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What Causes Constipation While On Vesicare?

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Posted on Sat, 26 Nov 2016
Question: MY DOCTOR GAVE ME A RX OF VESICARE, 5 MG TO HELP REDUCE OVERACTIVE BLADDER. I HAVE BEEN ON IT JUST 3 DAYS BUT I HAVE NOT HAD A BOWEL MOVEMENT IN THAT TIME, WHICH WAS NORMAL BEFORE TAKING IT. ALSO I HAVE SEVERE BACK ACHES PLUS PRESSURE ON THE RIGHT SIDE DUE TO A
SCOLIOSIS (WHICH WAS JUST DIAGNOSED 2 YEARS AGO) ORTHOPEDIST THEN SAID IT WAS THE WORST SCOLIOSIS AND OFFERED NOTHING TO OFFSET IT. I ASKED ABOUT AN EPIDURAL. IHAD THIS DONE ABOUT A YEAR AND HALF AGO -- IT HELPED THEN. PAIN ONGOING NOW. I FEEL IT IS RELATED TO THIS NEW RX. I HAVE BEEN ON HOMEOPATHIC SUPPLEMENTS MOST OF MY ADULT LIFE BECAUSE SIDE EFFECTS HAVE PRESENTED WITH MOST RXS.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
it is a possible side effect of this medication

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Constipation can occur with 1 to 10% of persons using the 5 mg strength of vesicare. With a higher dose, it can occur in over 10% of persons.

This means that it is definitely possible that the constipation may be related to the medication especially since you had regular bowel movements before using it.

You may have to increase your fiber intake above your norm and also fluid intake (if there no medical reason you cannot use increased fluids- eg heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease).

In addition to diet fiber, you may want to consider a fiber supplement such as benefiber, cetrucil or metamucil.

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Michelle Gibson James (11 hours later)
Thank you for your response.........Before this episode occurred, I have been on a clear fiber powder and a dose of Miralax with morning cereal. I also a dulcolax stool softener yesterday and today. This did nothing. Today I switched3 dulcolax laxative tablets. I have not felt like eating since I am so bloated and the back pain and
sometimes abdominal pain are severe as the colon fills up. I am trying to drink fluids, such as apple juice, water, and a Dr. XXXXXXX protein drink. How much of this stuff do I need? Especially since I still don't have a b/m. It's going into the 4th day. Do I increase the fiber powder and miralax? What kind of food should I attempt
now? I am very uncomfortable as to the state of the colon and bladder.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Michelle Gibson James (9 hours later)
Brief Answer:
increase the fiber to 2 to 3 times a day

Detailed Answer:
HI

It would understandably be very uncomfortable for you.

Yes, you would increase the fiber, most fiber supplements can be taken 2 to 3 times a day. You can check the instructions on the particular one that you use.

Substitute the apple juice for prune juice and see if this helps . Use at least 8 to 10 glasses of fluid daily, the prune juice and water and your teas etc (no caffeine products)

Try dica, tums or gas x for the gas and bloating

The laxative should only go up to the maximum acceptable dose, do not go higher than this.

Please feel free to ask anything else
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Michelle Gibson James

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2001

Answered : 16808 Questions

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What Causes Constipation While On Vesicare?

Brief Answer: it is a possible side effect of this medication Detailed Answer: HI, thanks for using healthcare magic Constipation can occur with 1 to 10% of persons using the 5 mg strength of vesicare. With a higher dose, it can occur in over 10% of persons. This means that it is definitely possible that the constipation may be related to the medication especially since you had regular bowel movements before using it. You may have to increase your fiber intake above your norm and also fluid intake (if there no medical reason you cannot use increased fluids- eg heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease). In addition to diet fiber, you may want to consider a fiber supplement such as benefiber, cetrucil or metamucil. I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions