ABSTRACT Objective Interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS) is linked to bladder and/or pelvic pain, pressure, and discomfort with urinary frequency. Despite guidelines, there is a need for better treatment options. This study analyzed patient demographics, clinical characteristics, and treatment patterns for medications and procedures in interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome. Methods This retrospective study examined real‐world claims from the Merative™ Marketscan® Commercial and Medicare Supplemental Databases (Set B) between January 1, 2016, and September 30, 2023. Treatment patterns for the interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome cohort were analyzed by examining the most frequent American Urological Association (AUA) IC/BPS guideline‐recommended medications prescribed during pre‐ and post‐index periods (index date=date of first diagnosis of interstitial cystitis/bladder pain syndrome) during the identification period (December 31, 2016–September 30, 2022). Results The IC/BPS cohort was predominantly female (92.2%), with 49.8% of the population aged 40–59 years. Post‐index increases in the prescriptions of amitriptyline (pre‐index; n = 1316 vs post‐index; n = 2268), hydroxyzine (pre‐index; n = 1299 vs post‐index; n = 2096), cimetidine (pre‐index; n = 33 vs post‐index; n = 68), and pentosan polysulfate sodium (pre‐index; n = 796 vs post‐index; n = 1968) indicated alignment with AUA guidelines. While AUA guidelines recommend medication, utilization of pain agents, amitriptyline, cimetidine, hydroxyzine, and pentosan polysulfate sodium decreased from month 1 to month 2 post‐index and then remained steady. The most frequent procedure, both pre‐ and post‐index, was urinalysis/culture. Conclusion The management of IC/BPS is challenging due to its heterogeneity and lack of universally effective treatments. This study highlights the complexity of treatment patterns and evolving medication use over time.
Mikl et al. (2026) studied this question.