1. What is the name?

VESicare

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 constipation, painful or difficult urination, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision.  Since it may decrease sweating, care should be taken when in a hot environment.  Call when the side effect interferes with your daily life more than the benefit you receive from taking VESicare.

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 VESicare.  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.  

7. Are there any alternatives?

Your physician may try a different dose of VESicare, 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 VESicare interact with other medicines I may be taking?

Always keep your physician aware of your current medicines.  After reviewing your current medicines, he/she will be able to tell you if VESicare is a good option for you.

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

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 it whole – do not chew, divide or crush.  If you miss a dose, do not take two doses of VESicare in the same day.

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

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

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

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

16. If VESicare 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 or money off coupons are currently available.