Frequently Asked Questions about VESIcare
About Bladder Symptoms
Isn't it normal to have these bladder symptoms as you age?
What causes bladder symptoms?
Can bladder symptoms be associated with other medical conditions?
How common are these bladder symptoms?
Why don't more people seek help for these bladder symptoms?
What can be done for these bladder symptoms?
What to Ask When Considering VESIcare
How does VESIcare work?
How effective is VESIcare?
How do I take VESIcare?
Who should NOT take VESIcare?
What should I tell my doctor before starting VESIcare?
What are the most common side effects with VESIcare?
About VESIcare
What can VESIcare do for me?
I'm getting by OK now. Why should I talk to my doctor about taking a prescription medicine like VESIcare?
Does VESIcare start working right away?
Can anyone take VESIcare?
Can I take VESIcare if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
Taking VESIcare
What do the pills look like?
Do I take VESIcare with food, or on an empty stomach?
How should VESIcare be taken?
How should VESIcare be stored?
What are the most common side effects with VESIcare?
I took my first dose of VESIcare yesterday and still haven't seen an effect. Is this normal?
What if I miss a dose of VESIcare?
What if I take too much VESIcare?
Can I take VESIcare while I'm taking other medicines?
What should I tell my doctor while I am taking VESIcare?
Will my insurance cover the cost of VESIcare?
About Bladder Symptoms (Urgency, Frequency, and Leakage)
Q: Isn't it normal to have these bladder symptoms as you age?
A: These bladder symptoms are not normal at any age. They do occur more often as people get older, but that doesn't mean it's a normal part of aging. You do not have to put up with them on your own.
Q: What causes bladder symptoms?
A: Bladder symptoms have many causes. Frequency, urgency, and leakage can be caused by uncontrolled contractions of bladder muscles (overactive bladder).
Leakage when you cough, laugh, or sneeze might occur if you have weak pelvic muscles (stress incontinence). Other symptoms may be caused by:
- An infection.
- Certain types of medicine.
- Prostate problems in men.
- Some types of surgery.
Only your doctor can give you a diagnosis.
Q: Can bladder symptoms be associated with other medical problems?
A: Yes. People with overactive bladder symptoms may experience stress and anxiety, sleep disturbances, falls and bone fractures, skin rashes, and urinary tract infections.
Q: How common are these bladder symptoms?
A: These bladder symptoms are common (1 in 6 adults). More than 34 million Americans have these bladder symptoms. They happen to men and women. They can happen at any age.
Q: Why don't more people seek help for these bladder symptoms?
A: Many people don’t know that there is help for their bladder symptoms.
Q: What can be done for these bladder symptoms?
A: Doctors might suggest bladder exercises. Doctors can also prescribe medicine. A study has shown that bladder exercises along with medicine increase chances of treatment success.
What to Ask When Considering VESIcare
Q: How does VESIcare work?
A: VESIcare helps control the bladder muscle. Your urges may occur less frequently. You may leak less.
Q: How effective is VESIcare?
A: VESIcare has been approved by the FDA to treat overactive bladder symptoms like:
- urgency.
- frequency.
- leakage.
VESIcare has been proven to reduce frequent sudden urges and leakage, day and night.
Q: How do I take VESIcare?
A: You should take one pill a day, or as directed by your doctor.
Q: Who should NOT take VESIcare?
A: Do not take VESIcare if you:
- Are not able to empty your bladder (urinary retention).
- Have delayed or slow emptying of your stomach (gastric retention).
- Have an eye problem called "uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma."
- Are allergic to VESIcare or any of its ingredients.
Q: What should I tell my doctor before starting VESIcare?
A: Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- Have any stomach or intestinal problems or constipation.
- Have trouble emptying your bladder or you have a weak urine stream.
- Have an eye problem called narrow-angle glaucoma.
- Have liver problems.
- Have kidney problems.
- Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant. (It is not known if VESIcare can harm your unborn baby.)
- Are breastfeeding. (It is not known if VESIcare passes into breast milk and if it can harm your baby. You should decide whether to breastfeed or take VESIcare, but not both.)
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including:
- Prescription and nonprescription medicines.
- Vitamins.
- Herbal supplements.
VESIcare and other medicines may affect each other.
