Myrbetriq (Mirabegron) – Oral

What Is Myrbetriq?

Myrbetriq (mirabegron) is a prescription medication that treats overactive bladder (OAB) in adults. It belongs to a class of drugs known as beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonists.

Myrbetriq works by relaxing the smooth muscle surrounding your bladder, which allows you to hold more urine. By doing this, Myrbetriq relieves the symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence, which is the unintentional loss of control in releasing urine from the bladder. It can also be used to treat a pediatric bladder disorder called neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO).

Mirabegron comes in extended-release tablets (Myrbetriq) for oral use and extended-release granules for oral suspension (Myrbetriq Granules).

What Is Myrbetriq Used For?

Myrbetriq is often prescribed for adults to treat symptoms of OAB, including:

• Urinary incontinence
• Urinary urgency (a strong need to urinate right away)
• Urinary frequency (urinating often)

It also treats NDO in children aged 3 years and older. Dosing schedules are approved for children weighing as little as 24.2 pounds. NDO is a type of bladder disorder related to neurological impairment in children.

Myrbetriq may be used alone or combined with another medication called solifenacin, which is available under the brand name Vesicare.

How to Take Myrbetriq

Myrbetriq is available as an oral tablet or liquid suspension. A healthcare provider will select which form and dose you should take based on your condition and body weight.

Your provider will prescribe the right dose for you. The prescribed dose is usually taken once a day. This medication is meant to be taken by mouth.

If you are prescribed the tablets, you can take your dose with or without food. Swallow the tablet whole and take it with water. Children who are prescribed the tablets should take their dose with food.

If you are taking the suspension (Myrbetriq Granules), you should take your dose within one hour of eating food. The pharmacist will dispense Myrbetriq Granules as a suspension and provide an oral dosing device for use. If you will not be using the suspension for two or more days, shake the bottle vigorously for one minute each day to ensure the granules are mixed well.

Storage

Store Myrbetriq and Myrbetriq Granules at a controlled room temperature, about 68–77 degrees Fahrenheit. For the tablets, keep the bottle closed and discard any unused medication that is out of date.

Use Myrbetriq Granules within 28 days after the pharmacist prepares the suspension. The expiration date will be on the bottle. After the expiration date, throw away any leftover medication.

Always carry your medication with you. If you are flying, keep the original prescription-labeled bottle or box in your carry-on bag. Don’t leave this medication in your car, especially if the temperature is very cold or hot.

What Are the Side Effects of Myrbetriq?

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. A medical professional can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or a medical professional. You may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 800-FDA-1088.

Like most medications, Myrbetriq can cause mild or severe side effects.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects with Myrbetriq include:

• Dry mouth
• Urinary tract infection (UTI)
• Constipation
• Dizziness

Talk to your healthcare provider or pharmacist if any of these side effects don’t go away or become more severe.

Severe Side Effects

Call your healthcare provider right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency. Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

• Severe allergic reactions: Symptoms may include trouble breathing, hives, swelling of the tongue, lips, mouth, or throat
• Atrial fibrillation (irregular or rapid heartbeat)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Angioedema (swelling under the skin)
• Urinary retention (inability to empty the urine in your bladder)

Dosage: How Much Myrbetriq Should I Take?

Modifications

Your healthcare provider may adjust your dose based off of liver and kidney function.

Missed Dose

If a dose of Myrbetriq is missed or spit out, take it as soon as possible unless more than 12 hours have passed. If 12 hours have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra to make up for the missed dose. Doing so can increase your risk for side effects.

Overdose: What Happens If I Take Too Much Myrbetriq?

Taking too much Myrbetriq can lead to heart palpitations (fluttering or pounding heart) or increased heart rate. Let your healthcare provider know if you think you've taken too much Myrbetriq.

Precautions

What Are Reasons I Shouldn’t Take Myrbetriq?

There are a few reasons why your healthcare provider may not choose Myrbetriq as part of your treatment, including:

Allergy

A person should not take Myrbetriq if they are allergic to the ingredients.

Pregnancy

Myrbetriq may cause harm to the fetus. It is best to talk to your provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant so that they can decide the best option for you.

Breastfeeding

It isn’t known if Myrbetriq passes into human milk, but it can potentially cause serious harm to a breastfed child. Talk with your provider if you are breastfeeding to discuss the best treatment plan.

Older Adults

A person aged 65 years or older often processes drugs more slowly. A lower dose or different schedule may be required.

Other Health Conditions

In specific individuals, the body may handle Myrbetriq differently. Inform your healthcare provider if you have:

• High blood pressure
• Urinary retention
• Angioedema

What Other Medications May Interact With Myrbetriq?

Myrbetriq can interfere with the metabolism of certain medications and dose adjustments may be required. Here are a few examples of those medications:

• Digox (digoxin)
• Coumadin (warfarin)
• Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptyline and doxepin
• Beta-blockers, such as Inderal (propranolol) and Tenormin (atenolol)
• Zoloft (sertraline)
• Paxil (paroxetine)
• Haldol (haloperidol)
• Mellaril (thioridazine)

This list does not include all drugs that can interact with Myrbetriq. Before using Myrbetriq, tell your healthcare provider about all of the prescription medications, OTC medications, vitamins, supplements, or herbs you are taking. This will help you avoid potential interactions. If you have any questions about drug interactions, speak with a healthcare professional.

What Medications Are Similar?

There are a few other medications that are also used to treat OAB, including: 

• Ditropan XL and Ditropan IR (oxybutynin)
• Detrol (tolterodine)
• Vesicare (solifenacin)

Ditropan XL and Ditropan IR

Oxybutynin is a urinary antispasmodic medication that works by relaxing bladder smooth muscle. It is often prescribed to treat OAB in adults, as well as NDO. Ditropan XL is available as an oral tablet. The most common side effects are urinary tract infection, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, and dizziness.

Detrol

Tolterodine is another urinary antispasmodic that works by relaxing bladder smooth muscle to treat OAB. Detrol is available in tablet and capsule form. Common side effects include dry mouth, headache, dizziness, and constipation.

Vesicare

As another urinary antispasmodic, solifenacin works similarly to Ditropan IR (oxybutynin) and Detrol (tolterodine). It is often prescribed to treat OAB. The most common side effects include dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, and urinary retention. This medication is sometimes used in combination with Myrbetriq.

This list is a list of examples of medications used to treat OAB. It is not necessarily a list of drugs recommended to take with Myrbetriq. Ask your healthcare provider if you have any questions.

How Can I Stay Healthy While Taking Myrbetriq?

When used correctly, Myrbetriq is a safe and effective medication that can help control OAB.

Myrbetriq is generally well tolerated, with most side effects being mild. In some cases, it can cause more serious side effects such as allergic reactions or high blood pressure, so it is important to monitor how you feel while taking this medication.

OAB can be a debilitating condition for some. However, you can work with your healthcare provider to find an appropriate treatment for you. Tell your healthcare provider of your other health conditions and any prescription medications, OTC medications, supplements, or herbs you are taking. Your provider can decide what drug and dose work best for you.

In addition to taking Myrbetriq, there are other ways you can cope with OAB. Most importantly, remember to be consistent in whatever therapy you are using to control your symptoms.