1. What is the name?

Enablex

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 decreasing the number of bladder contractions and increasing bladder volume.

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?

Side effects include dry mouth, constipation, urinary retention, dizziness and blurred vision.  Since it may decrease sweating, you should be careful working in the hot weather.  Call when the side effect interferes with your daily life more than the benefit you receive from taking Enablex.

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 Enablex.  You can suck on hard candy for dry mouth, drink 6-eight ounce glasses of water a day & increase fiber in your diet. 

6. What is the risks/cost?

Cost depends on your insurance coverage & your pharmacy.  Enablex is included in the Together Rx program which offers significant discounts to qualified Medicare recipients.  Call 1-800-865-7211 for information.

7. Are there any alternatives?

Your physician may try a higher dose, try the twice a day Enablex, 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 Enablex interact with other medicines I may be taking?

Always keep your physician aware of your current medicines.  Enablex may interact with Biaxin, Serzone, antifungal or antiviral medicines, medicine for irregular heartbeat, or tricyclic antidepressants. 

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

You may try Kegel exercises, bladder retraining or changes in diet, as well as stop smoking, to obtain maximum benefits.   You can take it with or without food; swallow whole - do not chew, divide or crush.

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

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 Enablex.  He/she will give you a prescription.  Your pharmacy should telephone for refill orders.  While on Enablex, 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 Enablex – it is not a cure.

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

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

16. If Enablex 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.