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Overview: Rimso-50 is used to help relieve the symptoms of interstitial cystitis, a chronic bladder problem that can cause bladder pain and discomfort. It works by decreasing inflammation, relaxing the bladder muscles, and relieving pain. Common side effects include a garlic-like taste or odor on breath or skin, pain or discomfort when the medicine is placed in your bladder, and temporary irritation of the bladder. Rimso-50 is put into the bladder through a catheter by your health care provider in either a hospital or a clinic.

Uses

What is Rimso-50 used for?

Rimso-50 (dimethyl sulfoxide) is commonly used to help relieve the symptoms of interstitial cystitis, a chronic bladder problem that can cause bladder pain and discomfort.

Rimso-50 may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Rimso-50 work (mechanism of action)?

Rimso-50 works by decreasing inflammation, relaxing the bladder muscles, and providing pain relief.

How is Rimso-50 supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Rimso-50

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 50% aqueous intravesical solution

How should I store Rimso-50?

Rimso-50 is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Rimso-50?

The most common side effects of Rimso-50 are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Garlic-like taste or odor on breath or skin
  • Discomfort during administration 
  • Temporary irritation of the bladder

There may be other side effects of Rimso-50 that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Rimso-50?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Rimso-50 are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Rimso-50 may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Rimso-50?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Rimso-50.

  • Dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO)
  • Rimso-50
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Rimso-50.

What should I know about Rimso-50 before using it?

Rimso-50 is placed into the bladder through a catheter by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will keep the medicine in your bladder for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, you will pee to remove Rimso-50 from your bladder.

You may have pain or discomfort when Rimso-50 is placed into your bladder. Your health care provider may have you take certain medicines before receiving Rimso-50 to help reduce bladder spasms. The pain and discomfort usually lessen the more you receive Rimso-50.

Do not be surprised if you have a garlic-like taste within a few minutes after receiving Rimso-50. This is normal and can last up to several hours. You may even have a garlic-like odor on your breath or skin for up to 72 hours after receiving Rimso-50.

Your health care provider may have you get an eye exam and blood tests before and periodically during treatment with Rimso-50. Keep all appointments, including lab appointments.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Rimso-50?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Rimso-50 is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Cancer of the Urinary Tract. Tell your health care provider if you have or have a history of bladder cancer or kidney cancer. Rimso-50 could put you at risk for problems.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Rimso-50 could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Rimso-50 while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Rimso-50 passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does Rimso-50 interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Rimso-50 and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Rimso-50.

Does Rimso-50 interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Rimso-50 may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Rimso-50?

If you or someone else has used too much Rimso-50, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Rimso-50?

Rimso-50 is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. If you miss an appointment to get your Rimso-50 dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.