Elmiron and IC - Side Effects, Cost & Effectiveness

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* 1. Have you been diagnosed with interstitial cystitis?

Yes

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* 2. Have you been prescribed oral Elmiron for your IC?

Yes

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* 3. 3. Approximately how long did you take it?

Less than a month

Three Months

Six Months

One Year

Two Years

Three or More Years

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* 4. What dosage?

100mg

200mg - 2 capsules per day

300mg - 3 capsules per day

400mg - 4 capsules per day

500mg - 5 capsules per day

600mg - 6 capsules per day

More than 600mg per day

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* 5. How much do you think it helped you?

I didn't notice any improvement in my IC symptoms

Small improvement - My IC improved slightly but IC still kept me from doing many things.

Moderate improvement - My IC symptoms improved modestly and, with elmiron, I was able to function better in my daily life

Good improvement - Elmiron helped to reduce my symptoms dramatically. I'm grateful for its help.

Excellent improvement - My IC symptoms resolved almost completely. Elmiron has kept my IC symptoms completely controlled

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* 6. Did you experience any side effects with Elmiron (Check all that apply)

I experienced no side effects

Minor diarrhea / loose bowels

Moderate to severe diarrhea

Mild Stomach upset/nausea

Moderate to severe stomach upset/nausea

Liver Dysfunction / Elevated Liver Enzyme Increase

Mild Hair Loss

Moderate to Severe Hair Loss

Headache

Dizziness

Skin rash / mild rash

Depressed mood

Other (please specify)

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* 7. Did side effects eventually prevent you from using Elmiron?

Yes

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* 8. When did the side effects begin?

Within the first week of treatment

A month into treatment

Three months into treatment

Six months into treatment

One year into treatment

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* 9. Is (or was) Elmiron covered by your health insurance plan?

No. I don't have health insurance. I pay out of pocket.

Yes and No. It's partially covered but I have to pay full price for atleast six months. (i.e. the Medicare donut hole)

Yes. It is fully covered and I pay a small copay to refill.

Don't know

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* 10. In 2014, if covered by health insurance (for one or more months), what is (or was) your average copayment for your monthly Elmiron prescription? If you have a donut hole, please give us the low copayment here.

It's not covered by health insurance

Under $10

$10 to $19

$20 to $29

$30 to $39

$40 to $49

$50 to $59

$60 to $69

$70 to $79

$80 to $99

I didn't take it in 2014

Other (please specify)

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* 11. In 2014, if (or when) NOT covered by insurance, how much do you pay out of pocket each month for your Elmiron?

Under $24

$25 to $49

$50 to $99

$100 to $249

$250 to $499

$500 to $749

$740 to $999

$1000 to $1500

More than $1500

I didn't take it in 2014

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* 12. Has Elmiron become difficult for you to afford?

No. I can afford it comfortably.

Yes. It's a bit of a strain but I can pay for it.

Yes. It's become challenging to pay for Elmiron. It's affecting my monthly expenses and I've had to go without other essentials.

Yes. I can barely afford it. I've had to cut back substantially on my other daily expenses to pay for Elmiron.

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* 13. Has your health insurance company cancelled their coverage of Elmiron?

Yes, they cancelled in 2014

Yes, they cancelled in 2013

Yes, they cancelled in 2012

Yes, they cancelled in 2011

Yes, they cancelled in 2010

Don't remember when

No, they still cover Elmiron

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* 14. Have you talked with your physician about reducing the costs of Elmiron?

Yes. They suggested reducing the dosage to help my prescription last longer.

Yes. They had no suggestions.

Yes. My physician suggested that I try other medications or supplements instead.

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* 15. Have you stopped taking Elmiron because you can no longer afford it?

Yes

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* 16. How much would you be willing to pay for a generic pentosan?

Under $25

Under $50

Under $75

Under $100

Under $200

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* 17. What Country/Region Do You Live In?

USA

Canada

Mexico

United Kingdom

European Union

Australia/New Zealand

Asia

Africa