IC101 Master Class #9: Oral Medications

There's an important concept for patients to consider. Is my treatment "chasing the symptoms" or is it treating the underlying cause of those symptoms. This is the ultimate challenge for most pelvic pain patients as you seek to discover why your bladder is so irritated. Phenotyping will help identify the best treatment for you based upon your unique symptoms.

There are six types of medications that can be prescribed to help reduce urinary symptoms, including:

(1) Antidepressants to calm the nervous system
(2) Antihistamines to reduce allergy drive pain
(3) Antispasmodics to calm bladder spasms
(4) Acid reducing medications
(5) Bladder coatings to help protect the bladder wall
(6) Immunosuppressants

Some of these treatments may be quite difficult, if not impossible, to tolerate. Amitriptyline, for example, can have many challenging side effects such as dry mouth, dry eyes and an irregular heart rate. One significant change in the past give years is the recognition that anticholinergic medications (1-3 in the list above) have been linked to cognitive decline in patients of all ages when used over time. So, there is a movement to look for medications that do not carry this same risk, such as mirabegron, which can also help urinary frequency and urgency provided that your insurance company will pay for it. (Sadly, some insurance will only provide the cheaper, riskier medications. Sigh).

It is also important to note that some medications (#5 and #6) have been linked to potentially severe side effects. Pentosan, a bladder coating, has been linked to severe retinal disease that has left some patients struggling with their vision.

Jill Osborne ends this video with some questions that you can ask your doctor as you are considering new medications.

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Learn more about oral medications at: https://www.ic-network.com/interstiti...
Learn more about IC/BPS at: icnetwork.org or http://www.hunnerslesions.org
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IC101: It's Not Just Bladder A Disease is currently available at: icnsales.com or Amazon.com.

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The Necessary Legal Disclosures:

This video content has been made available for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Our goal is to encourage you to work more closely and seek out the advice of your medical professionals.

The IC Network, JH Osborne, Inc. and Jill Osborne hereby disclaims any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental or other consequential damages arising directly or indirectly from any use of this Video Content, which is provided as is, and without warranties.