Do you sometimes feel like you spend too much time in the bathroom? You have to urinate suddenly, it's hard to control, sometimes you even wet your clothes without realizing it... This condition is really annoying and causes a lot of discomfort when you are in society, right? In medical terms, we call this 'Overactive Bladder' or overactive bladder. So, a medicine that doctors often recommend to treat this condition is Fesoterodine.
What kind of medicine is Fesoterodine?
Simply put, Fesoterodine is a medicine that relaxes the muscles in your bladder and controls its involuntary contractions. Our bladder is like a bag that collects and stores urine. It is only when the brain is informed that it is full that we feel the need to urinate. However, in the case of Overactive Bladder, the muscles in the bladder contract constantly before it is completely full. That is why we have a sudden, uncontrollable need to urinate.
Fesoterodine works by stopping those unwanted muscle contractions. This allows the bladder to hold more urine. As a result, the need to go to the bathroom frequently and the sudden release of urine are largely controlled . This medication is most commonly available under the brand name Toviaz.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Fesoterodine is not a one-size-fits-all medication. Therefore, it is important to give your doctor a complete description of your health before starting this medication. Be sure to tell them about any of the following conditions, especially if you have any:
| Your medical condition | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Difficulty urinating or urinary retention | This medicine may make it more difficult to urinate. |
| Glaucoma disease | It can increase eye pressure and worsen glaucoma. |
| Kidney disease | Since the medication is eliminated through the kidneys, the dosage may need to be adjusted. |
| Liver disease | The dosage of the medicine should be adjusted according to liver function. |
| Myasthenia Gravis | Since this is a disease that weakens the muscles, symptoms may worsen. |
| Stomach or intestinal problems (e.g., intestinal obstruction) | The functioning of the digestive system can be slowed down. |
| Allergies to other medicines, foods or substances | This is essential to prevent allergies. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | The possible effects on the fetus must be considered. |
| If you are a breastfeeding mother | You should be aware of the possibility of the medicine passing to the baby through breast milk. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
To get the most out of a medication, it is very important to use it as directed.
- This tablet should be swallowed whole with a glass of water . Never break, crush, or chew this tablet. Doing so may cause the medicine to be absorbed into the body too quickly and increase side effects.
- It's best to take your medicine at the same time every day , as your doctor tells you. Make this a part of your daily routine.
- You can take it before or after meals. If you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
- Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop. It may take several weeks to see results. So don't stop halfway.
- If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
The doctor prescribed this medicine only for you. Therefore, do not share it with anyone else just because it has helped you. Because it may harm that person.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, skip that dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once. Doing so may increase the dose and cause side effects.
Other things to keep in mind when taking the medicine
- Be careful with coffee and tea: Caffeinated tea, coffee, and some caffeinated sodas can increase your bladder activity and worsen symptoms. So it's best to cut down on these.
- Be careful when driving or operating machinery: This medicine may cause dizziness, drowsiness, and blurred vision. Therefore, avoid driving or operating dangerous machinery until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- Dry mouth and eyes: This is a common side effect of this medication. Chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water can help with dry mouth. If your eyes are dry, you may experience more discomfort if you wear contact lenses. You can ask your doctor about using lubricating eye drops.
- Be careful with extreme heat: This medicine can reduce sweating. Therefore, when you are in extremely hot places or exercise, your body temperature can rise dangerously, leading to a condition called heat stroke. Therefore, on very hot days, drink plenty of water, wear light clothing, and be careful with the sun.
What side effects might I experience?
Like any medicine, Fesoterodine can cause side effects in some people. Although most of these are minor, there are some things we should be especially aware of.
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| |
| These are usually not dangerous, but if they persist or are bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
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Take-Home Message
- Fesoterodine is a very effective medication that helps control the need to urinate frequently (overactive bladder).
- Before using this medicine, you should tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially glaucoma, kidney, or liver disease), and any other medications you are taking.
- Swallow the tablet whole with water without breaking, crushing, or chewing it. Take it at the same time every day.
- Side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, and dry mouth may occur. If you experience any serious side effects (changes in heart rate, difficulty breathing, severe allergic reaction), seek medical advice immediately.
- If you have any questions about this medication, be sure to talk to your doctor. The advice given by a doctor who knows your condition is more important than anything you search for on the internet.
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