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 different forms. The drug is slowly released into your body over a period of time after a dose is taken. This drug is available.

  • You will take the tablets by mouth.
  • The liquid suspension that you will swallow is made from water and granules.

“In this article, we discuss Myrbetriq’s side effects.”

Mild or serious side effects may occur with Myrbetriq. The side effects that Myrbetriq may cause are described in the lists below. All possible side effects are not included in these lists.

Side effects of a drug can depend on other factors.

  • Your age.
  • You have other health conditions.
  • You take other drugs.

The doctor or the pharmacy can tell you more about the side effects of Myrbetriq. They can suggest ways to 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.

The side effects can vary slightly.

  • The condition is being treated.
  • Other drugs are being used with Myrbetriq.

Mild side effects of Myrbetriq have been reported.

The side effect focus section gives more information about this side effect.

The side effects of many drugs can be gone in a few days. If they become intolerable, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

There are serious side effects from Myrbetriq, but they are not common. If you have serious side effects, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, call the emergency number.

There have been serious side effects of Myrbetriq.

The side effect focus section gives more information about this side effect.

Side effect focus

There are some 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 can help?

“If you have a problem with your scurvy, talk to your doctor. If this side effect doesn’t go away on its own, your doctor may prescribe an antidiarrheal medication. If your scurvy persists, they may have you stop taking Myrbetriq. They will recommend other treatment options for you.”

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.

There are symptoms of urinary retention.

  • A weak urine stream.
  • Difficult to urinate or start to urinate.
  • It could be a full feeling in your bladder.
  • There is leaking urine.
  • You need to urinate again after you finish urinating.

What can help?

If you notice any symptoms of urinary retention, call your doctor. They may need to insert a tube into your bladder to let urine out.

Allergic reaction

Some people may have an allergic reaction to Myrbetriq.

A mild allergic reaction can include some symptoms.

A more severe allergic reaction is not uncommon. A severe allergic reaction can cause swelling under your skin, which can be seen in your eyes, lips, hands, and feet. They can include swelling of your mouth, throat, and tongue, which can cause trouble breathing.

If you have an allergic reaction to Myrbetriq, call your doctor. If you think you have a medical emergency, call the 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

The forms of myrbetriq that are taken by mouth are the two different ones. Both forms are extended-release. 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 tablets.

Myrbetriq is an extended-release tablets.

This form has two strengths.

  • 25 milligrams is a lot.
  • 50 tablets.

Myrbetriq liquid suspension strength: 8 mg/mL

Myrbetriq is also an extended-release granules. The form is mixed with 100 liters of water to make a liquid suspension. It has 8 million units per 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 usually taken once per day, regardless of the form prescribed.

Questions about Myrbetriq’s dosage

There are answers to some questions.

  • 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 condition that can be caused by the detrusor muscle in your bladder contracting too often. Parkinson’s disease or an enlarged prostrate can cause OAB. Sometimes it has no obvious cause.”

Myrbetriq helps with symptoms of OAB by relaxing your detrusor muscle. This helps your bladder to excrete more urine.

Myrbetriq for neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO)

Children who weigh at least 35 kilograms are treated with Myrbetriq.

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 helps the detrusor muscle relax. The bladder can store more urine.

Find answers to 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).

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about the side effects and uses of these medications. They can tell you how Myrbetriq compares to 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.

“After a last dose, traces of Myrbetriq stay in an adult’s body for about 10 days. It is about 6 days for children.”

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 are concerned about your weight changing while taking Myrbetriq, talk to your doctor. They can try to figure out 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.

If you have questions about Myrbetriq or treating ED, you should talk to your doctor.

“There are many factors that affect the cost of prescription drugs. What your insurance plan covers is one of the factors. The drug’s cost with insurance may vary.”

You may be wondering if Myrbetriq is a generic or a cost. At this time, Myrbetriq is not available as a generic.

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.

When considering Myrbetriq treatment, it is important to have a discussion with your doctor.

  • Your overall health.
  • You may have medical conditions.
  • You take all of the medications.

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 You take all of the medications., 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 a lot of drugs.

Myrbetriq can increase the level of drugs in your body.

The list does not include all the drugs that may interact with Myrbetriq. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions.

Warnings

If you have a medical condition that affects your health, Myrbetriq may not be right for you. Before you take Myrbetriq, you should talk to your doctor about your health history. The factors to consider are listed 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 There is a throbbing head. 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 to your doctor about how much you can safely consume while taking Myrbetriq.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

It is not known if Myrbetriq is safe to take while pregnant. This drug has not been studied in pregnant people. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should talk to your doctor. They can tell you about the risks and benefits of OAB treatments.

It is not known if it is safe to take Myrbetriq while breastfeeding. It is not known if this drug can affect a child who is breastfed. Discuss the risks and benefits of this treatment with your doctor. Your doctor may be able to suggest other feeding options for your child.

“Your doctor will explain how to take it. They will explain how much to take and how often. Follow your doctor’s instructions.”

Taking Myrbetriq

Myrbetriq comes in two different forms. The drug is slowly released into your body over a period of time after a dose is taken. This drug is available.

  • You will take the tablets by mouth.
  • Liquid suspension is made from water and granules.

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 you can’t read the label on your prescription, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies may provide medication labels.”

  • Have a large print.
  • Use the visual aids.
  • You can use a code on a phone to change the text into audio.

“If your current pharmacy doesn’t offer these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend a new pharmacy.”

“If you have trouble opening your bottles, please let your doctor know. They may be able to put Myrbetriq in a container. The drug’s container may be easier to open with the help of your pharmacist.”

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

There are a couple of questions that are common.

  • 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. Discuss your concerns with your doctor.

Here are a few tips that might help you.

  • Before your appointment, write down questions such as:
    • How will Myrbetriq affect my life?
  • Bring someone with you to your appointment to make you feel more comfortable.
  • “If you don’t understand something, ask your doctor to explain it.”

“Your doctor and other healthcare professionals are available to help you. They want you to get the best care possible. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or give feedback on your treatment”

“Don’t take more than your doctor prescribes. Taking more than this can cause serious side effects.”

Symptoms of overdose

There are symptoms caused by an overdose.

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. Here are a few questions you might want to ask.

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

You can learn more about treatment options for bladder problems by reading 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:

Everyone who takes Myrbetriq gets an UTI. There are steps you can take to reduce your chance of getting one.

It is important to drink plenty of water while taking Myrbetriq. This will make you urinate more. Other tips are worth trying.

  • After going to the bathroom, wipe from front to back.
  • Before and after sex, you should urinate.
  • Consider trying D-mannose, a dietary supplement that may help prevent UTIs.

If you think you may have a UTI, call your doctor right away. If you continue to have frequent infections while taking Myrbetriq, you should talk to your doctor. They may suggest a different option for treating your bladder problem.

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

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.