Enablex (darifenacin)

SOURCE:www.NationalMSSociety.org

Description

Darifenacin is an antispasmodic that is used to treat bladder problems such as the frequent need to urinate or loss of control of urinary function.

Proper Usage

Take only the amount of this medication that has been prescribed for you by your doctor; taking more than the prescribed amount can cause adverse effects.

If you miss a dose of this medication, take it as soon as possible. If, however, it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double dose.

Precautions

Individuals with any of the following medical problems should not take this medication: gastric retention, urinary retention, narrow-angle or uncontrolled glaucoma, or severe liver problems. Darifenacin can aggravate each of these conditions.

Darifenacin may cause changes in vision; use caution when driving or doing any activities that require alertness.

When you are taking darifenacin, it is especially important that your doctor and pharmacist know about all of the prescription and over-the-counter medications you are taking since there are several kinds of medications that can increase the effects of darifenacin.

Darifenacin may cause drying of the mouth. Since continued dryness of the mouth can increase the risk of dental disease, alert your dentist if you are taking this medication.

Use caution during exercise or hot weather. Overheating may result in heat exhaustion.

This medication has not been studied in pregnant women. However, it has been shown in animal studies that darifenacin may cause unwanted effects in the fetus. Before taking this medicine, make sure your doctor knows if you are pregnant or if you may become pregnant.

It is not known whether darifenacin passes into breast milk. Since this medication is known to pass into the milk of nursing animals, women should stop taking this drug as long as they are nursing.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects that will typically go away as your body adjusts to the medication and do not require medical attention unless they continue for a few weeks or are bothersome: acid or sour stomach; belching; difficulty having a bowel movement*; dry mouth; heartburn; indigestion; stomach discomfort upset or pain.

Less common side effects that should be reported to your physician immediately: abnormal vision*, decrease in frequency of urination; decrease in urine volume; difficulty in passing urine; dribbling; painful urination.

Symptoms of overdose: changes in vision*.