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 | What is Interstitial Cystitis? |
Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is an inflammatory disease of the bladder wall and its cause is not yet fully understood. Current theory suggests IC is the result of changes or leaks in the protective lining of the bladder, the Glycosaminoglycan (GAG) layer. These leaks allow chemicals, toxins and other harmful elements in urine to irritate the bladder wall.
Once established IC is a chronic disease, which can persist throughout life. IC is characterised by patients (mostly women) suffering pelvic/bladder pain, urgency and frequency of urination. Long-term inflammation can lead to scarring and stiffening of the bladder, decreased bladder capacity, glomerulations (pinpoint bleeding) and in rare cases, ulcers in the bladder lining. Although the symptoms of IC may be difficult to cope with, the condition is not life threatening. Effective treatments such as Uracyst®, allow many patients to manage their symptoms successfully.
Ninety percent of IC patients are women. They range in age from teens up to their eighties. Recent studies suggest that IC most commonly affects people around the age of 40. IC is a disease marked by periods with flare-ups and remissions and its symptoms can be exacerbated by menstruation, urinary tract infections, diet and sexual intercourse. The condition affects people in all walks of life.
The symptoms of IC are similar to other disorders of the urinary system. There is no definitive test to identify IC and therefore, doctors must exclude other potential conditions before considering a diagnosis of IC.
Bladder pain, frequent urination, and even painful sexual intercourse can have significant impact on the long-term quality of your life. If you have the symptoms of IC, consult your physician.
| Treatment |
To date there is no cure for IC, nor is there an effective treatment that works for everyone. Symptoms may disappear without explanation or coincide with an event such as a change in diet or treatment. However, even after symptoms disappear, they may return after days, weeks, months or years. Doctors do not know why.
Because doctors do not know what causes IC, treatments are
aimed at relieving symptoms. The following treatments have been used to relieve
the symptoms of IC in some people:
| Diet: There is no scientific evidence linking diet to IC, but some doctors believe that alcohol, spices, tomatoes, coffee, chocolate, soft drinks and high acid food may contribute to bladder irritation and inflammation. See general suggestions on centre pages. |
| Bladder Distension: Some patients have noticed an improvement in symptoms after a bladder distension, which is a diagnostic procedure. It may become a treatment option if standard IC treatment fails. |
| Bladder Instillations: The bladder is filled with a solution that is held for varying periods of time. Uracyst should be held in the bladder for >30 minutes. |
| Oral Drugs: Anti-inflammatory drugs, antispasmodic drugs, antihistamines, muscle relaxants, antidepressants and pentosan polysulfate are drugs that may provide some relief from urinary pain, urgency, frequency and burning. |
| What is GAG Replenishment? |
Research has shown that up to 70% of IC patients have
defects in the protective lining on the wall of the urinary bladder. This lining
is made up of substances called mucins or glycosaminogylcans (GAGs), which
protect the bladder wall from toxic effects of urine and its contents. Damage
causes leaks in the protective GAG layer, which may then allow substances in
urine to pass into the bladder wall and trigger IC symptoms. Products used
for bladder instillations are:
| Non GAG replenishment - DMSO, Rimso. |
| GAG replenishment - Uracyst®, Heparin, Hyaluronic acid |
| How do I know if I am a GAG leaker? |
The Uracyst® Test Kit, which contains potassium chloride, has been effective in identifying those IC patients that are GAG leakers. Stellar Pharmaceutical Inc's Solution K™ (Sterile Potassium Chloride Solution 3%) instilled into the bladder can evaluate abnormal permeability of bladder GAG. The bladder is emptied of residual urine and Solution K is then instilled. If this instillation causes an increase in the patient’s pain and/or urgency, the test is considered positive and confirms GAG deficiency.
This test is not a diagnosis of IC, but it does help in establishing whether IC patients will benefit from GAG replenishment therapy. The Uracyst® Test Kit contains 1 pouch of Solution K and 1 vial of Uracyst®. It provides physicians and you, the patient, with the ability to check the bladder GAG for “leaks” and when the test is positive, the ability to quickly neutralize the symptoms with an instillation of Uracyst®. If positive to this test, you and your physician now know two (2) key diagnostic points:
| You appear to be a GAG leaker. |
| Uracyst® demonstrates activity at GAG layer and therefore should be effective in treating your IC symptoms. |
| What is Uracyst®? |
Uracyst® is an effective treatment for interstitial cystitis. The active ingredient in Uracyst is sterile sodium chondroitin sulphate. Chondroitin sulphate is a substance found naturally in the body including the Glycosaminoglycan layer of the bladder (GAG layer). This GAG layer when healthy, helps protect the highly sensitive bladder wall. Stellar Pharmaceuticals Inc. developed Uracyst to replenish the GAG layer in IC patients.
| How does Uracyst® work? |
Uracyst® (Sterile Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate Solution 2.0%) available in 20 mL vials is an effective GAG replenishment therapy. Chondroitin Sulfate is an acidic mucopolysaccharide and is one of the most prevalent bladder GAG components. There have been numerous studies showing that GAG replenishment therapies are effective in treating GAG deficient IC patients. It is felt they help to re-establish bladder GAG barrier function.
Uracyst® is instilled into the bladder in IC patients weekly for 4-6 weeks, then monthly thereafter until symptoms are resolved. Uracyst® must be held in the bladder for a minimum of 30 minutes. Response will vary from patient to patient but optimum response usually takes 4 to 6 months and should be continued for at least one (1) year before interrupting treatment. When a patient experiences flareups while on monthly therapy, they should revert to weekly therapy until such time that the symptoms have subsided, then go back to monthly treatments.
For some patients with severe IC, a more aggressive therapy is recommended. These patients should have instillations on a bi-weekly basis for 6 weeks. Instillations are then continued on a monthly basis for twelve (12) months.
| Importance of Taking Ownership of Treatment |
Being told that one has IC can be very demoralizing, especially since so little is known about the disease and the available means to effectively treat it. The emotional support of family and friends and other IC patients is very important to help cope with the disorder. Studies have found that IC patients who learn about the disorder and become involved in their own care do better than patients who do not. Remember, don’t become discouraged. There are many treatments for IC. Often finding the treatment that works for you will take time and some trial and error. You will succeed!
| Find a health care team that is sympathetic, helpful and receptive. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Understand that your health care team does not have all the answers. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Enlist the support of your family and friends. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Exercise may be helpful to reduce your urinary symptoms and improve your general sense of well being. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Talk to other people with IC about their experiences and ways of coping. | ||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Trust yourself.
For additional information on Interstitial Cystitis, contact: Ask your doctor about Uracyst®
Uracyst® Test Kit
Uracyst®
For additional information on Interstitial Cystitis
contact: For more information or to place your order for the Uracyst® family of products call: 1-800-639-0643 or visit us at www.stellarpharma.com |
® Registered trademark of Stellar Pharmaceuticals Inc.
U.S. Patent #6,083,933 - Canadian Patent # 2,269,260
International Patent Pending
M-MK-15 040830
An Effective Treatment for
Interstitial Cystitis
