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.

VESIcare Drug Information

What Is VESIcare?

VESIcare^® (solifenacin succinate) is a prescription medication used to treat certain bladder problems. In particular, it 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?

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

How Does It 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

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 it 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).

VESIcare Article Continues on Next Page >