Urelle?

[soccermom32]

Who takes this? My doctor had given it to me reluctently because he hadn't heard of it.

Is it safe to take long term or everyday if needed?

I only use it when I flare but much prefer pyridium which my IC doc says is NOT okay to take long term or even weekly for that matter. He will only give me 6 pills for an entire month.

[Briza]

I was rxd Urelle once while in the diagnosis process. I don't remember how it compares to Pyrdium. But Pyridium works so well for me I have stuck with it.
I don't know what to say about the limit on Pyridium....the jury seems to be out on that one...as I've never read a definitive reason why there is a limit suggested on how much you take of it? ...have read it's hard on the liver, not sold in some countries because it's considered a carcinogen, I really would like to know if anyone really knows why....my dr gives me scripts for 30 plus refills...I don't use all thirty every month, but definitely more than six! I usually don't need more than one a day, many days not at all.

[charmedx3]

I think urelle worked better for me. i have taken it for about 3 months straight in past. urelle is designed to be taken longer. I just got tired of peeing blue!!!! I helps in flares so i like to always have it around.

[tigger_gal]

this may answer some of your questions::::::::::::;

Urelle / Meth/meth Blue/salicy/sod/hyos
URELLE IS USED FOR :
Urelle contains anti-infective, pain-relieving, and antispasmodic ingredients. It is used to treat the discomfort, pain, and urinary urgency/frequency symptoms related to urinary tract infections.
USING URELLE :
Take Urelle by mouth, usually four times a day with food; or take as directed by your doctor. Take each dose with a full glass of water (8 oz. or 240 ml) and drink plenty of fluids while taking Urelle. To avoid blue-green stains on the skin or mouth, make sure your hands are dry and that the tablets are swallowed quickly with plenty of fluid. Take Urelle at evenly spaced intervals. Continue to take Urelle until the full prescribed amount is finished, even if symptoms disappear after a few days. Stopping the medication too early may allow bacteria to continue to grow, which may result in a relapse of the infection.
SIDE EFFECTS OF URELLE :
Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, drowsiness, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if you have any of these unlikely but serious side effects: decreased sweating, flushing, mental/mood changes, pain or difficulty with urination, pink urine. If you notice any of the following unlikely but very serious side effects, stop taking Urelle and consult your doctor or pharmacist immediately: dizziness, blurred vision, unusually fast heartbeat. An allergic reaction to Urelle is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing. To relieve dry mouth, suck on (sugarless) hard candy or ice chips, chew (sugarless) gum, drink plenty of water, or use a saliva substitute. Urelle may cause your urine and stools to turn blue- green in color. This harmless effect is temporary and will disappear when the medication is stopped. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS WHILE TAKING URELLE :
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: eye problems (e.g., glaucoma), kidney problems, heart disease (e.g., arrhythmia, heart failure), high blood pressure, stomach problems (e.g., ulcers, obstruction), myasthenia gravis, bladder or prostate problems (e.g., obstruction), bleeding problems (e.g., hemophilia), any allergies (especially to aspirin, salicylates, or belladonna). Urelle may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages. Caution is advised when using Urelle in children because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of Urelle. Caution is advised when using Urelle in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the side effects of Urelle. Urelle should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. Some of the ingredients in Urelle (methenamine and hyoscyamine) pass into breast milk. While there have been no reports of harm to nursing infants, consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
MEDICATION INTERACTIONS TAKING URELLE :
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: heparins, medications for diabetes (e.g., glyburide, glipizide), aspirin or salicylate medications, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors (e.g., acetazolamide), MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, linezolid, selegiline), gout medicine (e.g., probenecid, sulfinpyrazone), antimuscarinic/anticholinergic drugs (e.g., atropine, oxybutynin, propantheline), drugs to make urine alkaline (e.g., potassium citrate, sodium bicarbonate), thiazide diuretics (e.g., hydrochlorothiazide), antacids, anti-diarrhea medications (e.g., kaolin-pectin), ketoconazole, valproic acid, methotrexate. Tell your doctor if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep, sedatives, tranquilizers, anti- anxiety drugs (e.g., diazepam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), psychiatric medicines (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine or tricyclics such as amitriptyline), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine), muscle relaxants, certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
IF YOU OVERDOSE WITH URELLE :
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include seizures, trouble breathing (e.g., rapid, shallow breathing or slowed breathing).
IF YOU MISS A DOSE WITH URELLE :
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
HOW TO STORE URELLE :
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 to 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

[bunnykinb]

My uro said that I could take Urelle for months. He also said pyridium can be taken longer than what is usually specified. The reason for taking it for a shorter period would be not to mask an infection. However, I have read that pyridium can effect the liver when taken too long. Who is right? Gosh.

[Briza]

I have a new pharmacist and asked him about the limits on Pyridium, since I usually need one tab a day, as soon as I feel some burning coming on, I take it and if it takes care of the problem then I don't need to take my pain meds. He said that should not cause a problem, nor should it cause problems if you need to take it round the clock for a couple of weeks following bladder surgery/hydro, etc.

The problem with Pyridium, he said, is that in can crystallize in the kidneys and his concern would be if a person were taking it 3 times a day long term, longer than a couple of weeks. So that's another version to keep in mind.

This was an older pharmacist in a very busy long established compounding pharmacy near a med center, and he sounded like he knew what he was talking about, didn't seem wishy washy or like he was trying to come up with something just to get me out of there. He actually spent a good amount of time talking to me about all of my meds, though I've been on most of them for a couple of years now, I listened and didn't say that I've researched all my meds and have been taking them for so long.

So it was a nice experience and for once felt like someone was concerned about the many meds I am rxd, I needed refills on EVERYTHING I take so I had a couple of bags full. I told him that I have IC and asked about Elmiron...he agreed that it is outrageously priced but said that it takes 14 yrs before a generic can be made, so there's a few more years we'll have to wait on that.

He also asked, once I told him I had IC and VV, what each med helped me for which symptom and was pretty shocked at when I told him this is for this, this I use for that, etc. He asked how did you learn all this, was it from your doctor? And I said yes, some, but most of it came from my own research and a good doctor who was willing to go thru some trial and error to get my treatment plan worked out.

Anyway, I know we all have had bad experiences with our doctors for various reasons, so just wanted to share my pharmacist experience. I was intrigued because he seemed so intrigued to learn about my conditions and why I needed all these meds without judging me or rolling his eyes.

Best wishes.

[Briza]

Like Bunny said, I have also heard that Pyridium can mask the symptoms of a UTI that needs to be treated...an important thing to keep in mind, especially since it's sold OTC. I have had only 2 UTIs in my lifetime, and both of those were LONG before I got IC, so I don't worry about that. However, if I had a flare with new symptoms, like urethral pain or blood in urine, I would definitely have my urine cultured to rule out infection. I am thankful that I don't get UTIs, I can't imagine having one along with a flare. My heart goes out to those of you who do.:angel: And like Tigger Gal posted, Urelle may possibly be a better choice for those who are prone to UTIs, since it has an anti-infective ingredient in it that Pyridium does not.