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Trixie50
09-05-2007, 01:21 PM
I'm not sure if this is the best forum for this post, but I'll give it a try.

I basically wanted to let ICers know that I've had positive results from singulair, and to consider it as an alternative if the other drugs don't work. I started taking singulair shortly before I was "officially" diagnosed with IC for nasal allergies. I had already reduced voids from 24 to 16 times a day through diet alone. When I started taking singulair, the voids reduced even more to 10-12 times a day. At first I didn't realize it was the singulair, I just thought it was the diet continuing to heal my bladder, but then I went off of it because I didn't think it helped my nasal allergies that much. Suddenly, my voids went back up to 16. So I googled singulair and interstitial cystitis and found that research is being done in using singulair to treat IC.

See here:

http://www.ichelp.com/TreatmentAndSelfHelp/HaveYouThoughtAboutTryingTheseMeds.html

Leukotrienes, which are substances produced by some immune system cells and mast cells, promote inflammation. Drugs that block leukotrienes are fairly new and are being used in the treatment of asthma and allergy. They include the prescription medications montelukast (Singulair), zafirlukast (Accolate), and zileuton (Zyflo). Some studies have implicated leukotrienes in inflammation of the bladder in IC. The receptors have been found in the bladder muscle in IC patients. A study of 10 IC patients in Denmark who took Singulair for three months showed significant reductions in frequency and pain.

Yesterday I forgot to take it, and sure enough, my voids went back up again. So now I'm positive that singulair is helping.

Of course, it's not the only drug I take. I also take vesicare, cystoprotek, and aloe vera. And, of course, none of these would help much at all without the diet.

Just wanted to let others know!!

futurehope
09-05-2007, 04:25 PM
Thanks for sharing. I happen to be on Singulair 10 mg at night as well. I had no idea that it could do anything for the IC.

But, I have to share with you something that happened a few days ago that still has me surprised. I went out and ate in a Mexican restaurant with my family. I've haven't dared eat anything close to Mexican in a while. I've been afraid of the potential pain to my bladder. Well, surprise! I survived unscathed and I can't believe it.

I do not know how I got so lucky. I don't know why I was able to eat the food, but was very happy as I'm getting royally sick of a very strict IC diet. Maybe it's the Singulair?

IC is difficult to figure sometimes. It doesn't make sense that I did not react to the Mexican food, and at other times, little things put me in pain?!

Actually, my IC doc says we are all different in what helps us. Praise God for the pain-free days.

Trixie50
09-06-2007, 02:12 AM
Yes, I think that the use of singulair for IC is new, that's why I wanted to share my experience with it. I was quite surprised when I accidentally discovered how much it helps me. In fact, I think it helps just as much as the vesicare does. I've had days when I've accidentally forgotten to take vesicare, too, and the difference is notable.

I haven't had the nerve yet to try dangerous foods, though. I doubt I could get away with it, because even some milder foods can still set me off, even while taking singulair and vesicare. But I've only been in on the diet for two months, and the meds for one month, so maybe my bladder just hasn't had enough time to heal enough to handle that. Maybe one day I'll be brave and try, but I don't even feel ready right now to go off the most restrictive diet. Too scared to lose all the wonderful progress I've made.

leelee88
09-06-2007, 02:32 AM
Is singulair an antihistamine? I have severe allergies and use to take Claritin but quit taken them because they were causing me headaches.. Just wondering if singulair works the same.. Also it would be a wonderful benefit if it helps IC..:angel:

OrlandoP
09-06-2007, 06:26 AM
Is singulair an antihistamine? I have severe allergies and use to take Claritin but quit taken them because they were causing me headaches.. Just wondering if singulair works the same.. Also it would be a wonderful benefit if it helps IC..:angel:

Singulair is a different line of antihistamine, not an H1 or H2 blocker, but a leuketrine (sp??) inhibitor. I swear when I took them I was better, I just got sidetracked and forgot to ask my doc yesterday to get more and give it a whirl.

It does have side effects possible--like jumpiness, glaucoma, and weight gain. But, worth a try, for sure. Less problematic for me than the tricyclics.

leelee88
09-06-2007, 06:28 AM
Thanks for the info:smile tee

Trixie50
09-06-2007, 12:38 PM
I haven't had side effects from it yet. It isn't the greatest for my nasal allergies, but I'm willing to live with that due to the bladder benefits.

rjyoon
09-06-2007, 03:14 PM
I'm on Singulair for another reason. Unfortunately, it doesn't do a thing for my IC.

tiffRN83
09-06-2007, 05:11 PM
I'm on it for my asthma and have been on it since I was 18 or so, no help with my IC though... You'd think that the allegra, singulair, and hyosciamine would've helped when it first began, but no... :cussing:

Trixie50
09-07-2007, 12:51 PM
Yes, I know that everyone reacts differently. I don't think it will work for everyone, but it's another option for those searching to try something else.