Interstitial Cystitis (IC) Support Group

Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a urinary bladder disease of unknown cause characterised by pelvic and intense bladder pain, urinary frequency (as often as every 10 minutes), and pain with urination. It is not unusual for patients to experience nocturia and pain with sexual intercourse. IC is also known as painful bladder syndrome (PBS), particularly outside of the USA.

375 Members
1,889 Posts
0 Online
Kidneys & Bladder
/ Interstitial Cystitis (IC) Support Group

about elmiron

mchughirene
mchughirene
I seen my Uro Dr. today and after having done more tests he now wants me to take elmiron.which he says is the only treatment for ic.......I cannot afford this med.it is very very expensive....I read on here that many people take this med......does anyone know that takes it ...if the manufacturer will help with the cost......
FeelingRough
FeelingRough
Couldn't the doctor advise you on how to afford it?

Bummer that you have to take it, but if it clears things up, might it not be worth it?
mchughirene
mchughirene
this medicine will cost about six hundred dollars a month and it has to be taken for months before I would even know if it works...then if it does work it is a life time medicine.....the doctor said he doesnt even get samples of it from the drug company because of the cost..I am on other meds that are expensive also..
spacekat
spacekat
I receive financial assistance through a pharmacy program so for me the cost was virtually nothing. The side effects, however, we're TERRIBLE! My hair started falling out, I was queasy all the time and I just felt sick - like with a fever. It isn't the only way to treat IC but it is the primary medication. See if your state offers financial assistance in the form of pharmaceutical care? Maybe? Or you could try and contact the manufacturers of Elmiron and see if they offer assistance? Good luck!!