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Rimso-50

dimethyl sulfoxide
Used for Cystitis
Used for Cystitis

Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) is used to treat interstitial cystitis, also known as painful bladder syndrome. It's typically given by a healthcare provider directly into the bladder through a catheter (a thin tube inserted into your bladder).

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Daisy Chau, PharmD
Last reviewed on April 26, 2022
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageInteractionsCostAlternativesPricesMedicare
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What is Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide)?

What is Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) used for?

  • Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome)

How Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) works

Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) is a urinary analgesic. It works by reducing inflammation and relaxing the muscles in your bladder. As an analgesic, it's thought to relieve pain and discomfort in the bladder.

Are you looking for information on dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsRimso-50
Drug ClassUrinary analgesic
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
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Avg retail price
$873.29(save 16.40%)
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$730.06
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What are the side effects of Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Garlic-like taste
  • Odor on breath or skin
  • Discomfort

Other Side Effects

  • Temporary bladder inflammation

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Serious allergic reaction: trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, rash

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Nasal congestion

shortness of breath or troubled breathing

skin rash, hives, or itching

swelling of face

Some patients may have some discomfort during the time this medicine is being put into the bladder. However, the discomfort usually becomes less each time the medicine is used.

Dimethyl sulfoxide may cause you to have a garlic-like taste within a few minutes after the medicine is put into the bladder. This effect may last for several hours. It may also cause your breath and skin to have a garlic-like odor, which may last up to 72 hours.

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works well to treat pain due to interstitial cystitis

Given directly into the bladder so it works locally

Typically given every 2 weeks

Generally well tolerated with very few side effects

thumbs-down

Cons

Is brand name only, so it might be expensive

Must be given by a healthcare provider

Can cause a garlic-like taste and smell on your breath and skin

Not known if safe or works in children

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide)

pharmacist

  • Your provider will make sure you get Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) at the right dose and times at the hospital or clinic. Mark your calendar so you don't miss you appointments.

    • To reduce bladder spasms (muscle contractions), your provider might give you medications containing belladonna or opium before giving you Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide). If you have a very sensitive bladder, your provider might give you Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) under anesthesia.

      • Make sure to tell your provider all of the medications you're taking before starting Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide). The medication might change how other medications work for you.

        • It's normal to get a garlic-like taste or smell on your breath or skin within a few minutes of getting Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide). This isn't harmful and should go away within a few days.

          • You might experience some discomfort when you get Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide). This should get better as you keep getting Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) treatments.

            • Your provider might ask you to get regular eye exams while taking Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide). This is because it might cause eye problems. If you notice any vision changes, contact your provider.

              • Keep up with any blood work your provider asks you to do so they can check your liver and kidney health, as well as your blood counts while taking Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide).

                faqs

                Frequently asked questions about Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide)

                What is interstitial cystitis?
                Interstitial cystitis, or painful bladder syndrome, is a long-term condition that causes a variety of symptoms in your bladder and lower stomach. It isn't an infection. Some symptoms of interstitial cystitis include discomfort, pain, or pressure in the bladder or lower stomach. These symptoms can come and go, and differ in each person. It isn't known what causes interstitial cystitis, but researchers think it might have to do with our immune system attacking tissue in the bladder, damage to the bladder, nerve problems, or inflammation.
                Can Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) treat my bladder infection?
                No. Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) isn't approved to treat any infections, including bladder infections. It can only help relieve pain and inflammation in your bladder that's due to interstitial cystitis. If you have persistent symptoms or think you might have a bladder infection, contact your provider so you can be treated appropriately.
                Does Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) cause taste changes?
                You might notice a garlic-like taste within a few minutes of getting Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide). The taste might last several hours, and the smell on your breath or skin could last up to 72 hours. The smell is due to the breakdown of Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) in your body into other substances, and isn't harmful.
                Can Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) be used in children?
                It isn't known if Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) is safe or works well in children. Speak to your child's provider about alternative treatment options.
                Is it safe to use Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) during pregnancy?
                Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) should only be used during pregnancy if the benefits outweigh the risks to your unborn baby. There isn't enough information in pregnant females to know if it's safe to use during pregnancy, but in animal studies it caused harm to unborn babies. If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk with your provider about the safest treatment options for you and your unborn baby.
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                What are the risks and warnings for Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide)?

                Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

                risk-warning

                Serious allergic reaction

                Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) can raise the level of a substance called histamine in your body, which can lead to a serious allergic reaction. If you experience trouble breathing, swelling in your face, lips, tongue, or throat, or rash after getting Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide), get medical help right away.

                risk-warning

                Eye problems

                Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) has caused eye problems in animals when given in high doses and for long treatment periods. It isn't known if it causes eye problems in humans, but your provider might ask you to get eye exams before and during treatment with Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide). If you notice any vision changes, contact your provider.

                dosage

                Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) dosage forms

                The average cost for 1 vial of 50ml of 50% of Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) is $730.06 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 16.4% off the average retail price of $873.29.
                vial
                Vial
                DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                50ml of 50%1 vial$730.06$730.06

                Typical dosing for Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide)

                Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) is only available as an intravesical (placed directly into your bladder) solution that's given through a catheter by a healthcare provider.

                The typical dose is 54 grams placed into the bladder for 15 minutes every 2 weeks until symptoms resolve.

                Each 50 mL of solution contains 54 grams of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO).

                interactions

                Interactions between Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) and other drugs

                Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

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                How much does Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) cost?

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                Rimso-50 (brand)
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                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide)?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide)
                Used for:

                • Interstitial cystitis (painful bladder syndrome)

                $730.06 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices
                Elmiron (pentosan)
                Used for:
                $1043.71 Lowest GoodRx priceView Prices

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