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Helps relieve the symptoms associated with painful bladder syndrome / interstitial cystitis.

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About

PAINFUL BLADDER SYNDROME / INTERSTITIAL CYSTITIS

Painful bladder syndrome / interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC) is defined as “an unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, discomfort) perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms of more than 6 weeks duration, in the absence of infection or other identifiable causes.”1

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Symptoms

PBS/IC is thought to affect 3% to 4% of Canadian women2 and is less common in men. Symptoms can include:

  • An urgent need to urinate
  • Frequent urination (of small amounts)3
  • The need to urinate during the night (nocturia)
  • Recurring discomfort or pain in the bladder and surrounding pelvic region, which may worsen during menstruation4
  • Pain during urination
  • Pain during sexual intercourse
  • Exacerbation during periods of stress, from sitting for long periods, and from exercise3

PBS/IC is a chronic condition, with signs and symptoms that vary from patient to patient. It straddles medical specialties, requiring that gynecologists, urologists, and family physicians work together to increase diagnostic accuracy5 and treatment options.

PBS/IC is accepted as one of the most challenging conditions known to the urology community. No clear diagnosis protocol exists, nor is there a long-lasting, reliable treatment, leaving PBS/IC patients with few treatment options and continued pain.6

References:

2. Dr J Curtis Nickel MD, FRCSC. Canadians for Health Research: HERE

3. Mayo Clinic: HERE

4. National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: HERE

5. SOGC CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 2005. Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain, Available: HERE

6. Canadian Urology Association: HERE

evaluation

The Canadian Urology Association’s guidelines for the evaluation of interstitial cystitis / painful bladder sydrome7

GUIDELINE EVALUATION
Recommended

History

Physical examination (abdomen, back, pelvic, rectal, musculoskeletal, focused-neuro)

Frequency volume chart

Symptom score (PUF, ICSI/ICP, UW-IC)

Urine (urinalysis culture, cytology)
Optional (recomended under certain circumstances)

Cystoscopy

Cystoscopy with hydrodistension

(general or intravesical anesthetic)

Potassium sensitivity test

Alkalinized lidocaine challenge
Not recommended (unless specific unusual concerns)

Bladder biopsy

Urodynamics

ICPI = Interstitial Cystitis Problem Index ICSI = Interstitial Cystitis Symptom Index PUF = Pain, Urgency and Frequency UW-IC = Wisconsin Interstitial Cystitis

References:

7. Carr LK, Corcos J, Nickel JC, Teichman J. Diagnosis of interstitial cystitis June 2007. Can Urol Assoc J 2009;3(1):81-6. Available: HERE

Support groups and more information

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CYSTA-Q

CYSTA-Q®

CYSTA-Q® is a unique, non-prescription, quercetin-based phytotherapeutic compound clinically proven to help relieve the symptoms associated with painful bladder syndrome / interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC).8 In addition to quercetin, this unique formulation also includes bromelain and papain, natural ingredients that enhance the absorption of quercetin and work in combination with quercetin to relieve the symptoms associated with PBS/IC.

Quercetin

Quercetin is found naturally—for instance, in apples, grapes, green tea, and onions—and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a multi-potent bioflavonoid, with great potential for the prevention and treatment of disease,9 which helps reduce inflammation and maintain the body’s inflammatory responses.

read more

about Quercetin

apple greentee graph onion

Quercetin is found naturally—for instance, in apples, grapes, green tea, and onions—and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a multi-potent bioflavonoid, with great potential for the prevention and treatment of disease,9 which helps reduce inflammation and maintain the body’s inflammatory responses.

References:

9. Bischoff SC. Quercetin: potentials in the prevention and therapy of disease. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2008;11(6):733-740. Abstract: HERE

Clinical trial results

A clinical study has demonstrated that oral therapy with CYSTA-Q® was well-tolerated and provided significant improvement in the symptoms and quality of life in women and men with PBS/IC.8

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Clinical trial results

A clinical study has demonstrated that oral therapy with CYSTA-Q® was well-tolerated and provided significant improvement in the symptoms and quality of life in women and men with PBS/IC.8

Clinical trial results
References:

8. Katske F, Shoskes DA, Sender M, et al. Treatment of interstitial cystitis with a quercetin supplement. Tech Urol. 2001. Mar;7(1):44-6. Abstract: HERE

CYSTA-Q® contains the following natural ingredients:

