Uracyst® - a patient guide
What is Uracyst® and how does it work?
Uracyst® is a fluid that is instilled into the bladder. It contains Sterile Sodium Chondroitin Sulfate Solution, 2.0%, and is effective in reducing the symptoms of painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC).
The main symptoms of PBS/IC are:
PBS/IC is a disease caused by events that take place in the bladder. Urine contains harmful substances, which can irritate the cells of the bladder causing pain and inflammation. The bladder is, therefore, protected by a waterproof barrier called a GAG layer (glycosaminoglycan layer). When this waterproof barrier becomes leaky, urine begins to damage the bladder. This is what causes the symptoms of PBS/IC.
Chondroitin sulfate is one of the most important components of the GAG layer, which is lost due to PBS/IC. Uracyst works by replenishing the bladder with a protective coating of chondroitin sulfate, helping it to become waterproof again.
How will Uracyst® help?
People with PBS/IC can find life very difficult. The disease can make it hard to carry out everyday activities. In particular it may cause problems at work, and getting involved in even the most simple of family activities. It can even put a strain on loving, intimate relationships.
Uracyst® helps to get back the things that people take for granted by relieving the symptoms of PBS/IC.
Uracyst® is effective in reducing:
What does the treatment involve?
Treatment with Uracyst® can be tailored to your needs. However, Uracyst® is normally instilled, with a small tube called a catheter, into the bladder once a week for 4-6 weeks, and then once a month thereafter until symptoms are under control.
The instillation is usually carried out by a nurse in an outpatient clinic; however you can be trained to do this at home. This is known as 'self-catheterisation'.
Only 20ml of solution is instilled, and it is recommended that patients hold it in the bladder for at least 30 minutes to allow it to work. It can then be passed out by visiting the toilet.
At first this may seem a bit daunting and unpleasant, but the nurse will be trained to handle the process quickly and sensitively.
If you are pregnant or become pregnant and you are scheduled for treatment with Uracyst®, you should notify your doctor or nurse immediately.
Are there any side effects?
No serious side effects have been reported that are associated with the use of Uracyst®. This is to be expected as Uracyst® works directly on the bladder wall and is not absorbed into the bloodstream, unlike an oral medication. There may, however, be a risk of infection and short-term discomfort associated with catheterisation. You can discuss this with your nurse.
For more information on preparing for an instillation of Uracyst
®, and for other things that you can do to help with PBS/IC symptoms, download
Uracyst® A Guide for Patients.