If you have certain conditions that cause overactive bladder, your doctor may suggest Myrbetriq. It’s a prescription medication used to treat the following conditions:

  • Overactive bladder (OAB). Myrbetriq is prescribed to treat OAB in adults with symptoms of urinary frequency, incontinence, or urgency. For this use, Myrbetriq may be prescribed alone or together with the drug solifenacin (Vesicare).
  • Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). Myrbetriq is prescribed to treat NDO in some children. NDO is a condition in which an overactive bladder is caused by a nerve problem, such as spina bifida.

Myrbetriq basics

Myrbetriq contains the active ingredient mirabegron, which is classified as a beta-3 adrenergic agonist. (A drug class is a group of medications that work in a similar way.) Myrbetriq isn’t currently available as a generic drug.

Myrbetriq comes in two extended-release forms. “Extended release” means that the drug is slowly released into your body over a period of time after a dose is taken. This drug comes as:

  • tablets that you’ll take by mouth
  • granules that your pharmacist will mix with water to make a liquid suspension that you’ll swallow

In this article, we discuss Myrbetriq’s side effects, dosage, uses, and more.

Like most drugs, Myrbetriq may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that Myrbetriq may cause. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

  • your age
  • other health conditions you have
  • other medications you take

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Myrbetriq. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Below is a list of some of the mild side effects that Myrbetriq can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Myrbetriq’s prescribing information.

Keep in mind that these side effects can vary slightly, depending on:

  • the condition Myrbetriq is being taken to treat
  • other medications being used with Myrbetriq

Mild side effects of Myrbetriq that have been reported include:

* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section below.

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Myrbetriq can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Myrbetriq, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of Myrbetriq that have been reported include:

* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effect focus” section below.

Side effect focus

Learn more about some of the side effects Myrbetriq may cause.

Diarrhea

You may have diarrhea as a side effect of taking Myrbetriq. But this side effect wasn’t common in the drug’s studies. And most people who reported this side effect were able to keep taking Myrbetriq.

What might help

Talk with your doctor if you have diarrhea that doesn’t go away or bothers you while taking Myrbetriq. If this side effect doesn’t go away on its own, your doctor may recommend or prescribe an antidiarrheal medication. But if your diarrhea persists, they may have you stop taking Myrbetriq. They’ll then recommend other treatment options for your condition.

Urinary retention

Urinary retention (being unable to empty your bladder) isn’t a common side effect of Myrbetriq, but it can occur. It’s more likely in people who have a bladder outlet obstruction. This occurs when there’s a blockage that reduces or stops the flow of urine out of your bladder. An enlarged prostate is an example of a bladder outlet obstruction.

Taking certain other medications, such as solifenacin (Vesicare), can also raise your risk of urinary retention with Myrbetriq.

Left untreated, urinary retention can damage your kidneys, because it increases pressure in your urinary tract.

Symptoms of urinary retention can include:

  • a urine stream that is weak or starts and stops
  • difficulty urinating or starting to urinate
  • discomfort or a full feeling in your bladder
  • leaking urine
  • needing to urinate again right after you finish urinating

What might help

If you notice symptoms of urinary retention, call your doctor right away. They may need to insert a catheter (tube) into your bladder to let the urine out and release pressure.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Myrbetriq.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing.

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Myrbetriq. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Myrbetriq that’s right for you. Below are common dosages, but always take the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Forms and strengths

Myrbetriq comes in two different forms, both of which are taken by mouth. They’re also both extended-release forms. “Extended release” means that the drug is slowly released into your body over a period of time after a dose is taken.

Myrbetriq tablet strengths: 25 mg and 50 mg

Myrbetriq comes as extended-release tablets.

This form comes in two strengths:

  • 25 milligrams (mg)
  • 50 mg

Myrbetriq liquid suspension strength: 8 mg/mL

Myrbetriq also comes as extended-release granules. This form is mixed with 100 milliliters (mL) of water to create a liquid suspension that you swallow. It comes in one strength: 8 mg per mL (8 mg/mL).

