Vesicare Special Precautions

The patient should talk to the doctor or pharmacist before taking Vesicare: if the patient has trouble emptying the bladder (= bladder obstruction) or has difficulty in passing urine (e.g. a thin urine flow) [Risk of accumulation of urine in the bladder (urinary retention) is much higher]; if the patient has some obstruction of the digestive system (constipation); if the patient is at risk of the digestive system slowing down (stomach and bowel movements) [The doctor will have informed the patient if this is the case]; if the patient suffers from severe kidney disease; if the patient has moderate liver disease; if the patient has a stomach tear (hiatus hernia) or heartburn; if the patient has a nervous disorder (autonomic neuropathy).
Changes in the electrical activity of the heart (ECG) and irregular heartbeat (Torsade de Pointes) have been reported in patients with risk factors, such as pre-existing abnormal ECG and high levels of potassium.
The doctor should be informed if the patient has or ever had any of the previously mentioned conditions before treatment with Vesicare starts.
Anaphylactic reactions (the symptoms include hives, difficulty breathing, abdominal cramps, rapid heartbeat and feeling faint), which could be life threatening, have been reported in some patients taking VESICARE. If any of these symptoms are experienced, stop taking Vesicare and see the doctor immediately.
Angioedema (skin allergy that results in the swelling that occurs in the tissue just below the surface of the skin) with airway obstruction (difficulty in breathing) has been reported in some patients on Vesicare. If angioedema occurs, Vesicare should be discontinued immediately and appropriate therapy and/or measures should be taken.
Before starting Vesicare, the doctor will assess whether there are other causes for the need to pass urine frequently (for example heart failure (insufficient pumping power of the heart) or kidney disease). If the patient has a urinary tract infection, the doctor will prescribe an antibiotic (a treatment against particular bacterial infections).
Vesicare contains lactose: This medicine should not be used if the patient has a rare hereditary problem of galactose intolerance, Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption.
Driving and using machines: Vesicare may cause blurred vision and sometimes sleepiness or tiredness. If suffering from any of these side effects, do not drive or operate machinery.
Use in Children: Vesicare is not to be used in children or adolescents under 18 years.