Rimso-50
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).
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.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Rimso-50 |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Urinary analgesic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
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
Less Common Side Effects
- Temporary bladder inflammation
Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) 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
The following Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) 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:
shortness of breath or troubled breathing
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.
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Pros and cons of Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide)
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
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 for Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide)
- 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).
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.
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.
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.
Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) dosage
Vial| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50ml of 50% | 1 vial | $706.79 | $706.79 |
Typical dosage 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 between Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) and other drugs
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.
How much does Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) cost?
$706.79
