Frequently Asked Questions About VESIcare & OAB

A: No. Overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms of urgency, frequency and leakage are not normal at any age. They may occur more often as people get older, but that doesn't mean it's a normal part of aging, or that they can't be treated. Learn more about OAB symptoms.

A: OAB symptoms such as frequency, urgency, and leakage can be caused by uncontrolled contractions of the bladder muscle. Check out the Interactive Guide to Internal Plumbing for more information.

Talk to your doctor about your OAB symptoms. He or she can give you the correct diagnosis and suggest options that can help.

A: Overactive bladder (OAB) is a common medical condition that may affect 1 in 6 adults—that's more than 33 million Americans! OAB symptoms can occur in adults of any age—men and women alike.

A: Many people don't realize that overactive bladder is a real medical condition. For some, it takes a while to realize they have OAB symptoms in the first place. They may also feel awkward mentioning to their doctor that they're experiencing urges and leaks. Try the Doctor Conversation Guide if you need help talking to your doctor about your OAB symptoms.

A: Once a diagnosis of OAB is made, doctors might suggest Kegel exercises, other lifestyle changes, or a prescription medication like VESIcare. They can all play important roles in an effective treatment plan. Find out more in Treating OAB.

A: Medications like VESIcare are thought to work by interacting with natural body chemicals that cause the bladder muscle to contract. Learn more about how VESIcare can help in How VESIcare Works.

A: You should take one pill a day swallowed whole with liquid, or as directed by your doctor.

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 solifenacin succinate or any of the ingredients in VESIcare

A: Tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• have any stomach or intestinal problems or problems with 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
• have a rare heart problem called "QT prolongation"
• are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if VESIcare will harm your unborn baby. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
• are breast feeding or plan to breast feed. It is not known if VESIcare passes into your breast milk. You and your doctor should decide if you will take VESIcare or breast feed. You should not do both.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. VESIcare may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how VESIcare works.

A: VESIcare may cause serious side effects including:

• Serious allergic reaction. Stop taking VESIcare and get medical help right away if you have:
• hives, skin rash or swelling
• severe itching
• swelling of your face, mouth or tongue
• trouble breathing

The most common side effects of VESIcare include:

• dry mouth
• constipation. Call your doctor if you get severe stomach area (abdominal) pain or become constipated for 3 or more days.
• urinary tract infection
• blurred vision
• heat exhaustion or heat-stroke. This can happen when VESIcare is used in hot environments. Symptoms may include:
• decreased sweating
• dizziness
• tiredness
• nausea
• increase in body temperature

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of VESIcare. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

A: Yes. The recommended dose of VESIcare is 5 mg once daily. If the 5-mg dose is well tolerated, your doctor may increase the dose to 10 mg once daily.

A: VESIcare can help control the bladder muscle and is proven to treat overactive bladder (OAB) with symptoms of urges and leaks—day and night (your results may vary).

A: No, VESIcare does not have a generic form. The only way to get the active ingredient in VESIcare is to get a prescription from your doctor.

A: Lack of bladder control may also be a part of other medical issues. You should talk to your doctor about your concerns and how your bladder symptoms may be affecting your daily routine. Discuss what treatment options are best for you. Try the Doctor Conversation Guide for help getting the conversation started.

A: It may take several weeks for you to experience symptom relief. Keep taking VESIcare as prescribed and talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have. If you're looking for ways to get the most you can from your treatment, try the Vantage Program^SM from VESIcare for valuable savings* and ongoing support.

A: No medicine is right for everyone. VESIcare is for adults. Only your doctor can tell you if VESIcare is right for you.

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 solifenacin succinate or any of the ingredients in VESIcare

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.

A: Click here to view photos of VESIcare 5-mg and VESIcare 10-mg tablets.

A: Either way. You can take VESIcare with food or on an empty stomach.

A: You should take VESIcare with liquid. Swallow the tablet whole. Take one pill a day, or as directed by your doctor.

A: Keep the bottle closed. Store it at room temperature. Keep VESIcare and all other medicines out of the reach of children.

A: VESIcare may cause serious side effects including:

• Serious allergic reaction. Stop taking VESIcare and get medical help right away if you have:
• hives, skin rash or swelling
• severe itching
• swelling of your face, mouth or tongue
• trouble breathing

The most common side effects of VESIcare include:

• dry mouth
• constipation. Call your doctor if you get severe stomach area (abdominal) pain or become constipated for 3 or more days.
• urinary tract infection
• blurred vision
• heat exhaustion or heat-stroke. This can happen when VESIcare is used in hot environments. Symptoms may include:
• decreased sweating
• dizziness
• tiredness
• nausea
• increase in body temperature

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all the possible side effects of VESIcare. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

A: When you're just getting started with VESIcare, it may take several weeks to see an improvement in your symptoms. Don't give up. Keep taking VESIcare as prescribed and talk to your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.

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.

A: If you take too much VESIcare or overdose, call your local Poison Control Center or go to an emergency room right away.

A: Before starting on VESIcare, tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. While taking VESIcare, tell your doctor or healthcare professional about all changes in the medicines you are taking including prescription and nonprescription medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements. VESIcare may affect the way other medicines work, and other medicines may affect how VESIcare works.

• Tell your doctor about any side effects you may experience from taking 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

A: Every insurance policy is different, but many plans may cover VESIcare. Check with your insurance company to know your coverage benefits. If you are enrolled in a public health insurance program or need assistance paying for your prescriptions, you may be eligible for prescription benefits from "Astellas Reimbursement Services." You can also join the Vantage Program^SM from VESIcare. It offers ongoing savings* and resources—all free.