Toviaz Side Effects
Summary
Patients who are considering taking the drug Toviaz may have questions about what potential side effects mean for them. Most Toviaz side effects are generally mild and may include constipation, dry eyes or dry mouth. People who are taking Toviaz, or considering Toviaz treatment, should also be mindful of serious, but uncommon, side effects such as hallucinations, confusion and disorientation. Because Toviaz can also cause blurred vision, dizziness and drowsiness, patients should assess the effects of the medication before driving a vehicle or operating heavy machinery. If these side effects are persistent or serious, your doctor may recommend a different course of treatment.
Common Toviaz Side Effects
Toviaz is generally well tolerated, with most patients reporting no, or very mild, side effects. Most common Toviaz side effects come and go, and are usually only mildly uncomfortable. Let your doctor know if these side effects become persistent or particularly bothersome:
- Constipation
- Difficulty emptying the bladder
- Blurred vision
- Dry mouth
- Dry eyes
- Dry throat
- Back pain
- Cough
In most cases, common Toviaz side effects are not severe enough to warrant the discontinuation of treatment. Side effects such as dry mouth and dry throat may be alleviated with water or lozenges, and patients can use over-the-counter eye drops to make the dryness associated with Toviaz less bothersome.
Serious Toviaz Side Effects
Although serious allergic reactions are rare, they may occur if a patient is allergic to fesoterodine, the active ingredient in Toviaz. It is important to seek medical attention for a Toviaz allergic reaction as soon as possible. Patients should be mindful of the following symptoms, which may indicate a serious allergic reaction:
- Itching
- Rash
- Hives
- Difficulty breathing
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Swelling of the face, mouth, lips or tongue
Some patients may experience serious side effects while taking Toviaz. Although these Toviaz side effects are uncommon, they do occur in a small number of patients. These Toviaz side effects are serious and require medical attention:
- Fainting
- Chest pain
- Confusion
- Disorientation
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Severe dizziness
- Severe constipation
- Difficult or painful urination
- Memory problems
- Severe diarrhea
- Severe stomach pain
- Swelling of the hands, ankles or feet
- Hallucination
Toviaz In the Elderly
Toviaz may pose specific dangers for elderly patients. This is because elderly patients are often more sensitive to the effects of the drug, which increases their risk of developing Toviaz side effects such as urinary tract infections, urine retention, severe constipation, dry mouth, indigestion, heartburn and dizziness.
Elderly patients who are using Toviaz to treat their overactive bladder syndrome may require more frequent checkups and more extensive monitoring than younger patients. At-risk patients must make sure to keep all appointments with their doctor while taking Toviaz.
Toviaz and Other Medical Conditions
Toviaz may not be a suitable treatment option for overactive bladder syndrome patients that also suffer from glaucoma, delayed emptying of the stomach, liver disease or kidney disease. It is very important to let your doctor know if you have myasthenia gravis, a rare disease that causes severe muscle weakness. Any of these conditions may increase your risk for developing Toviaz side effects. Your doctor will thoroughly examine your medical history before prescribing Toviaz to avoid potential interactions or side effects.
Minimizing Toviaz Side Effects
There are a few things that patients can do to minimize or avoid uncomfortable, or potentially dangerous, side effects associated with Toviaz. Patients are cautioned against performing rigorous outdoor activities in warm weather, as Toviaz users may be more susceptible to heat exhaustion. Doctors also suggest maintaining proper dental hygiene, drinking plenty of fluids, and using sugar-free gum or hard candy to minimize thirst and dry mouth.
Patients who are suffering from overactive bladder syndrome should talk to their doctor about Toviaz. Only your doctor will be able to assess your particular needs to determine if Toviaz will be a safe and effective treatment for you. It is important to keep in mind that many patients use Toviaz with little, or no, side effects at all. The most common side effects that do occasionally occur are generally more of a nuisance than a cause for alarm. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more information on Toviaz and its side effects.