This form is only prescribed to treat neurogenic detrusor overactivity in certain children. See the “What is Myrbetriq prescribed for?” section below.

Recommended dosage

Myrbetriq is typically taken once per day, regardless of the form prescribed and the condition being treated.

Questions about Myrbetriq’s dosage

Below are answers to some common questions about taking Myrbetriq.

  • What if I miss a dose of Myrbetriq? If it’s within 12 hours of your scheduled time, take your missed dose of Myrbetriq as soon as you remember. If it’s been more than 12 hours, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled. Do not take more than one dose of Myrbetriq at once.
  • Will I need to take Myrbetriq long term? If you and your doctor agree that Myrbetriq is working well for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
  • How long does Myrbetriq take to work? Myrbetriq begins working as soon as you take a dose. But it may take 1 to 2 months before you see your symptoms reduced.

If you have certain conditions that cause an overactive bladder (OAB), your doctor may suggest Myrbetriq. It’s a prescription medication taken for the conditions described below.

Myrbetriq for overactive bladder (OAB)

Myrbetriq is prescribed to treat symptoms of urinary frequency, incontinence, or urgency in adults with OAB. It may be prescribed alone or together with the drug solifenacin (Vesicare).

OAB is a common condition caused by the detrusor muscle in your bladder contracting too often or without warning. OAB can be caused by another condition, such as Parkinson’s disease or an enlarged prostate. But sometimes it has no obvious cause.

Myrbetriq treats symptoms of OAB by causing your detrusor muscle to relax. This helps your bladder to store more urine.

Myrbetriq for neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO)

Myrbetriq is used to treat NDO in children ages 3 years and older who weigh at least 35 kilograms (kg), which is about 77 pounds.

NDO is a condition in which a nerve problem such as spina bifida causes an overactive bladder. As with OAB, the symptoms of NDO may include urinary frequency, incontinence, or urgency.

Myrbetriq treats symptoms of NDO by causing the detrusor muscle to relax. This helps the bladder to store more urine.

Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Myrbetriq.

What should I know about Myrbetriq vs. oxybutynin, Vesicare, Toviaz, Flomax, and other alternatives?

Myrbetriq, oxybutynin, Vesicare, Toviaz, and Flomax are all medications prescribed to treat overactive bladder (OAB).

To learn more about these medications, including their uses, side effects, and dosages, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can tell you more about how Myrbetriq compares with these and other alternatives.

How does Myrbetriq work? And how long does it stay in your system?

Myrbetriq is prescribed for overactive bladder in certain people. Your bladder is signaled to empty when its detrusor muscle contracts. Myrbetriq’s mechanism of action (how it works) is to cause the detrusor muscle to relax. This helps your bladder store more urine and reduces symptoms of overactive bladder.

Traces of Myrbetriq stay in an adult’s body for about 10 days after their last dose. For children, it’s about 6 days.

Does Myrbetriq cause weight gain or weight loss?

No, neither weight gain nor weight loss were side effects reported by people who took Myrbetriq in studies.

If you’re concerned about changes to your weight while taking Myrbetriq, talk with your doctor. They can try to determine the cause and suggest ways to manage it.

Will Myrbetriq cause certain side effects in older people?

No, Myrbetriq doesn’t cause unique side effects in older people. In studies, older adults had the same side effects as younger ones.

Other drugs prescribed to treat OAB, such as oxybutynin, are more likely to cause side effects in older people. But this doesn’t appear to be the case with Myrbetriq.

If you have questions about taking Myrbetriq given your age, talk with your doctor.

Are hair loss, dementia, and kidney problems possible side effects of Myrbetriq?

No, neither hair loss nor dementia were reported as side effects in Myrbetriq’s studies.

Other drugs prescribed to treat OAB, such as oxybutynin, may make dementia worse in people who already have it. But this isn’t expected with Myrbetriq.

