solifenacin
Solifenacin succinate, also known by the brand name Vesicare, is an anticholinergic medication that's used to treating certain bladder problems. The brand-name and generic tablets help treat overactive bladder in adults. A liquid suspension under the brand name Vesicare LS is also available for children with neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) (urinary incontinence due to a neurologic problem). This medication is taken by mouth once per day. The most common side effects are dry mouth and constipation.
What is Solifenacin (Vesicare)?
What is Solifenacin (Vesicare) used for?
- Overactive bladder in adults - tablets only
- Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) (urinary incontinence due to a neurologic problem) in children ages 2 years and older - liquid only
How Solifenacin (Vesicare) works
Solifenacin (Vesicare) is an antimuscarinic medication. It's more commonly known as an anticholinergic. This is because antimuscarinics and anticholinergics work very similarly to each other.
Solifenacin (Vesicare) blocks a chemical in the body called acetylcholine from attaching to muscarinic receptors in the bladder. This causes your bladder muscles to relax. The medication helps you to go to the bathroom less often and have better control of urination.
Drug facts
Side effects of Solifenacin (Vesicare)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
Less Common Side Effects
- Blurry vision
- Dry eye
- Nausea
- Upset stomach or indigestion
- Fatigue
- Dizziness
- Urinary tract infection
Solifenacin (Vesicare) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Angioedema (severe swelling): swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing
- Abnormal heart rhythm: chest pounding, fast heartbeat, irregular heartbeat, chest pain, short of breath, feeling faint or lightheaded
The following Solifenacin (Vesicare) side effects have also been reported
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
bloody or cloudy urine
blurred vision
chills
decrease in the frequency of urination
decrease in urine volume
difficult, burning, or painful urination
dizziness
frequent urge to urinate
headache
lower back or side pain
nervousness
pounding in the ears
slow or fast heartbeat
swelling of the lower legs
unusual tiredness or weakness
Incidence not known
Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
body aches or pain
chest pain or discomfort
confusion
decreased or increased sweating
discouragement
fainting
feeling sad or empty
general feeling of discomfort or illness
hives or welts, itching, skin rash
hoarseness
irregular heartbeat recurrent
irritability
joint pain
lack of appetite
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
loss of interest or pleasure
muscle aches and pains
redness of the skin
runny or stuffy nose
seeing, hearing, or feeling things that are not there
shivering
tender, swollen glands in the neck
tingling of the hands or feet
trouble concentrating
trouble with sleeping
trouble with swallowing
unusual weight gain or loss
voice changes
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:
More common
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.
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Pros and cons of Solifenacin (Vesicare)
Pros
- Only taken once per day, with or without food
- Comes as a tablet and a liquid suspension
- Liquid suspension available for children as young as 2 years old
Cons
- Commonly causes dry mouth
- Liquid suspension is brand name only
- Not a good option for people who have trouble urinating or certain gut problems
Pharmacist tips for Solifenacin (Vesicare)
- You can take solifenacin (Vesicare) with or without food. Sometimes, the medication can upset your stomach. If this happens, you can try taking it with food to help lessen this side effect.
- Swallow solifenacin tablets (Vesicare) whole. Don't chew, cut, or crush them. Talk to your prescriber if you're having trouble swallowing the tablets whole.
- Solifenacin (Vesicare) can cause dry mouth and dry skin. Staying hydrated and chewing sugar-free gum can help you manage dry mouth. And moisturizing your skin often and avoiding harsh soaps can help with dry skin.
- Solifenacin (Vesicare) can cause dizziness, sleepiness, and blurry vision. Don't drive, operate machinery, or do anything that requires concentration until you know how this medication affects you. It's best to avoid drinking alcohol while you're taking solifenacin (Vesicare) because alcohol can worsen sleepiness.
- Solifenacin (Vesicare) can make you sweat less, which can put you at risk for getting overheated easily, especially when it's hot. To avoid overheating, try not to be outside during the hottest time of the day and avoid dehydrating beverages, like alcohol.
- Tell your healthcare team if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant. It's not completely known whether solifenacin (Vesicare) can harm your unborn baby.
- Let your primary care provider know if you're breastfeeding or planning to nurse. Taking solifenacin (Vesicare) for a long time can lower your milk supply. It's also possible for your baby to have side effects from the medication. Your care team can recommend safe feeding options while you're taking solifenacin (Vesicare).
More tips for the solifenacin liquid suspension (Vesicare LS):
- Shake the bottle well to mix the medication before you draw up the dose into an oral syringe.
- Only use the oral syringes from the pharmacy to measure out the dose. Ask the pharmacy for extras if you need to. Don't use household spoons to measure and take the dose. Household spoons might not be accurate.
- Swallow the measured dose of the liquid suspension, then drink water or milk afterwards. It's best not to take the medication at the same time as food or other drinks because it'll cause a bitter taste.