  • Quercetin, which has documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties
  • Bromelain and papain, which act by enhancing the absorption of quercetin,10 leading to greater efficacy
  • Cranberry fruit,11 passion flower herb,12 valerian root13 and wood betony leaf,14,15 which all have antioxidant properties
References:

10. Shoskes DA, Zeitlin SI, Shahed A, Rajfer J. Quercetin in men with category III chronic prostatitis: a preliminary prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Urology. 1999 Dec;54(6):960-3. Abstract: HERE

11. Nowack R, Schmitt W. Cranberry juice for prophylaxis of urinary tract infections--conclusions from clinical experience and research. Phytomedicine. 2008 Sep;15(9):653-67. Abstract: HERE

12. Nguyen TY, To DC, Tran MH, et al. Anti-inflammatory Flavonoids Isolated from Passiflora foetida. Nat Prod Commun. 2015 Jun;10(6):929-31. Abstract: HERE

13. Sudati JH, Fachinetto R, Pereira RP, et al. In vitro antioxidant activity of Valeriana officinalis against different neurotoxic agents. Neurochem Res. 2009 Aug;34(8):1372-9. Abstract: HERE

14. Wojcikowski K, Stevenson L, Leach D, et al. Antioxidant capacity of 55 medicinal herbs traditionally used to treat the urinary system: a comparison using a sequential three-solvent extraction process. J Altern Complement Med. 2007 Jan-Feb;13(1):103-9. Abstract: HERE

15. Uysal U, Seremet S, Lamping JW, et al. Consumption of polyphenol plants may slow aging and associated diseases. Curr Pharm Des. 2013;19(34):6094-111. Abstract: HERE

Adult men and women: Take one capsule 2 times daily, preferably with a meal or as directed by your healthcare practitioner. Use for a minimum of 4 weeks to see beneficial effects.

  • CYSTA-Q® is well tolerated by most patients and side effects are rare.
  • Some patients have reported mild nausea if taken on an empty stomach or slight tingling in the extremities shortly after their first dose.
Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are taking quinolone antibiotics, experience gastrointestinal discomfort or transient joint pain, are pregnant or breastfeeding, have history of kidney stones, have a gastrointestinal lesion/ulcer, are taking an anticoagulant/blood thinner, anti-inflammatory or antibiotic or if you are having surgery. Discontinue use if you have a hypersensitive/allergic reaction, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist after 3 months or worsen. Do not use if seal is broken or missing. Keep out of reach of children.

  • Painful bladder syndrome / interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC) is “an unpleasant sensation (pain, pressure, discomfort) perceived to be related to the urinary bladder, associated with lower urinary tract symptoms of more than 6 weeks duration, in the absence of infection or other identifiable causes.”1

    PBS/IC is a chronic condition, with signs and symptoms that vary from patient to patient. It straddles medical specialties, requiring that gynecologists, urologists, and family physicians work together to increase diagnostic accuracy5 and treatment options.

    PBS/IC is a challenging condition which does not currently have a clear diagnosis protocol. Furthermore, there is an absence of long-lasting, reliable treatments and PBS/IC patients are left with few options.6

    References:

    1. Hanno P and Dmochowski R. Status of international consensus on interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome/painful bladder syndrome: 2008 snapshot. Neurourology and Urodynamics 2009;28:274.

    5. SOGC CLINICAL PRACTICE GUIDELINES 2005. Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Chronic Pelvic Pain, Available: HERE

    6. Canadian Urology Association: HERE

  • Symptoms of PBS / IC can include:

    • An urgent need to urinate
    • Frequent urination (of small amounts) 3
    • The need to urinate during the night (nocturia)
    • Recurring discomfort or pain in the bladder and surrounding pelvic region, which may worsen during menstruation4
    • Pain during urination
    • Pain during sexual intercourse
    • Exacerbation during periods of stress, from sitting for long periods, and from exercise3
    References:

    3. Mayo Clinic: HERE

    4. National Institutes of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases: HERE

  • CYSTA-Q® is a unique quercetin-based phytotherapeutic compound clinically proven to help relieve the symptoms associated with painful bladder syndrome / interstitial cystitis (PBS/IC).8

    References:

    8. Katske F, Shoskes DA, Sender M, et al. Treatment of interstitial cystitis with a quercetin supplement. Tech Urol. 2001. Mar;7(1):44-6.
    Abstract: HERE

  • CYSTA-Q® is a non-prescription natural health product approved by Health Canada, and as such does not require a prescription for purchase.

