What Is Elmiron®?
Elmiron®, or pentosan polysulfate sodium, is a prescription drug used to treat bladder pain caused by interstitial cystitis, or IC, a chronic condition that puts immense pressure on the bladder.
Manufactured by Janssen Pharmaceuticals, Elmiron® was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1996 and is currently the only drug approved to treat bladder pain and discomfort associated with IC, for which there is no cure.
Thousands of people have used Elmiron® for long periods of time since it first entered the market. While most of the reported Elmiron® side effects are mild, recent studies show that the drug may be toxic to the retina and can lead to permanent vision damage.