What is Solesta?
Solesta is a gel made from natural substances. It's similar to some substances found in the body. Solesta thickens the tissues of your anal canal. The implant is injected into the anal canal of adults with fecal indigestion. This medication is typically prescribed after dietary changes and other medications have failed to work. Solesta can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Solesta
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing or swelling of lips, face, tongue or throat. Seek immediate medical care.
Solesta can cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Fever;
- Feeling like you can't empty your bowels completely or having a sudden urge to pass bowel motions
- Heavy rectal bleeding
- Diarrhea that is bloody
- Urination that is painful or difficult
- If you have severe pain, swelling, or drainage in the rectal area (pus), then this is a serious condition.
- Bulging tissue in your rectum
- Sharp pain or stinging sensation during bowel movement could indicate that there may be an infection present.
Solesta side effects may include:
- Constipation, diarrhea;
- Pain where the medication was injected
- Mild rectal bleeding
- Mild rectal itching and discomfort
- Dizziness, chills, cold sweat;
- Stomach pain;
- Pain during sexual intercourse.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Warnings
Solesta should not be used if you suffer from: rectal infection, bleeding, rectal fissures, rectal tumors, rectal malformations, rectal prolapses, abnormal passageways between your rectums and vaginas, stenosis of your anal canal (other than Solesta), a rectal implant or anal implants (other than Solesta), a congested blood vessel in your anus or your rectum,
Before you take this drug
This medicine should not be taken if:
- Rectal infection, rectal bleeding, or inflammation;
- A rectal fissure or tumor;
- A prolapsed rectum
- A passageway abnormal between the vagina and the rectum
- A narrowing of the anal canal (stenosis);
- Any type of implant other than Solesta in your anus and rectum
- Congested blood vessels on the anus and rectum
- Active inflammatory bowel disease
- A history of radiation in your pelvic region;
- Deficient immune systems may be caused by certain illnesses or medications.
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Solesta will be safe for you:
- An enlarged prostate
- Long-term rectal pain;
- A bleeding disorder or blood clotting condition such as hemophilia
- A history of hemorrhoids, rectal, or intestinal surgery or repair;
- If you are breastfeeding or pregnant,
How to take Solesta?
Solesta is administered by a healthcare provider in an outpatient setting. Solesta comes in a four-pack of injections that are administered directly into your anal tissues. Before the Solesta injection, you will receive an enema. The injections will be given to you while you are lying on your back. An anoscope is a small tube that will be gently inserted into your rectum. The doctor can then determine the correct place to inject Solesta. The doctor will make sure you are as comfortable as possible during the injection.
Inform your carers immediately if you experience severe pain while receiving the injections. After your injections, you will be able to get up. You should rest for 60 minutes before leaving the clinic. You will be checked by your carers for any immediate side effects that the injections could cause. Avoid taking a bath in hot water or engaging in any physical activity for the first 24 hours following your injection.
Use a stool softener after your treatment to make the first bowel movements more comfortable. You should not use the stool softener again unless you are told to by your doctor. Solesta injections may cause rectal bleeding or an infection. If you experience heavy rectal bleeding or severe rectal irritation, call your doctor. You will be prescribed anti-infective medication to prevent infection. Even if there are no symptoms, you should take the antibiotics for the prescribed time.
Solesta may not be effective for everyone, and you could continue to experience fecal urinary incontinence. You may also need to wait 3 to 6 months before you feel the full effects. If your symptoms don't improve within a month, tell your doctor. Solesta may require more than one treatment. This medicine may not continue to work for more than 12 months.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Solesta does not require a schedule of daily doses because it is administered all at once.
What happens if I overdose?
Solesta will be administered by a healthcare professional within a medical environment, so an overdose should not occur.
What should be avoided?
Avoid all strenuous activities for at least one week following your injections. This includes sexual activity, jogging, or horseback riding, as well as vigorous exercise. Avoid inserting anything in your rectum for at least one month following injection (such as suppositories, enemas, or rectal temperature meters). After treatment with Solesta, do not take anti-diarrhoea medication for at least one week.
Ask your doctor if you should take any medication for pain or swelling that may be caused by the injection procedure. Avoid nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (nsaids) like aspirin (Advil), ibuprofen, naproxen, celecoxib, diclofenac (Indomethacin), meloxicam, and others.
Interaction with other drug
Solesta is unlikely to interact with other drugs taken orally or injected. Many drugs interact with each other. Inform your healthcare provider of all medicines you take, such as prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal products.