- Store the liquid suspension at room temperature and keep it in the original bottle it came in. Throw the bottle away after 28 days of opening it, even if there's still some medication left inside.
Common questions about Solifenacin (Vesicare)
Studies show that solifenacin (Vesicare) can start to lessen symptoms of overactive bladder within a month of treatment. Keep in mind that it can take a few months for you to see the best results from the medication. Speak with your prescriber if you have concerns about how well solifenacin (Vesicare) is working for you and how long it's taking to help with your symptoms.
The effects of solifenacin (Vesicare) last all day. So you can take the medication at any time of day that's most convenient for you. What's most important is that you're consistent and you take the medication at about the same time every day.
Because solifenacin (Vesicare) can cause side effects in many parts of the body, people with certain medical conditions shouldn't use the medication. For example, people with urinary retention, certain stomach problems like gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying), or eye problems like glaucoma, shouldn't use solifenacin (Vesicare). Also, people who are already taking an anticholinergic medication shouldn't use solifenacin (Vesicare). It's important to tell your care team about all of your medical conditions and medications so they can make sure solifenacin (Vesicare) is a safe choice for you.
Yes, you can take tamsulosin (Flomax) and solifenacin (Vesicare) together if they're both prescribed to you. Studies show that taking these two medications together is safe and works well for people with an enlarged prostate who have symptoms like more frequent urination, more urgent urination, and urinary incontinence (bathroom accidents).
There isn't a set amount of time that you'll need to take solifenacin (Vesicare) for. Studies show that taking solifenacin (Vesicare) for up to 1 year worked well and was safe. You'll probably continue to take the medication as long as it's helping your urinary symptoms and you're not having any significant side effects. Talk to your prescriber if you're not sure whether you still need to take solifenacin (Vesicare).
No, weight gain isn't a typical side effect of anticholinergic medications like solifenacin (Vesicare). Let your primary care provider know if you notice unusual or unexpected weight gain while you're taking solifenacin (Vesicare). They can try to help you figure out what's causing this weight gain.
Yes, anticholinergic medications like solifenacin (Vesicare) can cause constipation because they slow down the movement in your gut. In clinical trials, up to 13% of adults who took solifenacin (Vesicare) reported having constipation. You can try to prevent constipation by adding more fiber into your diet and staying hydrated. If you become constipated, there are several over-the-counter medications you can try for relief.
No, solifenacin (Vesicare) doesn't typically cause erectile dysfunction (ED). Let your primary care provider know if you experience ED. They can help identify potential causes and give recommendations for this problem.
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Risks and warnings for Solifenacin (Vesicare)
Solifenacin (Vesicare) 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.
Swelling of the face and possible breathing problems (angioedema)
Some people who took solifenacin (Vesicare) have reported experiencing an uncommon, but serious side effect called angioedema. This involves swelling in different parts of the body, including the face, throat, tongue, or around the eyes. Swelling of the tongue or throat area can be life-threatening, since it can make it hard to breathe. Go to the emergency room right away if you suddenly can't breathe or notice swelling around your face or throat.
Side effects related to the nervous system
- Risk factors: Taking other medications that cause nervous system side effects
Solifenacin (Vesicare) can cause sleepiness, dizziness, headache, and confusion. It might also cause hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't real). Watch for side effects particularly after you start the medication and after your dose gets raised. Let your care team know if you have any of these side effects, especially if they affect your usual daily activities. Don't drive or do any activities that require a lot of attention until you know how solifenacin (Vesicare) makes you feel.
Be sure your care team knows about the other medications you take or plan to take. Taking solifenacin (Vesicare) with other medications that can make you tired can make side effects like sleepiness and dizziness worse. This can raise your risk for falls or other accidents.
Caution in people with digestive system problems
Solifenacin (Vesicare) typically isn't recommended for people with health conditions that cause slowed gut movement. And people with blockages in their gut can't take this medication at all. This is because solifenacin (Vesicare) can slow the gut even more and worsen the digestive condition.
Let your primary care provider know if you have any problems with the digestive system, like gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying). Your care team can check to see whether solifenacin (Vesicare) is safe for you.
Caution in people with glaucoma
Before you start taking solifenacin (Vesicare), let your primary care provider know if you have glaucoma so they can discuss the risks and benefits of this medication. Solifenacin (Vesicare) can worsen a certain type of glaucoma.
If you have glaucoma and you do take solifenacin (Vesicare), tell your ophthalmologist that you're taking this medication so they know to follow up with you more closely. You might need to get eye exams done more often to check your eye health.
QT prolongation (heart rhythm problem)
- Risk factors: History of QT prolongation | Taking other medications that cause this same heart rhythm problem | Taking higher-than-recommended doses of solifenacin (Vesicare)
Some people who took solifenacin (Vesicare) at higher-than-recommended doses had changes to their heart rhythm called QT prolongation. This happens when it takes longer than usual for your heart to pump and then relax. Call 911 right away if you feel your chest pounding, have chest pain, have shortness of breath, or feel faint or lightheaded while you're taking this medication. These can be signs of irregular heart rhythm.
