Toviaz (Fesoterodine Fumarate)

What is Toviaz?

Toviaz (fesoterodine) is an oral drug which belongs to the class of drugs known as antispasmodics. It is basically a muscarinic receptor antagonist.

What is Toviaz used for?

Toviaz is used in the treatment of overactive bladder which has symptoms like incontinence, urinary frequency and urgency. It also helps reduce the spasms of the bladder muscles.

How does Toviaz work?

Toviaz is an antispasmodic and antimuscarinic agent. It reduces muscle contractions of bladder, relaxes them and improves ability to control urination.

How to use Toviaz

Toviaz should be used in the manner prescribed by a doctor. Taking the drug for longer or in larger amount than prescribed is not desirable. The dosage depends on your medical condition and response to treatment.

Toviaz is taken orally along with water. The extended-release capsules should be swallowed whole and not opened, crushed or chewed.

Do not increase, decrease or stop your dose without consultation with doctor. However, if your condition does not improve at all or becomes worse consult your doctor immediately.

Toviaz warnings and precautions

Toviaz is not administered to patients who are allergic to fesoterodine or have untreated/uncontrolled glaucoma, blockage in urinary tract or blockage in stomach or intestines.

Before taking the medication, inform your doctor about your medical conditions, especially if you have glaucoma, kidney or liver disease, problems with urination, severe constipation, or myasthenia gravis.

Toviaz may cause blurred vision or can change your thinking and reactions. Hence, avoid activities which require alertness and clear vision while taking this drug. Also, avoid consumption of alcohol as alcohol can aggravate such side effects.

This drug decreases perspiration and makes you more susceptible to heatstroke. Therefore, avoid becoming dehydrated or overheated.

Effects of Toviaz on fetus are not known for certain. But it can pass through breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Therefore, pregnant and lactating women are advised to discuss the possible risks and benefits of taking the drug with their doctors.

What do I do if I have missed a Toviaz dose?

If you have missed a Toviaz dose, take it as soon as you remember. If, however, it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose can be skipped. Do not take a double dose.

What do I do if I have taken a Toviaz overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Toviaz, seek medical attention immediately.

Toviaz interactions

Many drugs can interact with Toviaz. Some of them are: medicines for HIV/AIDS, psychiatric disorders, migraine headaches, nausea and vomiting; antiarrhythmics, anti-malarial, antifungal drugs, antidepressants, antibiotics, conivaptan, arsenic trioxide.

It is important to inform your doctor about all the prescription/non prescription drugs/herbal medicines that you are taking, before using Toviaz.

You should not start taking any new medicine, without consulting your doctor.

Toviaz side effects

Side effects from Toviaz include allergic reactions such as swelling of tongue, face, throat, hives, redness of skin etc. Seek emergency medical attention on appearance of such symptoms. Also consult your doctor if notice any of the following serious side effects: chest pain, fast or uneven heart rate, severely decreased urination or no urination at all, swelling of hands and feet,   painful or difficult urination.

Dizziness, drowsiness, constipation, dry mouth, blurred vision, dry eyes, insomnia, dry throat, cough, stomach pain, and insomnia are some less serious side effects of Toviaz.