New Survey Sheds Light on Mistaken Identities of Interstitial Cystitis

RARITAN, N.J., Aug. 17 /PRNewswire/ -- While bladder conditions rank among the most familiar sensitive women's health issues, according to a new survey released today, interstitial cystitis (or IC), a particularly painful bladder syndrome, is barely recognized among women and often misdiagnosed. Frequently, IC symptoms are mistaken for other better-known urinary or gynecologic conditions. As a result, women can wait up to four years or more to have IC accurately diagnosed.

"The face of IC is often hidden because there's little education about IC and its symptoms are commonly associated with more familiar conditions, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs), overactive bladder (OAB), and endometriosis," says Mary Jane Minkin, M.D., clinical professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Yale University School of Medicine. "Clearly, there are women cycling through various diagnoses and treatments, suffering from recurring symptoms for years without relief and finding it very difficult to function well at work or at home."

Research indicates that the number of people who have IC may actually be higher than the current estimate of two million Americans since many people are not appropriately diagnosed and continue to face the daily frustrations associated with IC. IC is a chronic condition where the bladder lining becomes irritated and inflamed causing symptoms such as pain in the pelvis, bladder, back or thighs; an increased need to urinate frequently or urgently; and/or pain during/after sexual intercourse.

According to an International Communications Research survey of 520 women*, women's knowledge about bladder health is inconsistent and many do not recognize that repeated occurrence of otherwise "normal" symptoms may indicate an underlying bladder condition. Most women say they are familiar with UTIs and OAB, two conditions whose symptoms - pain, urgency and frequency - overlap with IC. However, almost 80 percent are not at all familiar with IC.

   -- Although respondents claim overall familiarity with UTIs (93 percent),
      the majority of women (60 percent) do not know that recurrent and
      unresolved UTIs (more than two in one year) could be a sign of IC.

   -- Few women agree about what is considered a "normal" number of trips to
      the bathroom, and more than half (53 percent) do not recognize that
      urinary frequency and urgency could be a symptom of IC.

"This survey shows that while many women think they know about their bladder health, there's still a lot of confusion about what's 'normal.' For example, if a woman continues to be diagnosed with UTIs and her symptoms keep returning despite treatment, she shouldn't hesitate to ask her doctor about the possibility of IC," says Dr. Minkin. "This survey also underscores the need for greater education so that IC is considered earlier in the diagnostic process and women can receive the treatment they need to relieve their painful symptoms."

IC has traditionally been difficult to detect because there is no definitive test for the condition; however, once diagnosed, it can be successfully managed and symptoms can start to be relieved. A multi-faceted treatment approach may provide the greatest symptom control for people with IC. Components of this approach include ELMIRON(R) (pentosan polysulfate sodium), the only FDA-approved oral medication to relieve the bladder pain or discomfort associated with the condition. ELMIRON acts as the foundation of IC therapy and can be coupled with dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and physical therapy. Other medications, such as therapies to ease and control pain, reduce nighttime bathroom visits, aid in sleep, and block the effects of allergens, may also benefit IC patients. For more information on IC symptoms, treatment options and a tool to help locate a physician specifically trained to treat IC, please visit http://www.allaboutic.com/.

About ELMIRON

ELMIRON is indicated for the relief of bladder pain or discomfort associated with interstitial cystitis. While the mechanism of action is not fully understood, ELMIRON is thought to adhere to and help reinforce the bladder's protective layer and may act as a buffer, preventing irritants from reaching the bladder wall. A scientific study showed that ELMIRON relieves pain/discomfort in 61 percent of IC patients who took ELMIRON for three months. Additional relief of pain/discomfort can also be seen by six months. Relief is gradual. The clinical value and risks of continued treatment in patients whose pain has not improved by six months is not known.

Important Safety Information

ELMIRON has been shown to be well-tolerated. The most common side effects were blood in stool, diarrhea, nausea, hair loss, headache, rash, upset stomach, abdominal pain, liver function abnormalities, and dizziness. When side effects did occur, they were generally mild and usually did not interfere with continuing treatment. Hair loss, when it occurred, was almost always limited to a single area of the scalp, and grew back when ELMIRON was discontinued. ELMIRON is a weak anticoagulant (blood thinner), which may increase bleeding. Call your doctor if you will be undergoing surgery or will begin taking anticoagulant therapy such as warfarin, heparin, high doses of aspirin, or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen. For full Prescribing Information go to http://www.orthoelmiron.com/.

About Ortho Women's Health & Urology

Ortho Women's Health & Urology, a Division of Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceutical, Inc., is celebrating 75 years of partnering with women. As a leader in the fields of women's health and urology, Ortho Women's Health & Urology is committed to helping people live healthier lives and to meeting the needs of providers and patients with products such as ORTHO EVRA(R) (norelgestromin/ethinyl estradiol transdermal system), ORTHO TRI-CYCLEN(R) LO (norgestimate/ethinyl estradiol), DITROPAN XL(R) (oxybutynin chloride), and ELMIRON(R) (pentosan polysulfate sodium). For more information on these products, birth control, bladder health or general women's health issues, please visit http://www.orthowomenshealth.com/.

* The survey was conducted by telephone with a national sample of 520 women ages 25-50 from May 3 - 18, 2006, by ICR. The margin of error was plus or minus 4.3 percentage points. This survey was sponsored by Ortho Women's Health & Urology, a Division of Ortho-McNeil Pharmaceuticals, Inc.