When first diagnosed with interstitial cystitis (IC) you may feel alone. Don’t — 4 to 12 Million May Have IC. At the Interstitial Cystitis Association (ICA), we offer the most need-to-know information for IC patients and the best information to help you live with IC.

• Top Questions IC Patients Ask
• Top Treatments for IC
• Top Money Saving Tips for IC Patients

Top Questions IC Patients Ask

Have questions about your new diagnosis? These are the most common questions asked by newly diagnosed IC patients:

Q. What can I do about my chronic pain?
Q. Is IC a progressive disease?
Q. Where can I go for positive support?
Q. Is there a cure for IC?
Q. Can I have IC and still be intimate?

Get more of your IC questions answered on the Frequently Asked Questions page.

Top Treatments for IC

Some of the treatments available for IC can be provided to you by a healthcare provider that has experience with IC. You can also take some of your treatment into your own hands. Here are the top treatments for IC as outlined in the AUA IC guidelines:

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   First-Line Treatment

• Self-help

   Second-Line Treatment

• Physical Therapy
• Complementary and Alternative Therapy
• Oral Medications (e.g. Elmiron®)
• Bladder Instillation

   Third-Line Treatment

• Cystoscopy with hydrodistention

Fourth-Line Treatment

• Neurostimulation

   Fifth-Line Treatment

• Immunosuppressants (e.g. Cyclosporine)
• Botox

   Sixth-Line Treatment

• Surgery

Fifth and sixth line treatments, such as immunosuppressants and Botox, are for those who have tried and failed multiple treatments. You may want to seek a second opinion about these treatment options. For these treatments, also look for a doctor who has an IC expert.

Top Money Saving Tips for IC Patients

It is important to not only manage your IC symptoms, but also the burden that IC may put on your wallet. Here are the top ways to save:

• Take advantage of IC Patient Assistance Programs.
  • Save money with your Elmiron® Early Assist™ savings card.
• Join the ICA to receive four issues of the award winning ICA Update magazine, as well as a 50% discount on materials in the ICA Store.
• Visit IC on a Budget for more money saving tips.

This resource is paid for through an educational grant provided by Janssen, makers of Elmiron®.

Revised January 22, 2013