elmiron

[navemj]

Has anyone taken elmiron while pregnant? My doctor says I can take it when I decide to get pregnant, but I wanted to find some people who have been on it while pregnant. Thanks!
Maryann

[shvlnose]

I am currently pregnant and still taking it.

So far everything seems fine. I can't tell you for sure that there has been NO effect, since the child is not here yet (and some issues don't show up unitl later in life), but...All of my blood work, ultra sounds, and fetal developement milestones have been fine.

If you have found doctors willing to manage your IC during pregnancy and keep you stable - that is fantastic! Many just make a blanket statement of - no drugs during pregnancy, ever. Many rely on the "you'll go into remission" thing. Not everyone does!

I was NOT one of the lucky ones who went into remission. I still have the same daily IC issues that I had pre-pregnancy. In some ways I have to be even MORE carefull about food/activities than I did before. However... by and large, with a few meds, it hasn't been too bad - nothing unbearable anyway.

Good luck!
Aly

[ABliske]

I don't feel well at all but I really want a baby. Can you take pain killers? That is my main concern. I also take Effexor, but I think I could get off of it. My friend did stay on anti-depressants during her pregancy by order of her doctor. I didn't know that was possible. I really think that I should be able to take something for the pain and still be able to get pregnant and deliver a healthy baby. ??????? Right?

[shvlnose]

The big thing is to find a doctor who is willing to work with you, AND willing to manage the IC during pregnancy. Sometimes it helps to go straight to a peri-natologist for a consult. They tend to have a slightly different view of the risk/benifit equation of meds during pregnancy. Or if you can find an OB with experience treating other chronic conditions during pregnancy - like lupus, fibromyalgia, or the like - they also have some good experience.

Obviously being med free is the ideal and best way to go, if possible. However, for many of us, that's just not realistic. Doing your homework and checking the pregnancy category of all the meds in your current cocktail would be a good first step. Then you talk to a doctor to find out what might be appropriate less risky substitutes, or what might be eliminated entirely for a while. Meds during pregnancy can be/are risky... but being out of your head in pain and stress is not healthy for fetus either.

There ARE some anti depressants that are generally considered low risk, but you would need to check with a professional to figure out which ones would be an option in your individual case.

The med cocktail I am currently on is - Elimron, Ditropan XL, and Prevacid. I also have Ambien and Tylenol #3 as needed for pain. While not pain free, much of my pain in pregnancy has been low enough that I haven't needed TOO much codeine (thank heavens!). They gave me the option of taking Vicodin, but it makes me horribly nauseous, so I'm sticking with Tylenol 3. This is just my cocktail. Your doctors may feel differently and suggest different meds.

Working closely with a doctor is, IMO, very important! If you don't discuss these things before TTC... then you could be pregnant, flaring, and have a doctor who refuses to do anything about it. If you do the work before hand... then at least you are all on the same page and have an action plan laid out - "if I'm in pain, then I have options a, b, and c available to me..."

Maryann- Sorry to diverge from your original question. I just wanted to make sure this info got out there (though I'm sure I've posted it elsewhere :wink: ). If your doctor says Elmiron is OK in your case, I would do a little research on your own, evaluate the info, and if it seems reasonable to you (basically do YOU agree with your doctor that it should be safe)- go for it! If the risk/benefit analysis does not make sense to you, then let your doc know that too - it is your body, your baby, and your life.

Good luck to all of you trying to conceive, or already pregnant!:hi: This is an exciting time!
Aly

[navemj]

Thanks for everyone's reply. I guess having a baby with IC is a huge decision. We are thinking about having one in two years, but I may wait a few more just to see if more research comes out with the elmiron. It scares me to death to go off of it. Plus I am allergic to milk and I cannot take vitamins. Not sure how to have a healthy baby if I cannot have anything with calcium in it. I know they are some veggies that have calcium, but not sure if it is enough.

[melanie626]

I am still on my Elmiron and a ton other meds, find an MD who will work with what you need and be informed about risks/ benefits. I am happy with my choice thus far, 23+ wks and counting. PM if wquestions. Good luck