Kidney stones. You're not alone.
Kidney stones are a relatively common problem. Over a million Americans have new stones each year.
Although there have been dramatic strides made in the treatment of stone disease in the past few years, the disease is characterized by a high rate of recurrence. The rate has been reported to range from 65% to 90%.
What is kidney stone disease?
Simply stated, it is a disease where stones form in the kidneys. The kidneys act as filters and separate chemicals from the blood, which are then excreted in the urine. If, however, these chemicals build up in the kidney, a stone can be formed.
What are kidney stones?
They are rock-like, mineral substances embedded in a small amount of protein. Most are composed of calcium oxalate, but they may be composed of calcium phosphate, uric acid, or other chemicals. The stones can be as small as a grain of sand or as large as a golf ball.
Why do stones occur?
There are conditions in the urine (like those caused by not drinking enough water) that make crystals prone to form, which contribute to stone formation. Some forms of stone disease have a genetic basis (it runs in the family), while others show a strong dependence on environmental or nutritional factors for their origin.
What are the symptoms of stone disease?
The size, shape, and location of the stone can cause many different symptoms. Many stones cause sudden severe pain, bloody urine, obstruction, or infection. Others cause nausea or frequent, burning urination. Often there is flank (side) pain or tenderness and fever.
What therapies are available for stone disease?
Mission Pharmacal continues to lead the way in providing innovative therapies with the power to manage stone disease across a wide range of kidney stone patients. These are selective therapies, each designed to correct specific physiochemical abnormalities. Collectively, they represent the state-of-the-art in the medical treatment of nephrolithiasis.
Urocit®-K (potassium citrate)
Urocit®-K inhibits formation of both calcium oxalate and uric acid stones. It is clinically proven to inhibit stone formation in more than 90% of patients.
For more information, visit the Urocit®-K website.
Lithostat® (acetohydroxamic acid or AHA)
Lithostatasdfasdf improves the effectiveness of antibiotics and allows an increased cure rate in patients with chronic, urea-splitting urinary infections. Untreated, these infections can cause struvite kidney stones.
For more information, visit the Lithostat® website.
Thiola® (tiopronin)
Thiola® is used to prevent cystine kidney stones.
For more information, visit the Thiola® website.
This material is intended to provide basic information. Patients should discuss all medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment with their healthcare provider.