  • Quercetin is found naturally—for instance, in apples, grapes, green tea, and onions—and has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It is a multi-potent bioflavonoid, with great potential for the prevention and treatment of disease,9 that helps reduce inflammation and maintain the body’s inflammatory responses.

    References:

    9. Bischoff SC. Quercetin: potentials in the prevention and therapy of disease. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2008;11(6):733-740. Abstract: HERE

  • In addition to quercetin, CYSTA-Q®’s unique formulation also contains the following natural ingredients:

    • Bromelain and papain, which act by enhancing the absorption of quercetin,10 leading to greater efficacy
    • Cranberry fruit,11 passion flower herb,12 valerian root13 and wood betony leaf,14,15 which all have antioxidant properties
    References:

    10. Shoskes DA, Zeitlin SI, Shahed A, Rajfer J. Quercetin in men with category III chronic prostatitis: a preliminary prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Urology. 1999 Dec;54(6):960-3. Abstract: HERE

    11. Nowack R, Schmitt W. Cranberry juice for prophylaxis of urinary tract infections--conclusions from clinical experience and research. Phytomedicine. 2008 Sep;15(9):653-67. Abstract: HERE

    12. Nguyen TY, To DC, Tran MH, et al. Anti-inflammatory Flavonoids Isolated from Passiflora foetida. Nat Prod Commun. 2015 Jun;10(6):929-31. Abstract: HERE

    13. Sudati JH, Fachinetto R, Pereira RP, et al. In vitro antioxidant activity of Valeriana officinalis against different neurotoxic agents. Neurochem Res. 2009 Aug;34(8):1372-9. Abstract: HERE

    14. Wojcikowski K, Stevenson L, Leach D, et al. Antioxidant capacity of 55 medicinal herbs traditionally used to treat the urinary system: a comparison using a sequential three-solvent extraction process. J Altern Complement Med. 2007 Jan-Feb;13(1):103-9. Abstract: HERE

    15. Uysal U, Seremet S, Lamping JW, et al. Consumption of polyphenol plants may slow aging and associated diseases. Curr Pharm Des. 2013;19(34):6094-111. Abstract: HERE

  • For adult men and women: Take one capsule 2 times daily, preferably with a meal or as directed by your healthcare practitioner.

  • Take CYSTA-Q® for a minimum of 4 weeks to see beneficial effects.

  • CYSTA-Q® is well tolerated by most patients and side effects are rare. Some people have reported mild nausea if taken on an empty stomach or slight tingling in the extremities shortly after their first dose. Speak to your healthcare practitioner for more information.

  • Yes, in fact one clinical trial demonstrated that oral therapy with CYSTA-Q® was well-tolerated and provided significant improvement in the symptoms and quality of life in women and men with PBS/IC.8

    References:

    8. Katske F, Shoskes DA, Sender M, et al. Treatment of interstitial cystitis with a quercetin supplement. Tech Urol. 2001. Mar;7(1):44-6.
    Abstract: HERE

  • Consult a healthcare practitioner prior to use if you are taking quinolone antibiotics, experience gastrointestinal discomfort or transient joint pain, are pregnant of breastfeeding, have history of kidney stones, have a gastrointestinal lesion/ulcer, are taking an anticoagulant/blood thinner, anti-inflammatory or antibiotic or if you are having surgery. Discontinue use if you have a hypersensitive/allergic reaction, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Consult a healthcare practitioner if symptoms persist after 3 months or worsen.

  • CYSTA-Q® is made in the USA.

  • You can buy CYSTA-Q® online. SHOP ONLINE

    If your local pharmacy does not stock Cysta-Q®, your pharmacist can order it for you using this code: NPN 80038525

Downloadable resources

CYSTA-Q® Information Leaflet
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Where to buy CYSTA-Q®

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Contact Us

Searchlight pharma inc.

Searchlight Pharma Inc.
Montréal, Québec
H3J 1M1 Canada
info@searchlightpharma.ca
1-855-331-0830

1. Hanno P and Dmochowski R. Status of international consensus on interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome/painful bladder syndrome: 2008 snapshot. Neurourology and Urodynamics 2009;28:274.

8. Katske F, Shoskes DA, Sender M, et al. Treatment of interstitial cystitis with a quercetin supplement. Tech Urol. 2001. Mar;7(1):44-6.
Abstract: HERE