Q and A with Daniel Shoskes M.D. Cleveland Ohio.

What is Cysta-Q?

Cysta-Q is a blend of natural supplements containing bioflavonoids and other natural ingredients that is manufactured by Farr Laboratories, LLC. It is a proprietary formulation. Please refer questions on its manufacture and composition to Farr Laboratories, LLC.

What indications support the use of Cysta-Q?

I first rule out other causes of urinary frequency and pain such as infection, stones, cancer or primary bladder instability. I have used Cysta-Q successfully as a primary option or in people who have failed multiple conventional therapies (eg Elmiron, DMSO, Elavil, Atarax, hydrodistension).

How do you use Cysta-Q?

I recommend 1 capsule taken two times per day. If the people has no symptom improvement after 3 months, the product is unlikely to help them.

Are there any contraindications to using Cysta-Q?

There is a theoretical risk that use of Cysta-Q will interfere with the action of quinolone antibiotics (eg Cipro, Floxin, Levaquin). Therefore, don't take these antibiotics with Cysta-Q. It is known that bioflavonoids cross the placenta and in fact are found in higher concentrations in the fetal blood than in the mother's. Since antioxidants such as Cysta-Q can behave as pro-oxidants at very high doses, harm to the fetus is theoretically possible. Therefore, don't take Cysta-Q if you are pregnant and use birth control while you are taking the product.

What side effects have you seen?

Some people who take the product on an empty stomach report mild nausea. Some patients report slight tingling in the extremities shortly after their first dose.

Can I combine Cysta-Q with other natural products?

I don't recommend it. There is no way of knowing how ingredients in other herbal supplements will interact with Cysta-Q. Even if the other product is considered "safe", it may interfere with the absorption of Cysta-Q, or block its actions in other ways. Furthermore, very high doses of antioxidants can lead to pro-oxidant effects. By combining high doses of multiple supplements, you may actually be producing the opposite and potentially harmful effect.

Cysta-Q has helped my symptoms! Do I have to keep taking it?

I recommend staying on a maintenance dose of 1 capsule per day for an additional 2-3 months. Some patients find they can stop the product without recurrence of symptoms. Some find they need to stay on the maintenance or even full dose. Some have utilized a "3 weeks on/1 week off" regimen with success.

Where is the data on the effectiveness of Cysta-Q?

Results of the initial un-blinded clinical trial are published in the journal Techniques in Urology.