Overactive bladder, or OAB, can wreak havoc on people who deal with it on a daily basis. It can make one feel as though they are trapped at home due to the frequent need to urinate, or that they simply can’t go on long trips or go out with friends due to the fear of having an accident.
While some believe it is due to age and there’s nothing they can do about OAB, there is help on the horizon with the VESIcare prescription medication on the market. This medical condition can be treated with a product such as this to help patients get back to living their lives as they wish without the concern of embarrassing accidents.
What is VESIcare?
VESIcare works to help block a certain enzyme called acetylcholine from binding to the receptors that are on the bladder. This enzyme causes the bladder to contract which in turn makes the patient have the urge to go to the bathroom more frequently.
Overactive bladder is when the bladder muscle is contracting more than normal and it causes the urgency and frequency of going to the bathroom. It can also cause embarrassing leaking accidents if the patient cannot get to the restroom in time such as in the vehicle or at dinner. This medication helps to blog the enzyme from bonding to those receptors and in turn keeping the bladder relaxed more often.
What are the Benefits of VESIcare Treatment?
VESIcare can help to manage the symptoms of OAB in patients who have been dealing with these side effects for any length of time. The benefits of this treatment include:
- Reducing the urgency to go to the bathroom – those dealing with OAB have the strong urge that they have to get to the restroom right away.
- Reduce embarrassing leakage accidents – the product works to reduce those embarrassing leakage accidents that can happen due to coughing, sneezing, laughing, or not being able to get to a restroom in time.
- Reduce Frequency of trips – if someone is feeling the urge to go to the bathroom over eight times a day, this can be a sign of OAB. This medication works to help reduce the frequency of the trips needed daily, thus giving the patient a rest from constant running to the restroom.
What is the Dosage Most Recommended?
The physician will prescribe the best dosage for a particular patient’s case of OAB but the most recommended dosage is a 5 mg pill once a day. If this seems to be tolerated well by the patient, then the doctor may increase the dosage upwards to a 10 mg pill once a day. It will depend on the particular case and what dosage is best for the person involved.
What Important Safety Information Should Be Considered?
As with any prescription medication, there are some facts that should be considered before taking this particular medicine. The physician will advise each individual consumer as to their best interest but here are some facts to be aware of:
- Those who suffer from stomach problems should not take this medication
- If a patient has glaucoma, this is not recommended for use
- Those who have trouble emptying the bladder should not take this product
- If a patient suffers from gastric retention, this product should be avoided
- Those with liver or kidney problems should also avoid this product
Common Side Effects to Be Aware of with VESIcare
As with any type of medication, whether over the counter or prescription, there are some side effects to be aware of. They can be serious or just small so it’s important to be an informed consumer. Here are some of the side effects that consumers who take this product should know are:
- Dry mouth can occur with taking this medication
- Some consumers notice more frequency of urinary tract infections
- Constipation can occur. However, if it lasts more than three days in a row, a call to the doctor is warranted.
- Some consumers experience blurred vision
- If using VESIcare while in very hot areas, heat exhaustion or stroke can occur.
- A serious reaction can occur if consumers are allergic to ingredients in the product. These symptoms include hives, rashes, swelling of the face or mouth, or trouble breathing. If any of these effects occur, patients should seek medical attention quickly.
How Long Before Results Show Up?
Most patients start to see results within a few weeks of taking the medication. As with all types of medicine, this product needs time to get into the body’s system and do its job. This is not something that is immediate so patients should give ample time to work before deciding it isn’t going to.
What is the Cost?
As with most prescription medications, the cost of VESIcare will vary. It depends on the insurance coverage the patient who is taking the product has. There is a program offered through the product called Momentum that can assist with savings and information on managing the overactive bladder symptoms.
What Does the VESIcare Momentum Program Include?
The program offers assistance to patients taking VESIcare with a variety of savings, discounts, and tips on how to manage the OAB they are suffering from. Here are just a few ideas that the Momentum program provides:
- Information on OAB and how to manage the symptoms the consumer is facing. It also recommends tips on how to talk with the physician to address the OAB symptoms the consumer is dealing with. It advises on questions to ask the doctor as the discussion is taking place.
- Recipes that can assist with managing the OAB symptoms
- Savings on the price of VESIcare for those who have commercial insurance coverage and need assistance in buying the prescription.
For those dealing with overactive bladder symptoms, VESIcare may help to reduce the symptoms and help consumers get back to the life they want to live. It will reduce the frequency to go, the urgency and stop those embarrassing leaks.
