Times have changed and there are more medications available now to treat IC Disease than what we had in previous years. There is currently only one prescription medication approved by the FDA to treat IC Disease. All of the other oral medications I discuss have not been approved specifically for treating IC Disease.
Elmiron®
Elmiron®, a mucosal surface protectant, is the only drug approved by the FDA to treat IC Disease. It is believed that Elmiron works by rebuilding the lining of the bladder wall that is damaged in people with IC Disease. The downside of using Elmiron is that it can take several months for the effects to show but if patients are willing to stick it out, there are many who do get relief from taking Elmiron. Physicians will often combine Elmiron with more immediate-acting medications so that patients can get relief from their symptoms sooner.