Myrbetriq also isn’t known to directly cause kidney problems. But it can cause urinary tract infections (UTI) and urinary retention. In rare cases, these side effects can cause kidney problems, especially if they’re left untreated. (To learn more about urinary retention, see the “What are Myrbetriq’s side effects?” section above.)

Be sure to call your doctor right away if you think you may have a UTI or urinary retention while taking Myrbetriq. If you have a UTI, your doctor will likely prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. Treating a UTI as soon as possible can help lower the risk that it spreads to your kidneys.

Is Myrbetriq used for erectile dysfunction (ED) or interstitial cystitis (IC)?

Maybe. Myrbetriq isn’t approved to treat ED or IC. But it could be prescribed off-label for these conditions. “Off-label” use is when a drug is prescribed for a condition it isn’t approved to treat.

With ED, you’re regularly unable to achieve and maintain an erection firm enough for sexual intercourse. With IC, you have chronic pain in your pelvis. You may also have urinary frequency, incontinence, or urgency.

One study found Myrbetriq wasn’t effective for treating ED.

Another study found Myrbetriq may be useful for treating IC when taken with other medications for this condition. But more research about Myrbetriq’s role in treating IC is needed.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about treating ED or IC, or about off-label uses of Myrbetriq.

Costs of prescription drugs can vary depending on many factors. These factors include what your insurance plan covers and which pharmacy you use. Keep in mind that the drug’s cost with insurance may vary.

You may be wondering if Myrbetriq is available as a generic, and about the generic cost. Myrbetriq isn’t available as a generic at this time.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. You can also visit the Myrbetriq manufacturer’s website to see if they have support options.

You can also check out this article to learn more about saving money on prescriptions.

Some important things to discuss with your doctor when considering Myrbetriq treatment include:

  • your overall health
  • any medical conditions you may have
  • all medications you take

Interactions

Taking a medication with certain vaccines, foods, and other things can affect how the medication works. These effects are called interactions.

Before taking Myrbetriq, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter kinds. Also describe any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Myrbetriq.

Interactions with drugs or supplements

Myrbetriq can interact with several kinds of drugs, including:

Myrbetriq can also increase the level of certain drugs in your body, such as:

This list does not contain all kinds of drugs that may interact with Myrbetriq. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that may occur with Myrbetriq.

Warnings

Myrbetriq may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Myrbetriq. Factors to consider include those in the list below.

  • Bladder obstruction. Having a bladder obstruction makes it difficult for urine to flow out. Taking Myrbetriq if you have a bladder obstruction could increase your risk of urinary retention as a side effect. To learn more about urinary retention, see the “What are Myrbetriq’s side effects?” section above. Your doctor can help determine if Myrbetriq is safe for you to take in this situation.
  • High blood pressure. Taking Myrbetriq can increase your blood pressure. In people who already have high blood pressure, this could be dangerous, especially if your blood pressure isn’t being treated. If you have high blood pressure, your doctor can help determine if Myrbetriq is a safe treatment option.
  • Kidney or liver problems. Your body uses your liver and kidneys to break down and get rid of Myrbetriq. Having kidney or liver problems could cause Myrbetriq levels to become high. This can raise your risk of side effects from this drug. If you have liver or kidney problems, your doctor can help determine if Myrbetriq is safe for you.
  • Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Myrbetriq or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Myrbetriq. Ask your doctor what other medications are better options for you.

Myrbetriq and alcohol

There’s no known interaction between Myrbetriq and alcohol. But alcohol could worsen certain side effects of Myrbetriq, such as headache and nausea.

Drinking alcohol could also worsen an overactive bladder (OAB), since alcohol increases urination and irritates your bladder. Keep in mind that Myrbetriq is prescribed to treat this condition.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much, if any, is safe for you to consume while taking Myrbetriq.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It isn’t known if Myrbetriq is safe to take while pregnant. This drug hasn’t been studied in pregnant people. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor. They can describe the risks and benefits of OAB treatments, including Myrbetriq, when taken during pregnancy.

