VESIcare

VESIcare is approved to treat the symptoms of an overactive bladder. The drug relaxes the bladder muscle, which helps reduce the frequency of uncontrollable bladder contractions that are responsible for symptoms such as the sudden urge to urinate. Although most people tolerate the medication well, side effects are possible. Some of the common side effects of VESIcare include dry mouth, constipation, and urinary tract infection.

 

What Is VESIcare?

VESIcare® (solifenacin succinate) is a prescription medication used to treat certain bladder problems. In particular, VESIcare is approved to help treat the following overactive bladder symptoms:
 
  • Sudden, frequent urges to urinate (known as urinary urgency).
  • Leaking accidents (known as urinary incontinence or urge incontinence)
  • Frequent urination (known as urinary frequency).
     
(Click VESIcare Uses for more information, including possible off-label uses.)
 

Who Makes VESIcare?

VESIcare is made jointly by Astellas Pharma US, Inc. and GlaxoSmithKline.
 

How Does VESIcare Work?

VESIcare belongs to a group of drugs known as antimuscarinic or anticholinergic medications. It works by blocking specific receptors in the bladder, called muscarinic receptors, which helps the muscles of the bladder to relax. Since an overactive bladder is often due to muscle contractions that are too frequent and uncontrollable, VESIcare can help relieve many associated symptoms.
 

Effects of VESIcare

Studies have shown VESIcare to be effective in relieving many of the symptoms of an overactive bladder. In clinical studies, people who took the drug significantly reduced the frequency of wetting accidents and needed to urinate less frequently. Also, people who took VESIcare were able to pass more urine each time they used the bathroom (the frequent muscle contractions of an overactive bladder usually prevent the bladder from holding a normal amount of urine).
 

When and How to Take VESIcare

General considerations for when and how to take VESIcare include the following:
 
  • The medication comes in tablet form. It is taken just once a day.
     
  • You can take VESIcare with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
     
  • VESIcare should be taken at the same time each day in order to maintain an even level in your blood.
     
  • For the medication to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. VESIcare will not work if you stop taking it.
     

Dosing Information for VESIcare

The dose of VESIcare that your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
 
  • How you respond to VESIcare
  • Other medications you may be taking
  • Other medical conditions you may have.
     
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
 
(Click VESIcare Dosage for more information.)
 

Side Effects of VESIcare

As with any medicine, side effects are possible with VESIcare. However, not everyone who takes the drug will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
 
Common side effects of VESIcare include but are not limited to:
 
(Click VESIcare Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects that you should report immediately to your healthcare provider.)
 

Drug Interactions With VESIcare

VESIcare may potentially interact with a number of other medications (see VESIcare Drug Interactions).
 

VESIcare: What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider?

You should talk with your healthcare provider prior to taking VESIcare if you have:
 
  • Liver disease, including liver failure, cirrhosis, or hepatitis
  • Kidney disease, such as kidney failure (renal failure)
  • Glaucoma
  • Digestive problems (especially problems that cause a slowing of food through the digestive tract)
  • Difficulty passing urine
  • An enlarged prostate (also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH)
  • Any allergies, including allergies to food, dyes, or preservatives.
     
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you are:
 
  • Pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant
  • Breastfeeding.
     
Make sure to tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
 
(Click VESIcare Warnings and Precautions to learn more, including information on who should not take the drug.)
 

What If I Take an Overdose of VESIcare?

A overdose of VESIcare would likely cause the usual side effects of the drug, but perhaps more severely. In some cases, the symptoms may become dangerous.
 
If you happen to overdose on VESIcare, seek immediate medical attention.
 
(Click VESIcare Overdose for more information.)
 

How Should VESIcare Be Stored?

VESIcare should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. The tablets should be stored in an airtight container.
 
Keep VESIcare and all other medications out of the reach of children.
 

What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose of VESIcare?

If you do not take your VESIcare as scheduled, take your missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular schedule. Do not take a double dose.
 

Strengths of VESIcare

VESIcare tablets come in the following strengths:
 
  • VESIcare 5 mg
  • VESIcare 10 mg.
     

Is There a Generic Version of VESIcare?

Currently, there is no generic version of VESIcare licensed for sale (see Generic VESIcare).
 
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;