Q: What are the most common side effects with VESIcare?
A: The most common side effects with VESIcare are:
- Dry mouth.
- Constipation.
- Blurred vision.
- Indigestion.
All medicines have side effects. Tell your doctor if you have any side effects that bother you or that do not go away. These are not all the side effects with VESIcare. For more information, ask your doctor, healthcare professional, or pharmacist. Your doctor can help you manage any side effects that you might experience.
About VESIcare
Q: What can VESIcare do for me?
A: VESIcare is a once-daily prescription medicine that is proven to reduce key overactive bladder symptoms (frequent sudden urges and leakage), day and night.
Q: I'm getting by OK now. Why should I talk to my doctor about taking a prescription medicine like VESIcare?
A: Bladder symptoms may sneak up on you. You might not know the true impact they are having on your life. People with bladder symptoms might not realize how their lifestyle is being affected. Bladder control may also be a part of other medical issues. You should talk to your doctor about your concern. Discuss what treatment options are best for you.
Q: Does VESIcare start working right away?
A: You may experience symptom relief in two weeks. But some people may require several weeks longer. Stick with it. Your bladder symptoms didn't start right away. Your relief won't start right away, either.
Q: Can anyone take VESIcare?
A: No medicine is right for everyone. VESIcare is for adults. If you have certain stomach or glaucoma problems, or trouble emptying your bladder, do not take VESIcare. Only your doctor can tell you if VESIcare is right for you.
Q: Can I take VESIcare if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
A: VESIcare has not been studied in pregnant women. It is not known if VESIcare can harm your unborn baby. If you are taking VESIcare and become pregnant or are trying to become pregnant, tell your doctor. It is not known if the active ingredient in VESIcare passes into breast milk. So VESIcare should not be taken while breastfeeding.
Taking VESIcare
Q: What do the pills look like?
A: Click here to view photos of VESIcare 5-mg and VESIcare 10-mg tablets
Q: Do I take VESIcare with food, or on an empty stomach?
A: Either way. You can take VESIcare with food or on an empty stomach.
Q: How should VESIcare be taken?
A: You should take VESIcare with liquid. Swallow the tablet whole. Take one pill a day, or as directed by your doctor.
Q: How should VESIcare be stored?
A: Keep the bottle closed. Store it at room temperature. Keep VESIcare and all other medicines out of the reach of children.
Q: What are the most common side effects with VESIcare?
A: In clinical studies, the most common side effects of VESIcare were:
- Dry mouth.
- Constipation.
- Blurred vision.
- Indigestion.
These are not all the possible side effects of VESIcare. For more information, talk to your doctor.
Q: I took my first dose of VESIcare yesterday and still haven't seen an effect. Is this normal?
A: When you're just getting started with VESIcare, you may experience symptom relief as soon as two weeks. But some people may require several weeks longer. Stick with it. Your bladder symptoms didn't start right away. Your relief won't start right away, either.
Q: What if I miss a dose of VESIcare?
A: If you miss a dose of VESIcare, begin taking VESIcare again the next day. Do not take two doses of VESIcare in the same day.
Q: What if I take too much VESIcare?
A: If you take too much VESIcare or overdose, call your local Poison Control Center or emergency room right away.
Q: Can I take VESIcare while I'm taking other medicines?
A: Follow these rules when starting any new medicine. Before taking VESIcare, tell your doctor what other medicines you are taking. This includes:
- Over-the-counter medicines.
- Vitamins.
- Herbal supplements.
Q: What should I tell my doctor while I am taking VESIcare?
A:
- Tell your doctor about any side effects you may experience from taking prescription VESIcare.
- If you have a serious allergic reaction, severe abdominal pain, or become constipated for three or more days, tell your doctor right away.
- You should also tell your doctor about any changes in the medicines you are taking.
- Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or are trying to become pregnant.
Q: Will my insurance cover the cost of VESIcare?
A: Every insurance policy is different. Since VESIcare is approved by the FDA, prescription drug plans may cover it. Check with your insurance company to know your coverage benefits. If you are on Medicaid or have a lower income, you may be eligible for prescription benefits of the Together Rx Access card.
You can also join a special savings program if you take VESIcare. Click here to learn more.
