What is Toviaz (Fesoterodine)?

From the Guidelines

Toviaz (fesoterodine) is a prescription medication used to treat overactive bladder symptoms, and it should be offered as a second-line therapy, along with other oral anti-muscarinics, to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.

Key Points

• Toviaz works by relaxing the smooth muscle in the bladder, increasing bladder capacity, and reducing involuntary contractions, as noted in the diagnosis and treatment of overactive bladder guidelines 1.
• The medication is effective in reducing symptoms, but it is commonly associated with non-life-threatening side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, and dry eyes, as reported in the 2012 guideline 1.
• According to the 2018 review on treatments for urinary incontinence, medications like fesoterodine have a low to moderate effect on improving symptoms, quality of life, and function, with discontinuation rates and adverse effects being more common with medications 1.
• It is essential to inform the doctor about any pre-existing conditions, such as glaucoma, liver or kidney problems, or certain heart conditions, before starting Toviaz, as special monitoring may be required.

Administration and Side Effects

• The recommended starting dose of Toviaz is 4 mg once daily, which can be increased to 8 mg daily if needed, and it should be taken with water, with or without food.
• Common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, and headache, which can be managed by drinking plenty of water and eating high-fiber foods, and avoiding alcohol and other bladder irritants like caffeine.
• It may take up to 8 weeks to see full benefits, and patients should continue taking Toviaz as prescribed, even if symptoms improve, and not stop suddenly without consulting their doctor.

From the FDA Drug Label

PACKAGE LABEL.PRINCIPAL DISPLAY PANEL NDC 70771-1168-9 in bottle of 90 tablets Fesoterodine Fumarate Extended-release Tablets, 4 mg Rx only 90 tablets NDC 70771-1169-9 in bottle of 90 tablets Fesoterodine Fumarate Extended-release Tablets, 8 mg Rx only 90 tablets Toviaz is Fesoterodine, an extended-release tablet, available in 4 mg and 8 mg strengths 2.

From the Research

Definition and Use of Toviaz (Fesoterodine)

• Toviaz, also known as Fesoterodine, is a medication used to treat overactive bladder 3.
• It is approved to treat the condition of overactive bladder, although approval may vary by country 3.
• Fesoterodine works by reducing the urgency to urinate and the frequency of urination, and is also effective in reducing episodes of accidental urination 3.

Comparison with Other Medications

• Fesoterodine has been compared to other anticholinergic drugs, such as tolterodine and solifenacin, in terms of efficacy and tolerability 4.
• Studies have shown that fesoterodine may be more effective than extended release tolterodine in reducing leakage episodes and improving quality of life, but may have a higher risk of dry mouth and withdrawal due to adverse events 4.
• Solifenacin may be preferred over immediate release tolterodine due to its better efficacy and lower risk of dry mouth, while fesoterodine may be preferred over extended release tolterodine due to its superior efficacy, despite a higher risk of dry mouth and withdrawal due to adverse events 4.

Efficacy and Tolerability

• Fesoterodine has been shown to be effective in reducing symptoms of overactive bladder, including urgency, frequency, and incontinence 3, 4.
• The medication is generally well-tolerated, although common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, and blurred vision 3, 4.
• The recommended starting dose of fesoterodine is 4mg once daily, which can be increased to 8mg once daily for better efficacy, although this may also increase the risk of dry mouth 4.