1. What is the name?

Detrol LA

2. Why is it needed?  What does it do?

It treats urine leakage associated with a strong or sudden urge to urinate & frequent trips to the bathroom to urinate by blocking the involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles.

3. Will it cure the problem (will I be totally dry)?  What is the “average” benefit?

It helps reduce episodes of urine leakage and reduces frequency of urination, but does not cure the problem.

4. What are the side effects?  When should I call my physician?

Dry mouth is the most common side effect.  Others include headache, constipation, painful or difficult urination, nausea or vomiting, dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision.  Call when the side effect interferes with your daily life more than the benefit you receive from taking Detrol.

5. Do some of the side effects go away with time?  What can I do to deal with the side effects?

They may improve or go away as your body adjusts, or they may continue as long as you remain on Detrol.  You can suck on hard candy for dry mouth, drink 6-eight ounce glasses of water a day & increase fiber in your diet.  You can try small, frequent meals if you have stomach upset.

6. What is the risks/cost?

Cost depends on your insurance coverage & your pharmacy.  Pfizer offers assistance to qualified patients.  Connection to Care is for Medicare patients – call 800-707-8990 for details.  Non-Medicare patients can contact the Share Card Program at 800-715-4017 for details.

7. Are there any alternatives?

Your physician may try a lower dose of Detrol LA, try the twice a day Detrol, try one of the other medicines to treat overactive bladder, or recommend physical therapy,

8. What if I do nothing?

Your symptoms will stay the same or get worse.

9. Does Detrol interact with other medicines I may be taking?

Always keep your physician aware of your current medicines.  Prozac may alter the effectiveness of Detrol.  Cold/cough medicines may also affect urination, so while on Detrol, check with your physician before taking them.

10. Is there anything I can do to obtain maximum benefit from Detrol?

You may try Kegel exercises, bladder retraining or changes in diet, as well as stop smoking, to obtain maximum benefits.

11. What are symptoms that should prompt me to call my physician while on Detrol?

Call if you have trouble emptying your bladder or if your abdomen becomes distended.  Report a new skin rash, flushing, eye pain, difficulty breathing, tremors, loss of coordination, irregular heartbeat or palpitations.

12. How do I get refills?

Your physician will see you in about a month after starting Detrol.  He/she will give you a prescription.  Your pharmacy should telephone for refill orders.  While on Detrol, you should see the physician yearly.  If you have not been seen in over a year, he/she may not authorize refills.

13. When should I see improvement in my symptoms?

2-4 weeks

14. How long will I take it?

As long as you wish to receive the positive results of Detrol – it is not a cure.

15. Will Detrol affect other medical conditions I may have?

Do not take Detrol if you have narrow angle glaucoma, urinary retention, or gastric retention (delayed stomach emptying as in pyloric stenosis).

16. If Detrol isn’t on my insurance formulary, are there other choices?  Are samples available?

There are other medicine choices – your physician can discuss this with you.  Check with your physician to see if samples are currently available.  Check the Detrol website (www.detrolla.com) for possible rebate or coupons.