It’s also not known whether it’s safe to breastfeed while taking Myrbetriq. It’s not known whether this drug appears in breast milk, or if it can affect a child who is breastfed. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of this treatment while breastfeeding. Your doctor may also be able to suggest other feeding options for your child.

Your doctor will explain how you should take Myrbetriq. They’ll also explain how much to take and how often. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Taking Myrbetriq

Myrbetriq comes in two extended-release forms. “Extended release” means that the drug is slowly released into your body over a period of time after a dose is taken. This drug comes as:

  • tablets that you’ll take by mouth
  • granules that are mixed with water to make a liquid suspension that you’ll swallow

If your child is prescribed Myrbetriq granules, your pharmacist will prepare the liquid suspension for you when you pick up the prescription. For full instructions on how to take Myrbetriq granules, check out this information sheet from the drug’s manufacturer.

Accessible medication containers and labels

If it’s hard for you to read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Certain pharmacies may provide medication labels that:

  • have large print
  • use braille
  • contain a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text into audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a pharmacy that offers these options if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

Also, if you’re having trouble opening your medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to put Myrbetriq in an easy-open container. Your pharmacist may also recommend tools to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.

Taking Myrbetriq with other drugs

For treating overactive bladder, Myrbetriq may be taken alone, or together with the drug solifenacin (Vesicare). Talk with your doctor to see which treatment option they recommend.

Questions about taking Myrbetriq

Below are a couple of common questions about taking Myrbetriq.

  • Can Myrbetriq be chewed, crushed, or split? No, you shouldn’t chew, crush, or split Myrbetriq tablets. Myrbetriq tablets must be swallowed whole. Check out this article or talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have trouble swallowing Myrbetriq tablets.
  • Should I take Myrbetriq with food? It depends. Adults can take Myrbetriq with or without food. But children should take Myrbetriq with food, whether they take tablets or the liquid suspension.
Questions for your doctor

You may have questions about Myrbetriq and your treatment plan. It’s important to discuss all your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help guide your discussion:

  • Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
    • How will Myrbetriq affect my body, mood, or lifestyle?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment if doing so will help you feel more comfortable.
  • If you don’t understand something related to your condition or treatment, ask your doctor to explain it to you.

Remember, your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. And they want you to get the best care possible. So don’t be afraid to ask questions or offer feedback on your treatment.

Don’t take more Myrbetriq than your doctor prescribes. Taking more than this can lead to serious side effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by an overdose can include:

What to do in case you take too much Myrbetriq

Call your doctor if you think you’ve taken too much Myrbetriq. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers, or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.

If you have overactive bladder, your condition may benefit from treatment with Myrbetriq.

Ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of taking Myrbetriq for your condition. Here are a few questions you may want to ask:

  • What should I expect when starting treatment with Myrbetriq?
  • Will I need lab work while taking Myrbetriq?
  • Is Myrbetriq safe to take with my other medications?

You can also learn more about treatment options for overactive bladder by checking out these articles:

Q:

My doctor recommended Myrbetriq for my overactive bladder. But I frequently get urinary tract infections (UTIs), and I’m concerned Myrbetriq may make this worse. Is there anything I can do to lower my risk of UTIs while taking Myrbetriq?

Anonymous

A:

Not everyone who takes Myrbetriq gets UTIs. But there are steps you can take to minimize your chance of getting one.

While taking Myrbetriq, be sure to drink plenty of water. This will make you urinate more, which flushes bacteria out of your urinary tract. Other tips worth trying include the following:

  • Wipe from front to back after going to the bathroom.
  • Urinate before and after sex.
  • Consider trying D-mannose, a dietary supplement that may help prevent UTIs.

Be sure to call your doctor right away if you think you may have a UTI while taking Myrbetriq. If you continue to have frequent UTIs while taking Myrbetriq, talk with your doctor. They may suggest another option for treating your overactive bladder.

Patricia Weiser, PharmDAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.
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