Myrbetriq is a prescription medication used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) in adults and neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in some children. Specifically, it addresses urinary incontinence symptoms like urinary urgency and frequency in OAB, and uncontrolled bladder contractions in NDO. The active ingredient in Myrbetriq is mirabegron.
Myrbetriq comes as an extended-release tablet that you swallow. For children, Myrbetriq also comes as granules that are added to water to make an extended-release liquid suspension they swallow.
Like all medications, Myrbetriq can cause side effects, ranging from mild to serious. It is important to be aware of these potential effects and to discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Common Side Effects of Myrbetriq
The side effects of Myrbetriq can vary depending on the condition the drug is being used to treat.
More common side effects in people taking Myrbetriq for overactive bladder include:
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- The common cold
- Headache
- High blood pressure
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
More common side effects in people taking Myrbetriq for neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) include:
- The common cold
- Constipation
- Headache
- UTI
These are just a few of the commonly reported side effects this drug can cause. The following sections include more. But note that side effects won’t happen to everyone.
Mild Side Effects
Myrbetriq may cause mild side effects. Examples that have been reported with this drug include:
- The common cold
- Headache
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Back pain
- Infection of the nose, sinuses, or throat
- Joint pain
- Diarrhea
- Fast heartbeat
- Stomach pain
- Fatigue (low energy)
- Dry mouth
- Urinary tract infection
In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking Myrbetriq unless your doctor recommends it.
Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects from Myrbetriq are rare but possible. Serious side effects that have been reported with this drug include:
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- High blood pressure
- Urinary retention
- Allergic reaction, including angioedema
If you develop serious side effects while taking Myrbetriq, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Side Effects in Children
Myrbetriq is used to treat neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in children ages 3 years and older who weigh at least 35 kilograms (kg). Children taking Myrbetriq for NDO may experience different side effects than adults. Constipation is a common side effect of this drug in children. The rates that other side effects occur may differ between adults and children.
Some other common side effects of Myrbetriq in children include:
- The common cold
- Headache
- Nausea
- Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Understanding Specific Side Effects
Urinary Retention
Urinary retention is when you’re unable to empty your bladder. People with a condition called bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) who are taking Myrbetriq may develop urinary retention. But this is a rare side effect. Combining Myrbetriq with another group of drugs called muscarinic receptor blockers, which are used for urinary incontinence, may also increase your risk of urinary retention.
Signs and symptoms of urinary retention include:
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- Trouble urinating
- Severe pain in your lower belly
- Urgent need to urinate
- Swelling of the lower belly
- 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:
While Myrbetriq may cause urinary retention in some situations, it’s a rare side effect. If you’re taking Myrbetriq for BOO, your doctor will monitor you closely for any signs of urinary retention. If you’re taking Vesicare (solifenacin), a muscarinic receptor blocker, your doctor will follow up with you frequently to check for urinary retention. Report any symptoms of urinary retention to your doctor immediately. They may need to insert a catheter (tube) into your bladder to let the urine out and release pressure.
High Blood Pressure
Some people may have increases in blood pressure while taking Myrbetriq. People with high blood pressure can still take this drug, but their doctor will monitor their blood pressure more closely. Blood pressure increases are likely with higher doses of Myrbetriq. Increases in blood pressure can occur in children as well. Younger children (ages 3 years through 11 years) may have larger increases in blood pressure while taking Myrbetriq.
What might help:
Doctors usually don’t prescribe this drug for people with severe high blood pressure or when blood pressure is not well managed. If you have high blood pressure and your doctor prescribes Myrbetriq for you, they’ll likely have you monitor your blood pressure at home. You can then report any increases at your follow-up appointments. It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. If you notice any change in your blood pressure, call your doctor right away.
Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)
UTI is a common side effect of Myrbetriq. This is also known as a bladder infection. Bacteria in the bladder or other structures of the urinary tract cause infections. Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:
- Pain during urination
- Frequent urination
- Difficulty starting to urinate
- Urgency to urinate
What might help:
If you think you have a UTI, talk with your doctor. They’ll order a test to check your urine for bacteria. Sometimes UTIs resolve on their own without treatment, but your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to treat it. If you have frequent urinary tract infections with Myrbetriq, talk with your doctor. If you have fever, chills, nausea, or back pain, call your doctor immediately. This can be a sign of a more serious infection.
Dry Mouth
Dry mouth is a side effect that some people have with Myrbetriq. Older adults may be more at risk of dry mouth. But rates of side effects in general between younger and older adults were similar in studies.
Dry mouth symptoms include:
- A burning sensation in your mouth
- Trouble swallowing
- Changes in taste
What might help:
Some strategies that may help to relieve dry mouth include:
- Avoiding caffeine, tobacco, and alcohol
- Avoiding dry and hard foods
- Maintaining regular oral hygiene and dental care
- Avoiding or treating dehydration
- Chewing sugar-free gum or sucking on sugar-free candy
- Frequently sipping water
Your dentist may also help you choose toothpastes, mouthwashes, and other products that address dry mouth. If this side effect is bothersome, talk with your doctor. They can recommend a different treatment for your condition that causes less dry mouth.
Allergic Reaction
Like most drugs, Myrbetriq can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:
- Skin rash
- Itchiness
- Flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
- Swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
Some people may develop angioedema. This is swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, which can make breathing difficult. This can occur after the first dose or after multiple doses. This medicine may cause a serious allergic reaction, called angioedema, which can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or genitals, rouble breathing, or trouble swallowing after using this medicine.
What might help:
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples include:
- An antihistamine you swallow, such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine)
- A product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream
If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to Myrbetriq, they’ll decide if you should continue taking it.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, stop taking Myrbetriq. Call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Myrbetriq, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Important Considerations
Drug 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.
Myrbetriq can interact with several kinds of drugs, including:
- The heart drug digoxin
- The blood thinner warfarin
Myrbetriq can also increase the level of certain drugs in your body, such as:
- Certain heart drugs, including metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol-XL) and nebivolol (Bystolic)
- Certain mental health drugs, including venlafaxine (Effexor XR) and nortriptyline (Pamelor)
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. Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.
Existing Medical Conditions
Myrbetriq may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Myrbetriq. Factors to consider include those described below.
- Kidney or liver problems: Having kidney or liver problems may cause the levels of Myrbetriq to build up in your body. This increases your risk of side effects.
- High blood pressure: Myrbetriq can increase your blood pressure.
- Urinary retention: People with a condition called bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) have a risk of urinary retention as a side effect of Myrbetriq.
- Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Myrbetriq or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe it for you.
Alcohol and Myrbetriq
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.
Addressing Common Concerns
Weight Gain/Loss
No, neither weight gain nor weight loss were side effects reported by people who took Myrbetriq in studies. But if you have difficulty emptying your bladder (urinary retention), your weight may appear higher since your body is retaining fluid. Along with weight gain, you may have other symptoms of urinary retention, such as:
- Severe pain in your lower belly
- Urgent need to urinate
- Swelling of the lower belly
If you think you have urinary retention, talk with your doctor. They may have you stop taking Myrbetriq or switch you to a different treatment.
Hair Loss and Memory Loss
No, In studies, Myrbetriq didn’t cause hair loss. Some people may have problems with behavior and other psychological side effects from some drugs used for urinary incontinence. But Myrbetriq is unlikely to cause memory loss.
Alternatives to Myrbetriq
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.
Dosage and Administration
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 liquid suspension strength: 8 mg/mL.
Myrbetriq is typically taken once per day, regardless of the form prescribed and the condition being treated.
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.
Myrbetriq begins working as soon as you take a dose. But it may take 1 to 2 months before you see your symptoms reduced.
The Importance of Regular Check-ups
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects. This medicine may increase your blood pressure. You will need to have your blood pressure measured while you are using this medicine.