1. What is the name?

Sanctura

2. Why is it needed?  What does it do?

It treats urine leakage associated with a strong or sudden urge to urinate & frequent trips to the bathroom to urinate by relaxing the muscle tissue found in the bladder to decrease bladder contractions.  You should take Sanctura twice a day, on an empty stomach or 1 hour before meals.

3. Will it cure the problem (will I be totally dry)?  What is the “average” benefit?

It helps reduce episodes of urine leakage and reduces frequency of urination, but does not cure the problem.  You may experience up to 80% reduction in urge incontinence episodes.

4. What are the side effects?  When should I call my physician?

Dry mouth is the most common side effect.  Others include headache, constipation, increased gas, or fatigue.  Call when the side effect interferes with your daily life more than the benefit you receive from taking Sanctura.

5. Do some of the side effects go away with time?  What can I do to deal with the side effects?

They may improve or go away as your body adjusts, or they may continue as long as you remain on Sanctura.  You can suck on hard candy for dry mouth, drink 6-eight ounce glasses of water a day & increase fiber in your diet.

6. What is the risks/cost?

Cost depends on your insurance coverage & your pharmacy.  Although this is a new medicine, it has been on the market in Europe for more than 10 years.  Samples and/or coupons may be available from your physician.

7. Are there any alternatives?

Your physician may reduce the dose to once a day, or try one of the other medicines to treat overactive bladder, or recommend physical therapy,

8. What if I do nothing?

Your symptoms will stay the same or get worse.

9. Does Sanctura interact with other medicines I may be taking?

Always keep your physician aware of your current medicines.  Use with caution if you are on Digoxin or Metformin (Glucophage).

10. Is there anything I can do to obtain maximum benefit from Sanctura?

You may try Kegel exercises, bladder retraining or changes in diet, as well as stop smoking, to obtain maximum benefits.

11. What are symptoms that should prompt me to call my physician while on Sanctura?

Call if you have trouble emptying your bladder or if your abdomen becomes distended.  Report a new skin rash, flushing, eye pain, difficulty breathing, tremors, loss of coordination, irregular heartbeat or palpitations.

12. How do I get refills?

Your physician will see you in about a month after starting Sanctura.  He/she will give you a prescription.  Your pharmacy should telephone for refill orders.  While on Sanctura, you should see the physician yearly.  If you have not been seen in over a year, he/she may not authorize refills.

13. When should I see improvement in my symptoms?

You may see improvement in 1 week, but it may take up to 12 weeks for maximum benefit from this medicine.

14. How long will I take it?

As long as you wish to receive the positive results of Sanctura – it is not a cure.

15. Will Sanctura affect other medical conditions I may have?

Do not take Sanctura if you have narrow angle glaucoma, urinary retention, or gastric retention (delayed stomach emptying as in pyloric stenosis).

16. If Sanctura isn’t on my insurance formulary, are there other choices?  Are samples available?

There are other medicine choices – your physician can discuss this with you.  Check with your physician to see if samples are currently available.  Check the Sanctura website (www.sanctura.com) for possible rebate or coupons.