Page 97 - Urological Health

Table 2. Examples of types of overactive bladder medications available in Canada.

Trade name Generic name Dose Number of times per day
Ditropan (also comes as an Oxybutynin
extended release pill,
and a skin patch) 2.5-5 mg Once to three times
Detrol LA (also comes as an Tolterodine ER
immediate release pill) 2-4 mg Once
Enablex Darifenacin 7.5-15 mg Once
Toviaz Fesoterodine 4-8 mg Once
Trosec Tropsium 20 mg Twice
Vesicare Solifenacin 5-10 mg Once
Myrbetriq Mirabegron 25-50 mg Once

Common side effects for anticholinergic medications:
• Dry mouth
• Constipation
UNDER REVIEW
• Blurred vision
• Dry eyes
• Headache
• Upset stomach
Not everyone has these side effects. If you experience bothersome dry mouth, you can try alcohol-
free mouthwash, oral lubricants or sugar-free lozenges or gum. If constipation becomes a problem,
increase your intake of dietary fibre or try over-the-counter laxatives or stool softeners. There may be
other side effects that should be discussed with your doctor. These medications should not be taken
if you have an untreated closed angle glaucoma of the eye, urinary retention (an inability to empty the
bladder properly) or certain stomach problems.

Surgery for stress incontinence

For your urethral sphincter to work properly, it must be correctly supported by the surrounding tissues,
and the sphincter muscle itself must be working properly.The sphincter muscle may not work properly
if it’s been damaged by previous surgery, or if the sphincter is not properly supported by the tissue of
the vagina and pelvis. There are different types of surgery to improve the function of the urethral
sphincter by restoring support to the urethral sphincter.

Urethral bulking treatments: This is when semi-solid material is injected into the urethra, often
through a cystoscope. This material helps the urethral sphincter close. This procedure is not very
invasive, and in some women may be the best option.
• However, the long-term success of this procedure is low, and many patients need multiple
treatments over time.
• Risks from this procedure usually include bleeding, infection, and an inability to urinate
after the procedure (which is usually temporary).

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