Solifenacin (Vesicare) generally isn't recommended for people who are at risk for QT prolongation, including people who have abnormal electrolyte levels or who take other medications that cause QT prolongation.
Solifenacin (Vesicare) dosage
Interactions between Solifenacin (Vesicare) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. When you are taking this medicine, it is especially important that your healthcare professional know if you are taking any of the medicines listed below. The following interactions have been selected on the basis of their potential significance and are not necessarily all-inclusive.
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.
- Bepridil
- Cisapride
- Dronedarone
- Fluconazole
- Itraconazole
- Ketoconazole
- Mesoridazine
- Nelfinavir
- Pimozide
- Piperaquine
- Posaconazole
- Potassium
- Saquinavir
- Sparfloxacin
- Terfenadine
- Thioridazine
- Ziprasidone
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.
- Alfuzosin
- Amiodarone
- Amisulpride
- Amitriptyline
- Amoxapine
- Anagrelide
- Apomorphine
- Aripiprazole
- Aripiprazole Lauroxil
- Arsenic Trioxide
- Asenapine
- Astemizole
- Azithromycin
- Bedaquiline
- Buprenorphine
- Bupropion
- Buserelin
- Ceritinib
- Chloroquine
- Chlorpromazine
- Ciprofloxacin
- Citalopram
- Clarithromycin
- Clofazimine
- Clomipramine
- Clozapine
- Crizotinib
- Cyclobenzaprine
- Dabrafenib
- Dasatinib
- Degarelix
- Delamanid
- Desipramine
- Deslorelin
- Deutetrabenazine
- Disopyramide
- Dofetilide
- Dolasetron
- Domperidone
- Donepezil
- Doxepin
- Droperidol
- Ebastine
- Efavirenz
- Encorafenib
- Entrectinib
- Eribulin
- Erythromycin
- Escitalopram
- Famotidine
- Felbamate
- Fingolimod
- Flecainide
- Fluoxetine
- Formoterol
- Foscarnet
- Fosphenytoin
- Fostemsavir
- Galantamine
- Gatifloxacin
- Gemifloxacin
- Glasdegib
- Glucagon
- Glycopyrrolate
- Glycopyrronium Tosylate
- Gonadorelin
- Goserelin
- Granisetron
- Halofantrine
- Haloperidol
- Histrelin
- Hydroquinidine
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Hydroxyzine
- Ibutilide
- Iloperidone
- Imipramine
- Inotuzumab Ozogamicin
- Ivabradine
- Ivosidenib
- Lapatinib
- Lefamulin
- Lenvatinib
- Levofloxacin
- Lofexidine
- Lopinavir
- Lumefantrine
- Macimorelin
- Mefloquine
- Methacholine
- Methadone
- Methotrimeprazine
- Metronidazole
- Mifepristone
- Mirtazapine
- Mizolastine
- Moricizine
- Moxifloxacin
- Nafarelin
- Nilotinib
- Norfloxacin
- Nortriptyline
- Octreotide
- Ofloxacin
- Olanzapine
- Ondansetron
- Osilodrostat
- Osimertinib
- Oxaliplatin
- Ozanimod
- Paliperidone
- Panobinostat
- Papaverine
- Paroxetine
- Pasireotide
- Pazopanib
- Pentamidine
- Perphenazine
- Pimavanserin
- Pipamperone
- Pitolisant
- Ponesimod
- Probucol
- Procainamide
- Prochlorperazine
- Promethazine
- Propafenone
- Protriptyline
- Quetiapine
- Quinidine
- Quinine
- Ranolazine
- Revefenacin
- Ribociclib
- Risperidone
- Scopolamine
- Secretin Human
- Selpercatinib
- Sertindole
- Sertraline
- Sevoflurane
- Siponimod
- Sodium Phosphate
- Sodium Phosphate, Dibasic
- Sodium Phosphate, Monobasic
- Sorafenib
- Sotalol
- Sulpiride
- Sultopride
- Sunitinib
- Tacrolimus
- Tamoxifen
- Telavancin
- Tetrabenazine
- Tiotropium
- Tolterodine
- Toremifene
- Trazodone
- Triclabendazole
- Trifluoperazine
- Trimipramine
- Triptorelin
- Vandetanib
- Vardenafil
- Vemurafenib
- Venlafaxine
- Vilanterol
- Vinflunine
- Voclosporin
- Voriconazole
- Vorinostat
- Zotepine
- Zuclopenthixol
How much does Solifenacin (Vesicare) cost?
Solifenacin (Vesicare) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Solifenacin (Vesicare) will not be safe for you to take.
- Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma
- Can't urinate or completely empty your bladder (urinary retention), such as with prostate problems
- Stomach or intestinal blockage
What are alternatives to Solifenacin (Vesicare)?
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