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Vesicare (Solifenacin)

Vesicare (Solifenacin) is an antimuscarinic agent prescribed primarily to treat overactive bladder, a condition characterized by a sudden, uncontrollable urge to urinate, involuntary leaking of urine (urge urinary incontinence), and a frequent need to urinate both during the day and throughout the night. Solifenacin may also be used in children aged 2 years and older (administered as an oral liquid suspension, marketed as VESIcare LS) to treat neurogenic detrusor overactivity, a bladder dysfunction in which the bladder contracts abnormally due to neurological conditions such as multiple sclerosis or spinal cord conditions.

Vesicare works by blocking acetylcholine, a chemical messenger that signals the bladder muscle to contract. By binding to specific muscarinic M3 receptors on the bladder wall, the medication prevents this chemical signal from reaching its target. This action calms involuntary muscle spasms, relaxes the bladder wall, and allows it to hold more urine, effectively reducing the sudden urge to urinate and the need to urinate frequently.

Vesicare Side Effects

While it carries considerable selectivity for muscarinic receptors on the bladder compared to older antimuscarinic agents like oxybutynin, it may still cause some unwanted side effects such as dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, nausea, indigestion with symptoms such as abdominal fullness, abdominal pain, nausea, and heartburn (dyspepsia), stomach discomfort, and decreased sweating. Contact your doctor if these mild side effects persist or worsen.

Stop taking this medication and seek immediate medical attention if you notice signs of an allergic reaction, such as breathing difficulties, a rash, itching, hives, blistering of the skin, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat. Ensure you inform your doctor about any other side effects you notice that are not listed here.

Vesicare Precautions

Do not use this medication if you currently have:
• Allergy to solifenacin, or any other ingredients in Vesicare;
• Delayed stomach emptying;
• Difficulty passing urine or urinary retention;
• Uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma;

This medication needs to be used with caution in some individuals with certain medical conditions. Before starting this medication, ensure that you inform your doctor about any prior or current medical conditions, including the following:
• Autonomic neuropathy;
• Controlled narrow-angle glaucoma (which requires ongoing monitoring while on this drug);
• Gastrointestinal disorders such as chronic constipation, intestinal blockage, and ulcerative colitis;
• Heart disease, including family history of an abnormal heart rhythm called long QT syndrome;
• Kidney disease;
• Liver disease;
• Muscle problems such as myasthenia gravis;

Concurrent use of Vesicare with other drugs with anticholinergic effects such as amitriptyline and diphenhydramine can compound systemic side effects, drastically increasing the incidence of severe dry mouth, urinary retention, and profound constipation. Likewise, medications that heavily inhibit CYP3A4 in the liver can dangerously elevate solifenacin blood concentrations, thereby increasing the risk of severe drug toxicity. Therefore, before using this medication, inform your doctor of any other medications you are currently taking, including herbal medicines and supplements, to determine whether it is safe to use with solifenacin.

There are no adequate human studies to confirm the safety of Vesicare in pregnant women. Therefore, it is generally avoided unless the benefits clearly outweigh the risks. It remains unknown whether the drug passes into human breast milk, though animal studies suggest it does and could potentially harm a breastfed infant. Also, its anticholinergic properties directly decrease maternal milk production and limit overall milk supply. As a result, a choice should be made to either stop nursing or discontinue this medication. Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from moisture, and keep it out of reach of children.

Do I need a prescription to order Vesicare?

Yes, a prescription is required from your physician to order Vesicare.