VESIcare

Generic name: Solifenacin succinate

What is VESIcare?

VESIcare is prescribed for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). People with overactive bladder experience a strong and urgent need to urinate (urgency), a need to urinate more often than normal (frequency), or involuntary urine leakage (incontinence).

In OAB, the muscle in the bladder wall spasms, causing a need to urinate even when the bladder is not full. It can also result in accidental urination. VESIcare relaxes the muscle in the bladder wall, reducing spasms and restoring more normal bladder function.

What is the most important information I should know about VESIcare?

VESIcare can cause blurred vision. You must use caution when driving, operating machinery, or engaging in hazardous activities when taking this drug, to prevent injury to yourself and others.

Who should not take VESIcare?

Do not take VESIcare if you are not able to empty your bladder, have slow or delayed emptying of your stomach, have an untreated eye condition called narrow angle glaucoma, or if you are allergic or sensitive to VESIcare or any of its ingredients.

What should I tell my doctor before I take the first dose of VESIcare?

Mention all prescription, over-the-counter, and herbal medications you are taking before beginning treatment with VESIcare. Also, talk to your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have any stomach or intestinal problems, if you are currently constipated or have a history of constipation, if you have trouble emptying your bladder fully or you have a weak stream of urine, if you have liver or kidney problems, if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or if you are breastfeeding.

What is the usual dosage?

The information below is based on the dosage guidelines your doctor uses. Depending on your condition and medical history, your doctor may prescribe a different regimen. Do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without your doctor's approval.

Adults: The usual starting dose of VESIcare is 5 mg once a day. Depending on your response, your doctor may increase the dose to 10 mg.

If you have severe kidney problems or moderate liver dysfunction, the maximum recommended dose is 5 mg a day. Using VESIcare is not recommended if you have severe liver dysfunction.

If you take antifungal or antiviral drugs, your dosage should not exceed 5 mg a day.

How should I take VESIcare?

You should take one VESIcare tablet once a day at the same time. You should swallow the tablet whole with a liquid, and you can take VESIcare with or without food.

What should I avoid while taking VESIcare?

You should not drive a car or operate heavy machinery until you known how VESIcare will affect you.

What are possible food and drug interactions associated with VESIcare?

If VESIcare is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining VESIcare with the following: atazanavir, indinavir, itraconazole, ketoconazole, nelfinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir, and voriconazole.

What are the possible side effects of VESIcare?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, tell your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking this drug.

Side effects may include: blurred vision, constipation, dry mouth, nausea, upset stomach, urinary tract infection, heat prostration

Can I receive VESIcare if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?

The effects of VESIcare during pregnancy and breastfeeding are unknown. Tell your doctor immediately if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

What should I do if I miss a dose of VESIcare?

If you miss a VESIcare dose, do not double your next dose. Skip the dose you missed and return to your normal dosing schedule.

How should I store VESIcare?

Store at room temperature and away from children.