What is an Anal Fissure?

An anal fissure is a common and painful condition appearing as a small, tear near the external anal opening.  Anal fissures can occur spontaneously or as a result of difficult or explosive bowel movements.  While anal fissures are almost always benign, they are usually tender and painful, especially during bowel evacuation.  About 700,000 patients are diagnosed with fissures each year. 

Why are Fissures so painful?

The tear in the anal lining exposes the underlying internal anal sphincter muscle, which then goes into spasm.

What are my options to reduce the pain and heal the Fissure?

  1. Surgical Sphincterotomy - A surgical division of all or part of the spastic internal anal sphincter.  This surgical procedure eliminates sphincter spasm and allows for healing of the fissure.  General anesthesia is usually required.  Some degree of postoperative incontinence for flatus or feces occurs in up to one-third of patients.
     

  2. Chemical Sphincterotomy - In-home procedure in which patient uses a science-based pharmacological sphincter relaxant to relax the internal anal sphincter muscle.
     

What is “Chemical Sphincterotomy”? 

Chemical sphincterotomy is a non-surgical process, which eliminates anal sphincter spasm using a pharmacological sphincter relaxant (Fissure Medication) delivered directly to the lining of the anus.  Chemical sphincterotomy has become increasingly popular as a first therapeutic option in patients with fissures.

Will Chemical Sphincterotomy eliminate the pain caused by my anal fissure?

Spasm of the internal anal sphincter can be relieved by using Fissure Medications such as calcium channel blockers (Nifedipine, Diltiazem) and topical nitrates (nitroglycerine gel) whose action on the internal anal sphincter will cause it to relax and thereby eliminate the pain. *

How do I apply the Fissure Medication for Chemical Sphincterotomy?

Studies have shown that it is important to deliver Fissure Medications directly into the anal canal.  OrigynRx has developed a unique and proprietary delivery device (DoseRite™ System) that assures that the Fissure Medication is applied directly to the anal lining, exactly one measured dose at a time.

Will Chemical Sphincterotomy heal my anal fissure?

Relaxation of the internal anal sphincter has a very predictable result.  It will relieve pain and allow for the healing of the anal fissure.

How do I order the Fissure Medication and the DoseRite delivery system?

A physician must write a prescription for the anal Fissure Medication and the DoseRite delivery system.  You may print a copy of the OrigynRx Prescription/Fax form and take it to your physician.  Ask him or her to prescribe one of the Anal Fissure Medications and the DoseRite delivery system.  Once you have the prescription, you can fax it to our Pharmacy Fulfillment Center who will contact you for shipping and payment options.

What is the cost for each prescription?

The cost for a two-week prescription is about $140.00 ($10.00/day for 3 doses).  Prescriptions are sent directly to each patient via FedEx.

Can I be reimbursed for the cost of the prescription?

Yes.  Most health insurance plans will reimburse patients for their out-of-pocket costs less their deductible.  OrigynRx will provide a Universal Claim form, a receipt, and instructions on how to submit the claim to your insurance provider.

How long will it take to relieve the pain and how many weeks will I have to use the medication before the fissure starts to heal?

While every patient is different, pain relief is often immediate.  Most patients who have ordered Fissure Medications with the DoseRite delivery system from OrigynRx have found that one (14-day) or two (28-day) prescriptions are sufficient to allow for pain relief and healing.

If you any further questions, please feel free to contact us.

* See AGA recommendations for treatment of anal fissures