Below is a list of frequently asked questions about DETROL LA—a treatment for overactive bladder (OAB). Be sure to talk to your healthcare professional for more information.
Q. What are the symptoms of OAB?
A. Symptoms may include:
- Frequent, sudden urges to urinate
- Often going more than 8 times in 24 hours
- Worrying about wetting accidents
DETROL LA helps calm the bladder muscle that causes those frequent, sudden urges. And it reduces wetting accidents and frequent urination. Just one pill works for 24 hours to help reduce symptoms all day and all night.* It’s the brand doctors prescribe most for OAB.† If you have symptoms of OAB, ask your doctor if DETROL LA is right for you.
Q. How long will I have to take DETROL LA?
A. There is no cure for OAB. But there are things you can do to help manage your symptoms. Taking DETROL LA as prescribed by your doctor can reduce symptoms, like frequent, strong sudden urges to go. So be sure to take your medication for as long as your doctor prescribes. If you stop taking it, symptoms may return.
It’s also important to give your body time to get the full benefit of treatment. Different people respond in different ways to DETROL LA. And, if you’ve been living with OAB, your body may have grown used to more frequent bathroom visits. Some people begin to notice results as early as the first week on the medication. Others may still need time to retrain themselves physically and mentally. In a study with DETROL LA, most patients got the best results after the first few months.
Q. How often should I take DETROL LA?
A. If your doctor has prescribed DETROL LA, be sure to follow his or her instructions for how to take it. That’s usually one pill once a day, every day. The medication can be taken at any time of day. Try to take it at the same time each day so you don’t forget.
Q. Can DETROL LA be used by elderly patients?
A. DETROL LA can be taken by patients 18 years old and older. No differences in safety were seen between older and younger adult patients taking DETROL LA in clinical studies. However, only your doctor can tell you what treatment is right for you.
Q. When will I see results?
A. Everyone is different. Some people’s symptoms begin to improve as soon as the first week that they begin treatment. Most patients continue to improve as they take DETROL LA for several months. So please be sure to give yourself enough time to see the full benefit of treatment.
In addition, if you’ve been living with OAB, your body may have grown used to more frequent bathroom visits. It may take time to recognize that your symptoms have improved. In fact, some people who take DETROL LA may be able to wait longer between bathroom visits. And they may not even know it.
You may want to talk to your doctor about your goals. Like any medicine, DETROL LA has the best chance of working well when it is used right. That’s why it is important to take your medicine as your doctor prescribes.
Q. Can I take DETROL LA while also taking other medicines?
A. You should tell your doctor if you take any other medicines before you take DETROL LA. Be sure to mention prescription and over-the-counter medicines as well as vitamins and herbal supplements. Read Important Patient Information.
Q. What if I forget to take one of my pills?
A. You should make every effort to take your medicine as prescribed. However, if you forget to take a pill, don’t double your next dose. Just take the regular dose at your next scheduled time.
Q. Is there anything I can do to help control my OAB symptoms in addition to taking DETROL LA?
A. Yes, in addition to taking your medicine as prescribed by your doctor, there is more you can do to get the most out of treatment. If you’ve been living with OAB, your body may have grown used to more frequent bathroom visits. So you can work to retrain yourself to wait longer between bathroom breaks. You can also work to strengthen your pelvic floor muscles to help stop urine from leaking.
In addition, you can make some lifestyle changes to help you get the most benefit from treatment with DETROL LA. These may include losing weight, quitting smoking, and avoiding certain foods and beverages that may bother your bladder.
This Web site provides helpful tips on other things you can do to help control your symptoms by retraining your bladder and adding pelvic floor muscle exercises and lifestyle changes.
*Individual results may vary.
†IMS Health National Prescription Audit (NPA), based on total prescriptions from October 2001 to February 2007.
DETROL® LA (tolterodine tartrate extended release capsules) treats the symptoms of overactive bladder (leaks, strong sudden urges to go, going too often).
You should not take DETROL LA if you have certain types of stomach problems, glaucoma, or if you have trouble passing urine. The most common side effect is dry mouth. Other side effects may include headache, constipation, and abdominal pain.
DETROL LA has both benefits and risks. There may be other options. Ask your doctor if DETROL LA is right for you.
To learn more about DETROL LA, please see Full Prescribing and Patient Information.
The health information contained herein is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace discussions with a healthcare provider. All decisions regarding patient care must be made with a healthcare provider, considering the unique characteristics of the patient.
The product information provided in this site is intended only for residents of the United States. The products discussed herein may have different product labeling in different countries.
