Vesicare Prescribing Information
If you suffer from overactive bladder, you are not alone. This condition affects 1 in 6 adults and can interrupt everyday life with symptoms like an urgent need to urinate, frequency of urination and possible leakage. The good news is that the condition is treatable. Most people are able to manage their overactive bladder successfully with a combination of bladder exercises and medication like Vesicare.
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How It Works
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Vesicare (solifenacin) helps reduce your symptoms by enhancing the control of the bladder muscle and minimizing muscle spasms of both the urinary tract and the bladder. Solifenacin succinate works by affecting muscarinic receptors, which play a role in several functions, including the smooth muscle of the bladder. Clinical studies included four 3-month double-blind, random and placebo-controlled studies. Each study yielded significant decrease in incontinence, increase in the actual volume of urination and a reduction in the frequency of urination.
Contraindications
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Before beginning this (or any medication) be sure to tell your doctor about any medications you are taking (include over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements and vitamins). Tell your doctor if you have any history of narrow-angle glaucoma, inability to urinate or any disorder that affects the emptying of your stomach. Also, tell your doctor if you have any allergies, kidney or liver disease, any blockage in your intestines or stomach or if you have Long QT syndrome in your history. These conditions may require careful monitoring or dosage adjustments. You should not use this medication if you are pregnant or nursing.
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Side Effects
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Most patients have few problems while taking Vesicare. Common side effects include constipation, mild abdominal pain, nausea, dry mouth, blurred vision, dry eyes, fatigue, dizziness or flu-like symptoms (fever, body aches or sore throat). Some patients may experience an allergic reaction. If you have difficulty breathing, hives or swelling of your throat, face or tongue, you should seek emergency medical care. Additionally, watch out for serious side effects like extreme thirst, constipation or severe stomach pain lasting longer than 3 days, burning or pain when urinating or decreased urination. These may be signs of a serious condition, so contact your doctor immediately.
Medications that may Interact with Vesicare
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Certain medications will interact with Vesicare. Talk to your doctor before beginning any new medication like droperidol, arsenic trioxide, anti-viral HIV/AIDS medications, chloroquine, clarithromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, erythromycin, troleandomycin, pentamidine, narcotics (like methadone or levomethadyl), psychiatric medications (like haloperidol, thioridazine or mesoridazine), anti-depressants (like fluvoxamine, imipramine, amitriptyline or paroxetine) or heart rhythm medications (like dofetilide, procainamide, amiodarone, disopyramide, quinidine). Certain herbal products, over-the-counter medications or vitamins could also present an increased risk of interaction with Vesicare.
Dosing Instructions
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The recommended dose begins at 5mg daily. If this is well tolerated, some patients may receive an increased dosage of 10mg daily. Take the medication with water, with or without food. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it is nearly the time you should take your next dose, skip the missed dose and wait to take it at the proper time. Do not take an extra dose.
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