Solifenacin (By mouth)

Introduction:

Solifenacin (soe-li-FEN-a-sin)

Treats the symptoms of overactive bladder, such as an increased need to urinate, passing urine more often, or loss of bladder control.

Brand Name(s):

VESIcare, Vesicare

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Tablet

• Your doctor will tell you how much of this medicine to use and how often. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.
• Take this medicine with liquid. Swallow the tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.
• You may take this medicine with or without food.

If a dose is missed:

• If you miss a dose or forget to use your medicine, use it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then to use the medicine and skip the missed dose. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine:

• Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
• Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine after you have finished your treatment. You will also need to throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.
• Keep all medicine away from children and never share your medicine with anyone.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using ketoconazole (Nizoral®), atazanavir (Reyataz®), clarithromycin (Biaxin®), indinavir (Crixivan®), itraconazole (Sporanox®), nefazodone (Serzone®), nelfinavir (Viracept®), ritonavir (Norvir®), saquinavir (Invirase®), telithromycin (Ketek®), or voriconazole (Vfend®).

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, problems passing urine, stomach or bowel problems, narrow-angle glaucoma, or heart rhythm problems (such as QT prolongation).
• This medicine may make you more likely to have heat stroke when you are in a hot environment or outdoors in hot weather. Be sure to drink plenty of fluid and avoid strenuous exercise in high heat.
• This medicine may cause blurred vision. Avoid driving, using machines, or doing anything else that could be dangerous if you are not able to see clearly. You may have to take the medicine for a few days before you know how it will affect you.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, painful urination.
• Constipation that lasts for 3 days or longer.
• Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches.
• Severe stomach pain.
• Swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Blurred vision.
• Decreased sweating.
• Dry mouth.
• Feeling tired.
• Mild constipation.
• Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain or upset.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: