1. What is the name?

Ditropan XL

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

It decreases urge incontinence episodes & number of trips to the bathroom to urinate by controlling the involuntary contractions of the bladder muscles.

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

In clinical trials, it decreased the number of incontinence episodes by 90% (placebo decreased the number by 50%) and decreased the average number of pads used from 12 to 2.  It is not a cure.

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

Dry mouth is the most common side effect.  Others include constipation, nausea or vomiting, urinary hesitancy, dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision.  It may also cause decrease in sweating which may interfere with your ability to tolerate hot weather.  Call when the side effect interferes with your daily life more than the benefit you receive from taking Ditropan.  Ditropan has a non-absorbable shell – don’t be concerned if you see a pill shell in your stool.

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 Ditropan.  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.   Ortho-McNeil has a Patient Assistance Program - call 800-577-3788 for details.  Ditropan is covered on the Together Rx program for Medicare recipients – call 800-865-7211 for details.

7. Are there any alternatives?

Your physician may try a lower dose of Ditropan (it comes in 3 doses), 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 Ditropan interact with other medicines I may be taking?

Always keep your physician aware of your current medicines.  Some diuretics, sedatives, muscle relaxants or over-the-counter cold medicines may interact with Ditropan – check with your physician.

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

Take Ditropan at the same time every day.  You may try Kegel exercises, bladder retraining or changes in diet, as well as stop smoking, to obtain maximum benefits.  Swallow Ditropan whole – do not cut, chew or crush.

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

Call if you have trouble emptying your bladder or if your abdomen becomes distended.  Report blurred vision, fever, a new skin rash, nausea or vomiting, or difficulty tolerating the heat.

12. How do I get refills?

Your physician will see you in about a month after starting Ditropan.  He/she will give you a prescription.  Your pharmacy should telephone for refill orders.  While on Ditropan, 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 Ditropan – it is not a cure.

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

Do not take Ditropan if you have narrow angle glaucoma, gastrointestinal blockage, gastroesophageal reflux, or esophagitis.

16. If Ditropan 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 Ditropan website (www.ditropan.com) – it provides a wealth of information.