Fesoterodine fumarate (Toviaz) is an anticholinergic urinary antispasmodic. It relieves symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) in adults. Brand name Toviaz is also approved to treat neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in children. Fesoterodine (Toviaz) is an extended-release tablet that's taken by mouth once a day. Some side effects of this medication include dry mouth and constipation.
Overactive bladder (OAB) in adults
Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in children ages 6 years and older - brand Toviaz only
Fesoterodine (Toviaz) is an anticholinergic medication that blocks acetylcholine. This is a chemical in the body that affects different bodily functions, including telling the bladder muscles to tighten so you can urinate. By blocking acetylcholine, fesoterodine (Toviaz) relaxes the bladder muscles so you have better control over urination.
Source: DailyMed
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common
Bladder pain
bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
bloody or cloudy urine
body aches or pain
burning feeling while urinating
chills
decrease in frequency of urination
decrease in urine volume
difficult or painful urination
difficulty in breathing
difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)
ear congestion
frequent urge to urinate
headache
loss of voice
lower back or side pain
rapid weight gain
tingling of the hands or feet
unusual tiredness or weakness
unusual weight gain or loss
Incidence not known
Blurred vision
fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Taken by mouth
Taken once a day
Available as a lower-cost generic
Interacts with many medications
Can cause dry mouth and constipation
Can't be used by people with an allergy to tolterodine (Detrol)
You can take fesoterodine (Toviaz) with or without food. Swallow the capsules whole and take them with a liquid. Don't break, crush, or chew them.
Fesoterodine (Toviaz) can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and blurry vision. Drinking alcohol can worsen these side effects. Don't drive or do anything that requires you to focus until you know how this medication affects you.
Fesoterodine (Toviaz) can make your mouth feel dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking on a hard candy can help. Be sure to drink plenty of water.
Be careful in hot weather. Fesoterodine (Toviaz) can make you sweat less. This can lead to heat exhaustion because sweating helps your body cool down.
If you forget to take your dose of fesoterodine (Toviaz), just skip it and take your next scheduled dose. Never take two tablets in the same day because this can cause dangerous side effects.
Fesoterodine (Toviaz) interacts with many medications. These include anticholinergics, ketoconazole, clarithromycin, and more. Your provider might need to adjust your doses, so make sure to tell them all of the medications you're taking.
Fesoterodine (Toviaz) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Fesoterodine (Toviaz) can cause swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat due to an allergic reaction. This can make it hard to breathe and it can happen after taking the first dose or after taking multiple doses. If you experience these symptoms, stop taking the medication and get emergency medical help right away.
Risk factors: History of bladder problems | History of stomach or intestine problems | Severe constipation
People who have a blockage in the bladder shouldn't take fesoterodine (Toviaz). This medication can make it difficult for you to empty your bladder fully, which can lead to kidney injury and other complications. In addition, don't take fesoterodine (Toviaz) if you have blockages in your stomach or intestines. Fesoterodine (Toviaz) can slow down your digestion, which can make your stomach symptoms worse.
Risk factors: History of narrow-angle glaucoma
Fesoterodine (Toviaz) can cause changes to your vision. This is more likely to happen if you have glaucoma. Fesoterodine (Toviaz) isn't recommended if you have a condition called uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma. Check with your provider if you're unsure what type of glaucoma you have.
Risk factors: Drinking alcohol | Taking other medications that make you less alert | Age 65 years or older
Fesoterodine (Toviaz) can make you feel dizzy, drowsy, or less alert, particularly when you first start the medication or raise your dose. Don't drive or do things that require you to focus until you know how this medication affects you.
If you have myasthenia gravis, a condition which causes your muscles to feel weak, talk to your provider before taking fesoterodine (Toviaz) because it can worsen your symptoms.
Overactive bladder (adults): The typical starting dose is 4 mg by mouth once a day. Your provider might raise your dose to 8 mg once a day depending on how you respond to the medication.
Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (children ages 6 years and older, weighing at least 25 kg): The typical dose is 4 mg by mouth once a day. If needed, your child's provider might raise their dose to 8 mg once a day depending on how your child responds to the medication.
Your dose might differ if you have kidney problems or if you're taking certain medications that interact with fesoterodine (Toviaz).
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
Allergic reaction to tolterodine (Detrol)
Blockage in the bladder (urinary retention)
Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma
Overactive bladder (OAB) in adults
Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in children ages 6 years and older - brand Toviaz only
Overactive bladder
Incontinence in children due to a neurologic (brain) condition, such as spina bifida
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AvKARE. (2021). Fesoterodine fumarate- fesoterodine fumarate tablet, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.
Cameron, A. P., et al. (2024). The AUA/SUFU Guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic overactive bladder (2024). Journal of Urology.
Goldman, H. B., et al. (2011). Early onset of fesoterodine efficacy in subjects with overactive bladder. British Journal of Urology International.
Haab, F. (2014). Chapter 1: The conditions of neurogenic detrusor overactivity and overactive bladder. Neurourology and Urodynamics.
Pfizer Laboratories Div Pfizer Inc. (2024). Toviaz- fesoterodine fumarate tablet, film coated, extended release [package insert]. DailyMed.
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