Toviaz (Fesoterodine) Can Treat Symptoms of OAB: Frequent Urge to Pee
by Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger, a board-certified urologist, and specialist in the treatment of urinary problems in men and women including frequent urination, burning with urination, and urinary retention.
If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation or if you need a second opinion, please contact us or call: 646-663-4151
Toviaz for Treatment of Overactive Bladder in New York City
What is Toviaz?
Toviaz (fesoterodine) is an antispasmodic agent that relaxes the bladder muscles and improves urinary control. It is used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder, including urine leakage, urge to urinate, and urinary frequency.
Toviaz Dosage
The recommended dose of fesoterodine is 4 mg or 8 mg once a day of the extended-release formulation. In patients who respond well and tolerate the medication, the dose may be increased to 8 mg once daily. Toviaz should be swallowed whole without crushing, diving, or chewing the tablet. Doing this can release a large amount of the drug all at once and lead to side effects or other complications. The medication can be taken with or without food. If a dose is missed, do NOT take two doses on the same day.
Side Effects of Toviaz
In some patients, Toviaz may cause dry mouth and constipation. Less common side effects include dry eyes, blurred vision, drowsiness, dizziness, decreased sweating, and trouble emptying the bladder. Every patient is different and reacts to medications differently. Not all patients get side effects. Most patients tolerate the medication well or experience minor, tolerable side effects.
Precautions While Taking Fesoterodine
Due to the risk of increased drowsiness, it is recommended that patients avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until the effect of the medication is known. It is also advised to use caution in hot environments while on treatment with Toviaz, as it can lead to heat illness due to reduced sweating. It is not a good idea to mix alcohol and fesoterodine because of the risk of increased drowsiness.
Who Should Not Take Toviaz?
Caution is advised in patients with certain medical conditions. Fesoterodine should not be used in men and women with blockages in the urinary or gastrointestinal tract as it can lead to complications with retention. It is also contraindicated in patients with a particular type of glaucoma. Patients with allergies to any of the ingredients in this drug or allergy to tolterodine (Detrol, Detrol LA) should not use Toviaz.
Our experienced urologists at New York Urology Specialists will prescribe Toviaz if it is appropriate. We treat patients for overactive bladder at our offices in Manhattan. The doctor will first obtain a complete history from every patient to identify any potential contraindications or interactions. Patients are advised to inform the doctor about any problems with constipation, weak urine stream, or treatment for glaucoma. Toviaz may not be suitable for people with liver or kidney problems. It is also not prescribed to people with a rare medical condition called myasthenia gravis.
How Effective is Toviaz for Overactive Bladder?
In our experience, fesoterodine (Toviaz) is very effective in reducing the number of episodes of urge incontinence as well as the frequency of urination (number of times a person needs to use the bathroom in 24 hours). Toviaz offers relief to patients with overactive bladder who have urine leaks, sudden strong urges to use the bathroom, and the need to go very often.
Treatment Options if Toviaz Does not Help
When Toviaz does not provide sufficient benefit with symptoms of urinary frequency and urgency, other treatments may be tried. Further evaluation if not performed previously may be necessary including urodynamic testing, cystoscopy, pelvic ultrasound among others.
Sacral neuromodulation with Interstim is effective for many patients for whom Toviaz does not work, Botox for OAB is similarly effective.
If you have any questions, to schedule a consultation or if you need a second opinion, please contact us or call: 646-663-4151
Urinary Problems Are Treatable in Nearly Every Man and Woman
At New York Urology Specialists, our urologists are specially trained in the evaluation and treatment of urinary problems. We understand the challenges that urinary problems create for our patients, their relationships and their self-esteem. We help you find a treatment for your urinary problems that fit your needs, lifestyle, and your preferences.
Urologists are doctors specializing in the treatment of women and men with frequent urination, poor urine flow, frequent UTI, blood in urine, urinary incontinence, urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate, prior surgery, neuropathy, chemotherapy, and radiation. By virtue of our experience and skill, we are able to offer an effective treatment option for nearly every man and women who desire an effective treatment for their urinary problems. We specialize in minimally invasive highly effective treatment for symptoms of bladder pain, urethral burning, pelvic discomfort, incomplete bladder emptying, urinary frequency, and urgency.
We offer medical and surgical treatment for erectile dysfunction.
Why Choose New York Urology Specialists for Treatment of Urinary Problems?
- All treatment is performed by a board-certified urologist experienced in treating men with symptoms of frequent urination, urinary urgency, urinary incontinence and bladder pain using medical therapy, minimally invasive therapies, lasers, and open surgery.
- We are one of the few practices in the region to offer a full range of options for treatment of urinary problems in men and women
- We offer treatment options for overactive bladder, UTI and urinary incontinence in our office which avoids the risks, costs, and recovery from general anesthesia.
- Extensive Experience: Hundreds of men and wo men have been treated successfully using medical therapy, Botox for overactive bladder, Interstim for frequent urination and tibial neuromodulation.
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Dr. Alex Shteynshlyuger is a board-certified urologist, who specializes in all aspects of care for men and women with urinary problems including frequent urination, difficulty emptying the bladder, urinary urgency, and incontinence. He has successfully treated hundreds of men and women with urinary problems including urinary retention, painful urination, and frequent urination.