Vesicare (Solifenacin) is used to treat overactive bladder (a condition in which the bladder muscles contract uncontrollably and cause frequent urination, urgent need to urinate, and inability to control urination). Solifenacin is in a class of medications called antimuscarinics. It works by relaxing the bladder muscles. Solifenacin (Generic) is also available for purchase. 

Solifenacin comes as a tablet to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. To help you remember to take solifenacin, take it at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take solifenacin exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablets whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Swallow the tablets with water or another liquid. Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of solifenacin and increase your dose later in your treatment. Solifenacin may help to control your symptoms but will not cure your condition. Continue to take solifenacin even if you feel well. Do not stop taking solifenacin without talking to your doctor.

Before taking solifenacin,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to solifenacin, any other medications, or corn.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, and nutritional supplements you are taking. Especially the following: amiodarone (Cordarone, Pacerone); antifungals such as fluconazole (Diflucan), clarithromycin (Biaxin); cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune); danazol (Danocrine); delavirdine (Rescriptor); dexamethasone (Decadron); fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem); fluvoxamine (Luvox); HIV protease inhibitors such as indinavir (Crixivan) and ritonavir (Norvir); rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane); sotalol (Betapace); sparfloxacin (Zagam); thioridazine (Mellaril); troglitazone (Rezulin); troleandomycin (TAO), and many others not listed here. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor what herbal products you are taking, especially St. John's wort.
• tell your doctor if you or any of your family members have or have ever had prolonged QT interval (a problem with the way electricity is conducted in the heart that may cause fainting) or unexplained fainting; and if you have or have ever had glaucoma (an eye disease that can cause vision loss); any type of blockage in the bladder or digestive system; difficulty emptying your bladder or a weak urine stream; myasthenia gravis (a disorder of the nervous system that causes muscle weakness); ulcerative colitis (a condition which causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon [large intestine] and rectum); benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH, enlargement of the prostate, a male reproductive organ); constipation; or liver or kidney disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking solifenacin, call your doctor. Do not take solifenacin while you are breastfeeding.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are taking solifenacin.
• you should know that solifenacin may cause blurred vision. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
• you should know that solifenacin may make it harder for your body to cool down when it gets very hot. Avoid exposure to extreme heat, and call your doctor or get emergency medical treatment if you have a fever or other signs of heatstroke such as dizziness, upset stomach, headache, confusion, and fast pulse after you are exposed to heat.

Solifenacin may cause side effects including but not limited to:

• dry mouth
• constipation
• stomach pain
• upset stomach
• vomiting
• heartburn
• dry eyes
• blurred vision
• extreme tiredness

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away. 

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• severe stomach pain
• constipation that lasts longer than 3 days
• painful or frequent urination
• bloody or cloudy urine
• back pain
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
• hoarseness
• difficulty breathing or swallowing

Solifenacin may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Q: Why is Vesicare prescribed?

A: Vesicare is used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder, such as frequent or urgent urination, and incontinence (urine leakage).

Q: Does Vesicare have a generic alternative?

A: Solifenacin (Generic) is available for purchase at a much lower price than the brand

Q: Are there any known drugs that interact with Vesicare?

A: Many drugs can affect solifenacin. Not all possible interactions are listed here. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using (This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbs) 

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while taking Vesicare?

A: Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired. Also, avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Solifenacin can decrease perspiration and you may be more prone to heatstroke.

Q: What if I miss a dose of Vesicare?

A: Skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time the next day. Do not take two doses of solifenacin in the same day.

Q: How should I store this medication?

A: Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).