Myrbetriq
It is the brand name of a drug called mirabegron. It belongs to a class of medications called beta-3 adrenergic agonists that reduce muscle spasms of the bladder and urinary tract. It works by relaxing the bladder muscles.
This medication is produced by Astellas Pharma US, Inc, a top 20 global pharmaceutical research company. The Food and Drug Administration first approved this medication in 2012.
Uses
It is used to treat symptoms associated with an overactive bladder, including:
- urge incontinence (an involuntary loss of urine which typically happens when an individual has a strong, sudden need to urinate);
- urinary frequency (the need to urinate more often than usual);
- urinary urgency (the sudden urge to urinate, because of involuntary contractions of the bladder muscle).
Dosage
It comes as an extended-release tablet that can be taken by mouth. The usual recommended dose is 25 mg once per day without or with food. It is effective within approximately 8 weeks.
Based on the individual’s tolerability and efficacy, the dose may be increased to 50 mg once per day.
Side Effects And Precautions Of Mirabegron
Common side effects may include:
- headaches;
- cold symptoms;
- increased blood pressure.
Rare side effects may include:
- glaucoma;
- heart palpitations;
- rhinitis;
- blurred vision;
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a rare disorder of the skin and mucous membrane);
- indigestion;
- lip edema;
- gastritis;
- vaginal infection;
- abdominal distension;
- leukocytoclastic vasculitis;
- elevations in liver enzymes;
- urticaria;
- vulvovaginal pruritus;
- bladder pain;
- nephrolithiasis.
To be sure that this medication is safe for you, tell your healthcare provider if you have, or have had:
- liver disease;
- a blockage at the base of the bladder (bladder outlet obstruction);
- hypertension;
- kidney disease;
- allergy to any type of medicines;
- glaucoma;
- problems emptying your bladder;
- an enlarged prostate.
It may interact with the following medicines:
- metoprolol;
- flecainide;
- encainide;
- digoxin;
- desipramine;
- chlorpromazine.
Due to the lack of conclusive clinical studies, this medication should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the unborn baby.
Vesicare
It is the brand name of a drug called solifenacin that belongs to a class of medications called urinary antagonists. It is used to treat the symptoms of overactive bladder, like – urgent or frequent urination as well as urine leakage.
This drug works by increasing the volume of urine which the bladder can hold and stops sudden bladder muscle contractions. This helps to control the release of urine and eases the symptoms.
It is produced and marketed by Astellas, GlaxoSmithKline and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries. This drug was first approved by the US Food and Drug Administration in 2004.
Uses
This medication is used to treat symptoms of an overactive bladder, like – incontinence (urine leakage), and frequent or urgent urination.
Note – it may help to control the symptoms, however, it will not cure the condition.
Dosage
The usual recommended dose is 5 mg once per day. If the symptoms are still present, your healthcare provider may increase the dose to 10 mg once per day.
It is commonly necessary to take this drug for at about one month before you can expect maximum benefits from this treatment. It shouldn’t be prescribed for children younger than 18 years.
Side Effects And Precautions Of Solifenacin
Common side effects may include:
- vomiting;
- dry mouth;
- upset stomach;
- constipation;
- extreme tiredness;
- blurred vision;
- dry eyes;
- heartburn;
- stomach pain.
Rare side effects may include:
- hallucinations;
- extreme thirst;
- confusion;
- dry skin;
- urinating less than usual;
- seeing halos around lights;
- eye pain;
- vision changes;
- burning when you urinate;
- constipation for 3 days or longer;
- severe stomach pain.
To be sure that this medication is good for you, tell your healthcare professional:
- if you suffer from severe kidney disease;
- if you have autonomic neuropathy;
- if you have a heartburn or a stomach tear;
- if you have liver disease;
- if you have glaucoma;
- if you have diabetes mellitus;
- if you are at risk of your digestive system slowing down;
- if you have constipation;
- if you have difficulty in passing urine;
- if you have trouble emptying your bladder.
It is not known exactly whether this medication passes into breast milk, therefore, it is best to avoid it if you are breastfeeding a baby. Also, there are no conclusive clinical studies about its safe use by pregnant women.
Until you know how this medication affects you, do not drive or operate heavy machinery. Moreover, the use of alcoholic beverages while taking this medication can make your bladder symptoms worse.
Myrbetriq vs Vesicare – Differences
Myrbetriq (active ingredient – mirabegron) is used to treat overactive bladder with symptoms of urgent or frequent urination and urinary incontinence. It works by relaxing the muscle which surrounds the bladder. Also, it may increase the bladder’s capacity to store urine.
Vesicare (active ingredient – solifenacin) belongs to a group of medicines called anticholinergic medicines. This drug works by reducing the activity of the bladder and helps you control the bladder.
In conclusion, both these medicines are used to treat the symptoms (but not the cause) of overactive bladder but contain different active ingredients.
5 Natural Remedies For Urinary Incontinence
#1 Acupuncture
A few studies have concluded that this ancient therapeutic method is effective for most individuals that suffer from urinary incontinence.
#2 Marshmallow Root
This medicinal herb (scientific name – Althaea officinalis) is renowned for its soothing natural compounds. Used as a cold infusion, marshmallow root can work wonders for the urinary system.
#3 Pelvic Floor (Kegel) Exercises
Exercising your pelvic floor muscles (they assist in urinary and fecal continence) can be a simple method to treat urinary incontinence, especially in the early stages. Moreover, Kegel exercises reduce urine leakage in both women and men.
#4 Capsaicin
This compound is found in the fleshy part of hot peppers. It is used to treat pelvic pain syndrome, which is often a symptom of an overactive bladder.
#5 Magnesium
Magnesium is a mineral essential for muscle relaxation throughout the human body. Therefore, consuming foods rich in magnesium allows complete emptying of the bladder as well as it can help reduce bladder muscle spasms.
Foods rich in magnesium include – flax seeds, pumpkin seeds, figs, prunes, red kidney beans, navy beans, oat bran, oats, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, spinach, and Swiss chard.
Image credit – Shutterstock & Getty
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References https://www.myrbetriq.com/what-is-myrbetriq/ https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2503647/