Solifenacin is used to treat symptoms of an overactive bladder, such as incontinence (loss of bladder control), a strong need to urinate right away, or a frequent need to urinate. Solifenacin works on the muscles of the bladder to prevent them from causing incontinence.

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered. To do so may increase the chance for side effects.

This medicine comes with a patient information insert. Read and follow the instructions in the insert carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Swallow the tablet whole with water. Do not crush, break, or chew it. You may take this medicine with or without food.

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

Bladder pain

bloody or cloudy urine

chills

decrease in the frequency of urination

decrease in urine volume

difficult, burning, or painful urination

difficulty in passing urine (dribbling)

fever

frequent urge to urinate

painful urination

swelling of the lower legs

unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet

chest pain or discomfort

fainting

irregular heartbeat recurrent

irregular or slow heart rate

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

rapid weight gain

shortness of breath

tingling of the hands or feet

unusual weight gain or loss

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common

Acid or sour stomach

belching

body aches or pain

congestion

cough

diarrhea

discouragement

feeling sad or empty

general feeling of discomfort or illness

headache

heartburn

hoarseness

indigestion

irritability

joint pain

lack of appetite

loss of interest or pleasure

lower back or side pain

muscle aches and pains

nervousness

pounding in the ears

runny nose

shivering

slow or fast heartbeat

sore throat

stomach discomfort, upset, or pain

sweating

tender, swollen glands in the neck

tiredness

trouble concentrating

trouble with sleeping

trouble with swallowing

upper abdominal or stomach pain

voice changes

Incidence not known

Hives or welts

itching

redness of the skin

skin rash

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to check for unwanted effects.

Solifenacin may cause a serious type of allergic reaction called angioedema. Angioedema may be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Stop taking this medicine and check with your doctor right away if you have a rash; itching; a large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs; trouble with breathing; or chest tightness while you are using this medicine.

This medicine may cause drowsiness, confusion, or blurred vision. Make sure you know how you react to this medicine before you drive, use machines, or do anything else that could be dangerous if you are not alert or not able to see well.

This medicine may make you sweat less, causing your body temperature to increase. Use extra care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather while you are taking this medicine, since overheating may result in heat stroke.

This medicine may cause constipation. Call your doctor if you get severe stomach pain or become constipated for 3 or more days.

This medicine may cause dry mouth. For temporary relief of mouth dryness, use sugarless candy or gum, melt bits of ice in your mouth, or use a saliva substitute. However, if your mouth continues to feel dry for more than 2 weeks, check with your medical doctor or dentist.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.