Solifenacin oral tablet side effects: A detailed guide

This article describes possible side effects of solifenacin oral tablet. You can explore this overview article to learn more about solifenacin, including the drug’s uses, side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.

Solifenacin oral tablet is a generic version of the brand-name drug Vesicare.

More common side effects of solifenacin

Solifenacin oral tablet may cause mild or serious side effects. Below are some of the more common side effects of this medication.

Commonly reported side effects of solifenacin oral tablet include:

• dry mouth
• constipation
• blurry vision
• dizziness
• urinary tract infection (UTI)

Mild side effects of solifenacin

Solifenacin may cause certain mild side effects. Most often, mild side effects are temporary and can be easily managed. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have side effects that don’t go away or become bothersome.

Mild side effects of solifenacin oral tablet that occurred in studies include:

• dry mouth
• constipation
• blurry vision
• dizziness
• urinary tract infection (UTI)
• nausea and vomiting
• indigestion
• pain in the abdomen
• dry eyes
• cough
• fatigue (low energy levels)
• flu symptoms, such as stuffy nose
• swelling in the lower legs or feet due to fluid retention
• headache
• sleepiness
• feeling confused
• mild allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of solifenacin in detail” section below.

Solifenacin oral tablet may cause more mild side effects than those listed above. For details, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Serious side effects of solifenacin

Solifenacin may cause certain serious side effects. If you have any serious side effects from solifenacin oral tablet, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency or your side effects feel life threatening, take immediate action. Call 911 or a local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Visit MedWatch’s website if you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with solifenacin.

Serious side effects of solifenacin oral tablet that occurred in studies include:

• hallucinations
• heat exhaustion or heat stroke*
• urinary retention*
• severe allergic reaction*

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects of solifenacin in detail” section below.

Download the free Optum Perks Discount Card to save up to 80% on some prescription medications.

Common questions about side effects of solifenacin

Here are answers to some common questions about side effects of solifenacin oral tablet. If you have other questions, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Is solifenacin safe for older adults?

Yes, solifenacin is safe for older adults. Older adults (age 65 years and older) were included in the drug’s clinical studies. No differences in side effects between young adults and older adults were noted.

That said, other factors can affect whether solifenacin is safe for you. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more.

Does solifenacin cause long-term side effects?

No, long-term side effects aren’t expected with solifenacin oral tablet. In studies, specific side effects weren’t seen in people who had taken the drug for a long time. Long lasting side effects after treatment ended also weren’t reported.

Talk with your doctor if you have more questions about possible long-term side effects with solifenacin.

Can solifenacin cause weight gain?

No, solifenacin doesn’t cause weight gain. This side effect was not reported in the drug’s studies.

Solifenacin can cause fluid retention, which could cause a very small amount of weight gain. Your doctor can help you figure out if this is due to solifenacin. If it is, they can recommend a treatment for your symptoms. Your doctor can also answer any additional questions or concerns you may have about your weight, including whether any medication you take could affect it.

Side effects of solifenacin in detail

Below you’ll find details on some of the side effects of solifenacin oral tablet.

Urinary retention

In studies, urinary retention was rare in people taking solifenacin oral tablet. This side effect may be serious.

With urinary retention, you’re not able to completely empty your bladder. Symptoms of urinary retention include:

• a urine stream that’s erratic or weak
• difficulty starting to urinate
• feeling as if your bladder is still full after urinating

Certain factors can increase the risk of urinary retention with solifenacin oral tablet. These include having an obstruction in your bladder.

Ways to manage

If you experience symptoms of urinary retention, tell your doctor right away. This condition needs to be treated quickly, especially if you experience extreme pain in your bladder or abdomen. Your doctor will likely recommend making an appointment so they can review your symptoms in person. They can review treatment options for your symptoms. Your doctor can also help decide whether it’s safe for you to continue taking solifenacin.

Acute (sudden) urinary retention is a medical emergency. Seek medical attention immediately if you have symptoms such as feeling an urgent need to urinate but nothing comes out, and severe pain in your bladder or abdomen.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke

In studies, heat exhaustion and heat stroke weren’t reported in people taking solifenacin oral tablet. But there have been a few rare reports since the drug was approved for use. Because these side effects can be serious, it’s important to be aware that they can occur and know how to lower your risk.

Heat exhaustion and heat stroke are similar conditions, but they have important differences:

• Heat exhaustion occurs when your body loses too much water and salt. This is usually due to sweating. Symptoms can include feeling weak, lightheaded, or dizzy and having a fast but weak pulse.
• Heat stroke is a medical emergency caused by your body losing control over its internal temperature. Symptoms can include:
  • a rapid, strong pulse
  • changes in or loss of consciousness
  • skin that’s hot, dry, moist, or red or discolored

Certain factors can raise the risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke with solifenacin oral tablet. These include spending a lot of time in a hot environment.

Ways to manage

If you have concerns about heat exhaustion or heat stroke, tell your doctor. They can review your personal risk factors and recommend ways to lower your risk.

If you develop symptoms of heat exhaustion, stop any strenuous activity (such as exercise or work) right away. If you’re outdoors, try to find a cooler location. If you’re indoors, remove a layer of clothing or use the air conditioning (if you have one) or other cooling alternatives. Contact your doctor or go to an urgent care center if you feel nauseous or begin vomiting.

Contact 911 or emergency medical help right away if you develop symptoms of heat stroke. This condition is life threatening and requires immediate treatment.

Allergic reaction

For some people, solifenacin oral tablet can cause an allergic reaction.

Symptoms can be mild or serious, and they may include:

• itchiness
• skin rash
• swelling under the skin, usually affecting eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
• swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to solifenacin oral tablet, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Warnings for solifenacin

Below are some factors you may want to discuss with your doctor before taking solifenacin oral tablet.

Warnings

It may not be safe for you to take solifenacin oral tablet if you have specific health conditions. These are sometimes called drug-condition interactions. Other things may also affect whether solifenacin oral tablet is a safe treatment option for you.

Before taking solifenacin oral tablet, tell your doctor about your health and medications you take. Things to consider include:

• chronic (long-term) constipation
• difficulty emptying your bladder
• glaucoma
• kidney condition, such as chronic kidney disease
• liver condition, such as liver cirrhosis
• long QT syndrome
• if you spend significant time in a hot environment, such as working outdoors in a hot climate
• past allergic reaction to solifenacin

Solifenacin and pregnancy

It’s not known whether solifenacin oral tablet should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.

Solifenacin and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether solifenacin oral tablet should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Solifenacin and alcohol

Solifenacin oral tablet is not known to interact with alcohol.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about whether it’s safe to consume it during your treatment with solifenacin oral tablet.

What to ask your doctor

This article describes common and serious side effects of solifenacin oral tablet. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they can discuss possible side effects with you. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about treatment with this medication.

Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How do side effects of solifenacin compare with mirabegron?
• If I have side effects from oxybutynin, am I at higher risk of side effects from taking solifenacin?
• Do other medications I take affect my risk of side effects from taking solifenacin?
• If I’m prescribed a higher solifenacin dosage, does my risk of side effects change?

Disclaimer: Optum Perks has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.