Overactive bladder patients and role of the pharmacist

To summarize the prevalence, quality of life (QOL) implications, cost of illness, and pharmacotherapy of overactive bladder (OAB), and to describe the pharmacist's role in the management of patients with OAB.

Articles published between 1990 and 2001 identified through a MEDLINE search using the terms overactive bladder, unstable bladder, urinary incontinence, prevalence, cost of illness, quality of life, drug therapy, pharmacist, and pharmacy in various combinations.

All studies providing information on OAB or urinary incontinence were retrieved.

By the authors.

Published prevalence and cost studies focus primarily on urinary incontinence, which is only one possible symptom of OAB. Reported prevalence rates of urge and mixed incontinence in the United States range from 3% to 8% and 5% to 37%, respectively, and the highest prevalence has been found in geriatric and psychogeriatric populations. Associated costs are substantial. Total costs of OAB in the United States were estimated to be $12.6 billion in 2000. Patients with OAB score lower than the general population in QOL assessments. All aspects of QOL can be compromised by OAB, as physical, social, occupational, domestic, and sexual activities are often limited in OAB patients. The pharmacist is instrumental in improving an individual's QOL through ensuring safe and effective treatment for OAB. Oxybutynin and tolterodine (Detrol-Pharmacia) have been the mainstays of pharmacotherapy for OAB, but frequent adverse effects (including dry mouth) often prevent patients from adhering to treatment. Tolterodine, now available in a new long-acting formulation, has been proven safe and efficacious in the treatment of OAB, with fewer adverse effects and better tolerability than existing agents.

Pharmacists can play an active role in helping identify and recommending interventions for OAB that can ultimately improve an individual's QOL.