loss tends to occur within the first 4 weeks if you're going to have it (less then 4% have that side effect) and it usually comes out in a patch and not all over.

Good luck and hope it works for you.

[DKIM]

Thanks, Cindi, I will keep all your helpful hints in mind during the next few days...I didn't know if I could take other meds or a fibre supp at the same time with elmiron...so that, and trying to take it 3 times a day on an empty stomach seemed a lot to think about. I have been constantly checking the clock! I like the idea of doubling up on one dose to make it twice a day.

[mary124]

I usually take it around 5:30 or so (usually when I first wake up to go to the bathroom) this way by the time I eat breakfast the time has pass. I take the other 3 when I go to bed with all of my other medications, don't know if you should or not, but it has never bothered me. Haven't had any major side effects so don't know about that.

[Jinny Jean]

How long is it safe to take Elmiron?

[ICNDonna]

Most people who are helped by elmiron will continue taking it --- sometimes at a lower dosage.

Donna

[Tink22]

Elmiron Question........ Dizzziness......

Do mot people who take elmiron have dizzy side effects?

Do these side effects subside with each time or with a few down the road each week - do they get wore or better?in time.


I am thinking about take elmiron... just worried about being all dizzy all the time. and am worried It would need someone arounsd to drive me places. If that's how bad the dizziness can get.

Worth a shot?

Can anyone give any advice?

[meResque]

I have never heard of dizziness as a side effect at all. I really wouldn't worry about that.

[Jinny Jean]

Have not had any side affects yet, sometimes my neck gets itchy and i get a bit of a rash, bit I dont think thats to do with elmiron, and more to do with allergies... still got all my hair too! lol knock on wood.. I have been on it one month and it seems to be helping!

[Jinny Jean]

Ok, I love my hair, and sometimes I really worry about it. How many people have been on elmiron for a long time and still have a full head of hair??... lol

[vm]

Me! 9 years and counting.

[meResque]

LOL, it's not 9 years, but I'm at 6 months and have enough hair for three people.

[sabstory]

I have been taking it for about a month. My hair is thinning but it isn't noticeable to anyone but me. I was dizzy with it for the first couple of weeks, and a bit these last few days, but mostly it just makes me nauseated. I take it with my Phenergan and it works out. I take 2 pills 2 times a day, in the evening I take it with the Elavil as well. I am hoping that it helps me, I think the Elavil is helping some.