What is an overactive bladder and how is it treated?

Transcription

1 What is an overactive bladder and how is it treated? Information for patients

2 What is an overactive bladder? We believe your frequent and urgent need to pass urine and perhaps leakage of urine (urge incontinence) may be due to your bladder being overactive and contracting when you don t want it to. This condition generally responds well to bladder training. With a positive attitude and determination it is often possible to bring your bladder back under full control. This involves you learning to suppress any unwanted bladder contractions and as a result, you will stretch your bladder and be able to hold on and go longer between passing urine. When is the medication commenced? You may have been under the care of the urogynaecology nursing clinic, and your symptoms of frequency, urgency and possibly urge incontinence have not subsided as much as you would have liked, Or You may have just had Urodynamics performed (a pressure study test on your bladder) and been given a diagnosis of an overactive bladder (detrusor overactivity) Your doctor / specialist nurse would then decide to commence you on some medication to help you gain better bladder control. What is the medication called and how does it work? The family of drugs is known as Anticholinergics - drug treatment is designed to suppress unwanted bladder contractions so that the urge to pass urine and frequency of which you pass it are reduced along with any urge leaks you may experience. It is important that you continue with bladder training to maximize results, as well as continuing with advice about fluid intake, caffeine restriction and pelvic floor exercises.

3 The common medications that are prescribed are called: Detrusitol xl /Tolterodine Solifenacin / Vesicare Fesoterodine / toviaz Oxybutynin / lyrinel XL / kentera Detrunorm / Propiverine Mirabegron You have been prescribed... How is it taken?... How often is it taken?... Do I need to get a repeat prescription, if so where do I get it from? You should continue to take this medication until you are reviewed. Your GP has been informed and you should get some more tablets from your own GP before they run out. What should I do if I forget to take a dose? Take your forgotten tablet immediately and the next no less than 12 hours later.

4 How effective is drug therapy? The medication is long term and may need to be taken forever. While drug therapy is generally very effective it is important to appreciate that the type and dose needed does vary from patient to patient. If you are experiencing side effects, ask your GP if you can reduce the dose. If they are not working ask your GP if you can increase the dose. Can anyone take this medication? It is important that any patients who have the eye condition Glaucoma mention it to the doctor / nurse before starting the tablets, as some patients with certain type of glaucoma may not be able to take the medication. This is not applicable if Micrabegron is prescribed. Some drugs cannot be taken by people who have peanut allergies. Are there any side effects to the medication? Most people suffer from some minor side effects in the form a dry mouth, slightly dry eyes and a tendency towards constipation. These will be listed in more detail in the manufacturers guide. However it is generally possible to adjust the dose or type of medication so that the side effects are not too troublesome while the effects on the bladder is maintained Can I take my other medications at the same time? It is best to check with the doctor or nurse.

5 When will I see the doctor / nurse to review how I am doing? An appointment for a follow up appointment in gynecology outpatients with Mr. Assassa in 2 months time will follow to see how your symptoms are improving on the medication. Please continue with the medication until this time. If you are having problems see your GP sooner to adjust the dose. Please store your medication out of the reach of children or vunerable adults. If you want any further information The following information leaflets can be obtained from the urogynaecology department Bladder training Diet and fluid advice Pelvic floor exercises

6 Important information about all medicines Remember : Treat all medicines with respect and read the instructions carefully. Always take medicines as it says on the labels. If you are not sure how to take them, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Make sure that you always have enough medicine. Always remember to take your medicines when you go on holiday. If you do forget to take a supply of your medicine on holiday, go to a pharmacist. They may be able to help you with a short supply. If you are asked not to drink alcohol with your medicines, DON T as it can be dangerous. If you are asked not to drive a car or operate machinery while being treated with a medicine, DON T as it may be dangerous. Please tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant. Do this before you take any medicine. Never share medicines or transfer medicines between containers Don t keep medicines that you are no longer taking. Please take them back to your pharmacist. Please store them in a cool, dry place.

7 If you are unsure about your treatment for your bladder or have any questions please contact: Joanne Pursglove urogynaecology nurse specialist Level D, Pontefract Hospital Tel (Monday - Thursday) Other useful contacts Mid Yorkshire Medicines Information Helpline: Open Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm Keep all medicines out of the reach of children We are committed to providing high quality care. If you have a suggestion, comment, complaint or appreciation about the care you have received, or if you need this leaflet in another format please contact the Patient Advice and Liaison Service on: or pals@midyorks.nhs.uk To contact any of our hospitals call: To book or change an appointment call: d Updated May 2015 Review Date 2018 SMOKE FREE hospital Design: The Mid Yorkshire Hospitals NHS Trust - design and print dept