CystoProtek® FAQs
Is CystoProtek® sold in retail pharmacies?
Can CystoProtek be taken along with other therapies?
Are there side effects when taking CystoProtek?
Is it safe for children to take CystoProtek for interstitial cystitis?
How did the research and the CystoProtek product come about?
How are the ingredients in CystoProtek absorbed into the body?
Is CystoProtek® sold in retail pharmacies?
At this time, CystoProtek is not readily available in retail chain pharmacies. There are a few locally-owned pharmacies, nutritional stores and physician offices that carry the product. CystoProtek is also available at
www.ic-network.com. We plan to have it readily available in pharmacies in 2008.
To order online from this site, click here.
Or call 1-888-317-0001.
What is CystoProtek?
CystoProtek® is an all natural oral dietary supplement in a soft gel capsule, developed to reduce the symptoms and pain associated with interstitial cystitis1. The anti-inflammatory properties of glucosamine, quercetin and rutin in CystoProtek’s unique natural formula reduce bladder damage and pain, while its glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronate sodium help replenish the damaged glycosaminoglycan (GAG) protective layer in the bladder.
Can CystoProtek be taken along with other therapies?
Results of the two clinical studies indicate that CystoProtek can be given to patients who have failed other therapies and can also be given with patients on other oral or intravesical therapies.
Are there known side effects when taking CystoProtek?
In the two clinical studies, there was stomach upset in less than 1% of subjects, especially those with concurrent Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Those who might be more likely to have stomach upset should start taking CystoProtek slowly, beginning with one or two capsules with meals daily and gradually increasing to the full dosage. Placing the capsules in the freezer for approximately 30 minutes before taking them can also help.
Is it safe for children to take CystoProtek for IC?
Yes, with the exception that one should be cautious they do not choke because of the size. It may be prudent to make a pin-hole and squeeze the contents into apple juice, peanut butter, yogurt, etc. (if the child is not allergic) Please keep in mind the the yellowish color is due to the quercetin and can stain clothing.
How did the research and the product come about?
Theoharis Theoharides, Ph.D, M.D, a professor of Pharmacology, Internal Medicine and Biochemistry at Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts, has been studying the mechanism of allergic reactions and the role of mast cells for approximately 20 years. During this time, he discovered that the mast cell, which tradtionally had thought to only be responsible for allergic reactions, is critically important in inflammation and the pathogenesis of interstitial cystitis and other inflammatory conditions. As a result, he focused on ways he could block the activation of this cell and its secretion of many noxious substances. His work in the field has been published in more than 200 scientific papers, several pieces which are online here.
How are the ingredients in CystoProtek absorbed into the body?
Glucosamine*, Rutin** and Quercetin*** are all bioavailable, meaning they have the ability to be absorbed and used by the body. Chondroitin Sulfate is a large molecule and does not get broken down, but is still absorbed****. Studies have shown that the absorption of Chondroitin Sulfate was significantly enhanced utilizing the liposomal formulation using the olive kernel extract formulation in CystoProtek*#.
It is believed that once these natural substances are absorbed systemically, they are filtered through the kidneys and excreted via the urine into the bladder, where these ingredients produce a local effect. The anti-inflammatory properties of the chondroitin sulfate, quercetin and rutin in CystoProtek’s unique natural formula reduce bladder damage and pain, while its glucosamine sulfate, chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronate sodium help replenish the damaged glycosaminoglycan (GAG) protective layer in the bladder.
In two clinical studies, CystoProtek was demonstrated to be effective in reducing the pain and improving overall symptoms in patients with Interstitial Cystitis (IC)## and was well tolerated by patients ingesting 4-6 soft gel capsules per day for 4-6 months.
Is CystoProtek FDA approved?
CystoProtek is a dietary supplement and does not require FDA approval. Alaven manufactures CystoProtek following cGMPS guidelines. While other companies may not list amounts of their ingredients, Alaven gives an accurate mg count of each ingredient used as well as the source of harvest for the ingredient. As with any health products, we urge you to consult with your health providers before taking any product.
* Schwartz and Dorfman. Connective Tissue Research, (1975), Setnikar et al. Arzneimittelforschung. 2001 Sep;51(9):699-725, various publications.
** Boyle et al. Eur J Clin Nutr. 2000 Oct;54(10):774-82, various publications
*** McAnlis et al. Eur J Clin Nutr. 1999 Feb;53(2):92-6, varios publications
**** Murray, Michael T. American Journal of Natural Medicine, 4(4):7, May 1997
*# Theoharides et al., Int J of Immunopathology and Pharmacology 18, 183-88, (2005)
## Theoharides TC, Vakali S, Kempuraj D, Sant R. A retrospective open label study of CYSTOPROTEK® in painful bladder syndrome/interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC). Proeedings NIDDK International Symposium: Frontiers in Painful Bladder Syndrome and Interstitital Cystitis (October 24-27, 2006; Bethesda, MD). Theoharides TC, Sant GR A pilot open label study of CystoProtek in interstitial cystitis. International Journal of Immunopathology and Pharmacology vol. 18: 183-188, 2005