EMSELEX ^®

What to do if you missed your EMSELEX ^® dose

About Emselex

Emselex contains darifenacin hydrobromide, an anticholinergic as its active ingredient. It is used in adult patients with symptoms of overactive bladder to treat urge incontinence, increased urinary frequency and the sudden urge to pass urine.

Darifenacin works by blocking certain receptors in the bladder, causing muscles in the bladder that push urine out to relax. This increases the capacity of the bladder, changing how the bladder contracts, leading to a reduction in bladder muscle contractions and preventing unwanted urination.

NowPatient offers Emselex as a treatment for urinary incontinence only, following an online consultation with a prescribing clinician.

Key facts of Emselex

• For the treatment of urinary incontinence
• Emselex can take up to 2 weeks to have an effect. You should continue to take this medication even if you do not see any results right away
• Emselex has some common side effects which include dry mouth and constipation
• It can be dangerous if you take Emselex with certain medications. If you’re not sure if it is safe, discuss this with the prescribing clinician
• Who is Emselex not suitable for?

Emselex may not be suitable for some people. To make sure it’s safe for you, speak to the prescribing clinician before taking Emselex if you:

• Are allergic to darifenacin or any of the other ingredients in Emselex
• Have urinary retention
• Have gastric retention
• Have uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma
• Have myasthenia gravis
• Have severe liver problems
• Have severe ulcerative colitis
• Have toxic megacolon
• How and where to get Emselex?

Emselex is available with a prescription only. It is not available over the counter at a pharmacy.

NowPatient does not allow customers to buy Emselex directly. Our service is certified, safe and effective, and we only ever treat conditions. If you book a consultation with a prescribing clinician for the treatment of urinary incontinence, you can discuss if Emselex is a suitable treatment option for you.

At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is suitable for you. If it is, the clinician will issue you with a prescription which can then be ordered, paid for and delivered directly to your chosen address by NowPatient.

Dosage and strength for Emselex for urinary incontinence

Emselex is available as 7.5 mg or 15 mg prolonged-release tablets when used for urinary incontinence.

Information about how to take Emselex for urinary incontinence

The starting dose of Emselex is 7.5 mg once daily. The dose may be increased to 15 mg once daily for those needing greater symptom relief. Tablets should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. Do not chew, split or crush the tablets. For further information speak to your healthcare provider or read the patient information leaflet provided with your medication.

What happens if you take too much Emselex?

If you take more than prescribed, then it can lead to some unpleasant side effects. You should talk to your doctor or reach out to one of our prescribing clinicians, if you have taken too much Emselex and you experience any of the following side effects.

What are the side effects of Emselex?

Common side effects of Emselex include:

• Dry mouth
• Dizziness, headache
• Blurred vision, dry eyes
• Insomnia and somnolence
• Abdominal pain, indigestion, constipation
• Nausea

If you experience any serious side effects, you should contact NHS 111.

If you experience a serious allergic reaction with the signs shown below you should contact emergency services on 999.

• Your lips, mouth, throat or tongue suddenly become swollen
• You’re breathing very fast or struggling to breathe (you may become very wheezy or feel like you’re choking or gasping for air)
• Your throat feels tight or you’re struggling to swallow
• Your skin, tongue or lips turn blue, grey or pale (if you have black or brown skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet)
• You suddenly become very confused, drowsy or dizzy
• Someone faints and cannot be woken up

Information about taking Emselex at the same time as other medications or herbal supplements

There is not enough evidence to suggest there are any drug interactions between herbal supplements and Emselex. In any event, you should let your prescribing clinician know if you are taking any herbal supplements or other medicinal products. These may include:

• Antifungals such as ketoconazole and itraconazole
• Antipsychotics such as thioridazine
• Antidepressants such as imipramine
• Antivirals such as nelfinavir and ritonavir
• Medication to treat heart problems such as flecainide, verapamil or digoxin
• Other antimuscarinics such as tolterodine, oxybutynin or flavoxate
• Strong CYP2D6 inhibitors such as paroxetine
• Ciclosporin
• St John’s wort

Can Emselex taken for urinary incontinence be taken long term?

Yes. In a 2-year study of darifenacin 7.5mg and 15 mg had good safety, tolerability and efficacy for treatment of over-active bladder and is a good therapeutic option for treatment.

Is there a herbal Emselex?

No. Herbal Emselex does not exist. If you have been marketed such a formulation, it may be fake.

Can women use Emselex?

Women can take Emselex for the treatment of urinary incontinence. However, if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, are planning to have a baby, or are breastfeeding, speak to your doctor before taking this medication.

Should I avoid any particular food or drink when taking Emselex?

You can eat and drink normally when taking Emselex.

What lifestyle changes can I make to help me with urinary incontinence?

Modifying your lifestyle may have a positive impact on your urinary incontinence and quality of life. These may include:

• Pelvic floor muscle training to improve your bladder control
• Stay well hydrated to maintain a healthy urinary function
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods
• Urinate when you feel the urge to
• When urinating, wait once you have finished for a few moments, and then try again to make sure the bladder is emptied completely

Alternatives to Emselex

Alternatives for the treatment of urinary incontinence include tolterodine and duloxetine.

Sources

• SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
• Emselex – European Medicines Agency
• Emselex 7.5mg prolonged-release tablets – Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) – (emc)