Vesicare LS, Vesicare
Solifenacin
Solifenacin (sol i FEN a sin) is a generic medication prescribed for overactive bladder symptoms in adults. It treats symptoms such as needing to urinate often or urgently and accidentally leaking urine. Solifenacin belongs to a group of drugs called anticholinergics.
Solifenacin (sol i FEN a sin) is a generic medication prescribed for overactive bladder symptoms in adults. It treats symptoms such as needing to urinate often or urgently and accidentally leaking urine. Solifenacin belongs to a group of drugs called anticholinergics.
- Generic
- • Tablet
- • 5mg
- • 30 Tablets
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Introduction
This article describes solifenacin’s uses, side effects, and more. Below you’ll also find some coupon options to help save on the cost of solifenacin.
Side effects of solifenacin
Solifenacin may cause mild or serious side effects. More common mild side effects of solifenacin and its serious side effects are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible side effects of the drug. Side effects can vary based on your age, overall health, and any other medications you take.
To learn more about solifenacin’s side effects, you can read the prescribing information* for solifenacin.
* To view solifenacin’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
Mild side effects
More common mild side effects reported with solifenacin are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To learn more about solifenacin’s side effects, see the drug’s prescribing information.*
With many drugs, mild side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If the side effects are bothersome, tell your doctor or pharmacist. They may be able to suggest ways to manage them.
Solifenacin oral tablet’s mild side effects include:
- dry mouth
- constipation
- urinary tract infection (UTI)
- blurry vision
- mild allergic reaction†
* To view solifenacin’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for solifenacin” section below.
Serious side effects
Serious side effects of solifenacin are listed below. This article doesn’t include all possible serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about solifenacin’s side effects, see the drug’s prescribing information.*
With many drugs, serious side effects are possible but not common. If you have serious side effects from this drug, call your doctor right away. If you’re having severe symptoms or a medical emergency, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Solifenacin’s serious side effects include:
- urinary retention (being unable to fully empty your bladder)
- increased risk of heat exhaustion or heat stroke in hot environments or when exercising vigorously
- severe allergic reaction†
* To view solifenacin’s prescribing information, see the “Article resources” section below.
† For details about this side effect, see the “Interactions and warnings for solifenacin” section below.
Common questions about solifenacin
Below you’ll find answers to a few commonly asked questions about solifenacin.
What brand names are available for solifenacin?
Solifenacin is available as the brand-name drug Vesicare. If you’re interested in taking this version of solifenacin, talk with your doctor.
How does solifenacin compare with mirabegron and oxybutynin?
Solifenacin, mirabegron (Myrbetriq), and oxybutynin (Ditropan XL, Oxytrol, Gelnique) are all prescribed to treat symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB).
Solifenacin and oxybutynin belong to a group of drugs called anticholinergics. These drugs can cause similar side effects, including dry mouth, constipation, and urinary retention (being unable to fully empty your bladder).
Solifenacin is available only in forms that you take by mouth. Oxybutynin comes in forms that you take by mouth, but it’s also available in brand-name forms that are applied to the skin. You can buy some brand-name forms of oxybutynin over the counter.
Mirabegron belongs to a group of drugs called beta-3 adrenergic agonists. It works in a different way to solifenacin. Mirabegron can cause some of the same side effects as solifenacin, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs) and constipation. But mirabegron also has some different side effects, such as increased blood pressure. Doctors sometimes prescribe mirabegron and solifenacin together if one on its own isn’t effective.
For more information about how solifenacin compares with other drugs for OAB symptoms, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is solifenacin safe for older adults?
Yes, solifenacin is safe for older adults (ages 65 years and older). In studies, the drug’s side effects in this age group were similar to those in other adults.
However, solifenacin is an anticholinergic drug. Drugs in this group can cause confusion, memory loss, and worsening mental function in older adults. So solifenacin may not be suitable for older adults experiencing cognitive decline (slower or reduced ability to think) or those who have dementia (problems with thinking, memory, and communication). If you think solifenacin is affecting your mental functioning, talk with your doctor.
Older adults are also more likely to have medical conditions that could make solifenacin unsuitable. Your kidneys are responsible for removing solifenacin from your body. If you’re age 65 years or older, your doctor may prescribe a lower solifenacin dose based on your kidney function. And if you have other conditions that could make solifenacin unsafe for you, they may not prescribe it at all.
How does solifenacin work? And how long does it take to start working?
Solifenacin works by blocking the nerves that make your bladder contract. The drug starts working a few hours after you take your first dose. But it may take up to 4 weeks to reach its full effect.
Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms are caused by muscle spasms in the wall of your bladder. (A spasm is a kind of muscle contraction or tightening.) By blocking the nerves that control this muscle, solifenacin relaxes your bladder. This increases the amount of urine it can hold, which decreases the number of times you need to urinate. It also helps relieve the urgent need to urinate and reduces episodes of leaking urine.
If you have questions about how solifenacin works to treat OAB symptoms, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Can solifenacin cause weight gain or dementia?
Solifenacin isn’t known to cause weight gain. This side effect wasn’t reported in studies of the drug. Dementia (problems with thinking, memory, and communication) also wasn’t reported in studies of solifenacin. However, recent research has found that various anticholinergic drugs, including solifenacin, can increase the risk of dementia in older adults (ages 65 years and over).
If you’re concerned about the risk of particular side effects with solifenacin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also refer to the drug’s prescribing information in the “Article resources” section below.
Uses of solifenacin
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as solifenacin for certain conditions. Approved uses for solifenacin are described below.
Use for overactive bladder
Doctors may prescribe solifenacin oral tablet for treating symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB). It’s used for this purpose in adults. It’s usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
With OAB, you have muscle spasms in the wall of your bladder. (A spasm is a kind of muscle contraction or tightening.) This can cause symptoms such as urinating more often than usual. You may also have sudden urges to urinate or accidentally leak urine.
Solifenacin relaxes the muscle in your bladder, which helps reduce these symptoms of OAB.
Dosage of solifenacin
The dosage of solifenacin your doctor prescribes may vary based on your condition and certain other factors. Talk with your doctor about the dosage they recommend for you.
Taking solifenacin
Solifenacin oral tablet is swallowed with or without food.
Your doctor will talk with you about how to take solifenacin. They’ll explain how much to take and how often. Always follow your doctor’s recommendation.
Overdose of solifenacin
You should not take more solifenacin than your doctor prescribes. For some drugs, doing so may lead to serious side effects or overdose.
If you think you’ve taken too much solifenacin, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have concerning symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
Interactions and warnings for solifenacin
Below, you’ll find information about solifenacin’s possible interactions and warnings.
Interactions of solifenacin
For some medications, certain things may affect how the drug works. These include getting vaccines, consuming alcohol or certain foods, or taking the drug with other medications. This effect is called a drug interaction.
Before you take solifenacin, ask your doctor to check for possible interactions. Be sure to tell them about any of the following you take or use:
- prescription medications
- over-the-counter medications
- vitamins, herbs, or supplements
To learn about drug-condition interactions, see the “Warnings for solifenacin” section below.
Warnings for solifenacin
Some people should not take solifenacin, and others should take it cautiously.
Solifenacin could cause harm to people with certain health conditions. This effect is called a drug-condition interaction. Other factors can also affect whether solifenacin is a safe option for you.
Ask your doctor about specific warnings for solifenacin, and be sure to tell your doctor about your:
- current health, including any allergies to medications
- past health conditions or surgeries
Allergic reaction
Solifenacin can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Severe allergic reactions are rare but possible.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction to solifenacin or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe solifenacin. They can tell you about medications that are safer options for you.
A mild allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
A severe allergic reaction may cause the following symptoms:
- swelling under your skin, usually in your hands, feet, eyelids, or lips
- swelling of your mouth, throat, or tongue, which can cause breathing problems
If you have an allergic reaction to solifenacin, call your doctor right away. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding and solifenacin
Information about solifenacin and pregnancy and breastfeeding is described below.
Solifenacin and pregnancy
It’s not known whether solifenacin should be taken 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 should be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication.
Solifenacin coupon
You may be able to save money on your prescription for solifenacin by using our Perks discount coupons. They can be found at the end of this article.
If you have questions about how to pay for solifenacin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes solifenacin’s uses and dosage, ways to save on cost, and more. Let your doctor know if you have questions about solifenacin or would like more details about it.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Can solifenacin be prescribed to children with overactive bladder?
- What’s the best time of day to take solifenacin?
- Do I need to avoid any medications while taking solifenacin?
- Will solifenacin make me sleepy?
Article resources
- Food and Drug Administration. (2023). Orange Book: Approved drug products with therapeutic equivalence evaluations. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cder/ob/index.cfm
- Matta R., et al. (2022). Receipt of overactive bladder drugs and incident dementia: A population-based case-control study. https://www.eu-focus.europeanurology.com/article/S2405-4569(21)00288-1/fulltext
- Solifenacin succinate tablets, for oral use. (2023). https://nctr-crs.fda.gov/fdalabel/services/spl/set-ids/92b37f2d-b1cf-49e6-a13b-0ead92c0604c/spl-doc
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.
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