Why is Vesicare prescribed?

Vesicare (Solifenacin) is used to treat an overactive bladder. By relaxing the muscles in the bladder, solifenacin improves your ability to control your urination. It helps to reduce leaking of urine, feelings of needing to urinate right away, and frequent trips to the bathroom. This medication belongs to the class of drugs known as antispasmodics. Solifenacin (Generic) is available for purchase in addition to the brand name Vesicare.

What is the most effective way to take Vesicare?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

• Solifenacin is usually taken once per day with or without food. Follow your doctor's instructions.
• Take this medicine with water.
• Do not crush, chew, or break the tablet. Swallow it whole.
• Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.

Before taking Vesicare, know that:

• This drug may make you drowsy or blur your vision. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness or clear vision until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
• This medication may make you sweat less, making you more likely to get a heat stroke
• Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially drowsiness, confusion, constipation, or trouble urinating. Drowsiness and confusion can increase the risk of falling.
• During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
• It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Before taking Vesicare, tell your doctor:

• if you are allergic to Solifenacin
• if you have ever had: difficulty urinating (urinary retention), other bladder problems, stomach/intestinal blockage (gastric retention), personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type), liver disease, bowel disease, slowed movement of stomach/intestines, kidney disease, a certain muscle/nerve disease called myasthenia gravis etc.
• if you are pregnant or breast-feeding

Common side effects include:

• blurred vision
• dry mouth
• stomach upset; constipation; drowsiness, blurred vision, headache, or unusual tiredness/weakness 
• pain or burning when you urinate, constipation
• symptoms of heatstroke - including decreased sweating, tiredness, nausea, feeling hot, or dizziness

If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.

Tell your doctor right away if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:

• severe stomach or abdominal pain
• constipation for 3 or more days, difficulty urinating
• signs of a kidney infection including - burning/painful/frequent urination, fever, pink/bloody urine
• mental/mood changes - including hallucinations and confusion

Stop using solifenacin and call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe stomach pain, or constipation for 3 days or longer; pain or burning when you urinate; confusion, hallucinations; vision changes or eye pain; little or no urination;
• Symptoms of dehydration - including feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, or hot and dry skin; or
• Symptoms of high potassium level - including nausea, weakness, tingly feeling, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, loss of movement.
• Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Q: Why is Vesicare prescribed?

A: This medication is used to treat an overactive bladder.

Q: Are there any precautions I should take before taking Vesicare?

A: If you are pregnant or breast-feeding you need to speak with your doctor about this medication. See the Cautions section for more.

Q: Are there any side effects of Vesicare?

A: You may experience blurred vision and dry mouth. See Side Effects section for more details. 

Q: What is I miss a dose of Vesicare?

A: Take the missed dose on the same day you remember it. Take your next dose at the regular time the next day and stay on your once-daily schedule. Do not take 2 doses on the same day.

Q: How should I store this medication?

A: Vesicare should be stored at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use.