Which statement describes how the medication mirabegron works to reduce urge incontinence Quizlet

Key takeaways:

• Myrbetriq (mirabegron) is a medication that can treat urinary incontinence, a symptom of overactive bladder (OAB). 

• Myrbetriq works by relaxing smooth muscles in your bladder. This helps the bladder store more urine, helping relieve symptoms of OAB. 

• Myrbetriq is only available as a brand-name medication, and it can be expensive. But Myrbetriq’s manufacturer offers financial assistance programs for those who qualify.

Do you find yourself visiting the bathroom more often than you’d like? Or, maybe, you’ve developed a habit of carrying a change of clothes when you’re away from home, just in case? If so, it’s possible that overactive bladder (OAB) could be affecting your day-to-day life.

OAB has a number of possible symptoms, and urinary incontinence is one of them. It’s a frustrating situation that causes you to lose normal control of your bladder. It can happen to both men and women, but it’s especially common in pregnancy and in men with prostate problems. 

If this situation sounds familiar, Myrbetriq (mirabegron) is one OAB treatment option to consider trying. But since several treatment options are available, when would you need Myrbetriq specifically? And is it worth its lofty price?  

Below, we’ll discuss Myrbetriq’s ability to treat urinary incontinence. 

How is urinary incontinence treated?

Medications like Myrbetriq are only one possible treatment option for urinary incontinence. Many other choices are also available.

Urinary incontinence can also be treated with lifestyle changes and pelvic floor muscle exercises (like kegels). In some cases, surgery can also be considered. The ideal treatment(s) depend on your type of urinary incontinence and how severe it is. 

When possible, lifestyle changes and pelvic floor exercises are a first-choice treatment. Lifestyle changes can help improve your bladder control. Pelvic floor exercises are daily exercises that can help make the pelvic muscles in your bladder stronger. 

If another layer of assistance is needed, this is when medications can come in handy. They’re usually a second-choice option when lifestyle changes aren’t enough. Medical devices can help too, possibly in the form of a catheter or a pessary (a device that fits in the vagina) for women. 

Is urinary incontinence the same as overactive bladder?

No. Urinary incontinence is not the same as OAB. Urinary incontinence is a symptom of OAB. However, some people use the terms interchangeably. 

By definition, urinary incontinence is when you lose normal control of your bladder and urine leaks out. OAB has other possible symptoms aside from urinary incontinence, such as feeling the need to urinate or urinating more than 8 times per day. 

If you’re experiencing urinary incontinence, there are several factors that could be contributing to these leakages. To find an underlying cause, your healthcare provider can perform an evaluation to help you find the best solution for your situation. 

What is Myrbetriq?

Myrbetriq is a prescription-only oral medication. It’s FDA-approved to treat OAB in adults. It’s usually used as an oral tablet, but it’s also available as an oral suspension (liquid). It’s a brand-name medication, and it’s typically taken once a day. In some situations, Myrbetriq is used in combination with a medication called Vesicare (solifenacin).

In addition to OAB, Myrbetriq is also approved to treat neurogenic detrusor overactivity in children.

How does Myrbetriq work?

Myrbetriq belongs to a group of medications known as beta-3 adrenergic agonists. It’s one of the two medications in this class that treats OAB. The other one is Gemtesa (vibegron). 

Like its group name suggests, Myrbetriq works by targeting receptors (chemical binding sites) in the bladder called beta-3 receptors. It binds to these receptors and forces smooth muscles in the bladder to relax. This relaxation helps the bladder store more urine, which helps control symptoms of urinary incontinence. 

How effective is Myrbetriq?

In a large meta-analysis, Myrbetriq was found to be just as effective as another class of medications that treat OAB, called antimuscarinics (anticholinergics). Antimuscarinics are also first-choice options for treating urinary incontinence. Some examples of antimuscarinic medications are Vesicare, Ditropan XL (oxybutynin), and Detrol (tolterodine).

As an added plus, Myrbetriq was also found to have fewer side effects than antimuscarinics, such as dry mouth, constipation, and the inability to empty your bladder. Side effects are discussed more below. 

Common Myrbetriq side effects

Myrbetriq is generally well-tolerated. But, like with all mediations, it can cause some side effects. 

Common side effects of Myrbetriq include: 

• High blood pressure 

• Cold symptoms 

• Headache 

• Constipation 

• Urinary tract infection (UTI) 

• Upper respiratory infection

Serious Myrbetriq side effects

Serious side effects are rare, but they can still occur while taking Myrbetriq. Some potentially serious side effects include:

• High blood pressure: Blood pressure changes are somewhat common with Myrbetriq, but these changes sometimes can turn serious. 

• Urinary retention: If your bladder has a blockage (or if you’re taking an antimuscarinic medication), you may not be able to fully empty your bladder. If urine builds up for too long, this can become serious.

• Angioedema: This is a medical emergency that causes swelling in your lips, tongue, or throat.

If you’re experiencing any of these side effects, seek medical attention. And once the immediate situation is resolved,  talk to your healthcare provider about whether you should continue Myrbetriq going forward.

Are Myrbetriq side effects worse for older adults?

No. In clinical studies, older adults experienced similar side effects as younger people. Data suggests that Myrbetriq is safe for older adults to use when needed. It’s also not included in the Beer’s Criteria, which is a compiled list of medications that are potentially inappropriate for older adults to use.

Why is Myrbetriq so expensive?

Myrbetriq is a brand-name medication, and there’s currently no generic version available. As of June 2022, the average retail cost of a 30-day supply is about $519. With a GoodRx coupon, this price can drop to as low as $394. However, this is still pricey. 

But what makes Myrbetriq so expensive? Various factors help determine the cost of medications. It’s a detailed process, but it ultimately boils down to research and development investments, patent-related concerns, and market competition. 

As a result, medications like Myrbetriq can be expensive — even if you have prescription insurance. But if you don’t have insurance, are underinsured, or need help with your copay, know that there are financial assistance programs available. 

One example comes from Myrbetriq’s manufacturer, Astellas. Their Momentum program offers a savings card that saves up to $70 every month for a full year. Astellas also offers additional support through their Astellas Patient Assistance Program. To see if you qualify, visit the program online or call 1-800-477-6472. 

Is Myrbetriq worth the cost?

Oftentimes, yes. It’s a well-tolerated treatment option that’s often effective for those who need it. It’s especially useful if you’re experiencing bothersome side effects from antimuscarinic medications or need some extra relief from urinary incontinence symptoms. 

However, know that results can vary for everyone. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the pros and cons of taking a medication like Myrbetriq. 

The bottom line

Myrbetriq is considered to be safe and effective for treating urinary incontinence in adults. It also tends to cause less side effects than antimuscarinic medications used to treat OAB. However, Myrbetriq is expensive, and it’s not the best choice for everyone. If you think you or a loved one may benefit from Myrbetriq, talk to your healthcare provider to see if it’s an ideal option for you. 

Griebling, T. L., et al. (2015). The Beer’s criteria for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults. American Urological Association.

Hersh, L., et al. (2013). Clinical management of urinary incontinence in women. American Family Physician.

Kelleher, C., et al. (2018). Efficacy and tolerability of mirabegron compared with antimuscarinic monotherapy or combination therapies for overactive bladder. A systematic review and network meta-analysis. European Association of Urology.

Lightner, D. J., et al. (2019). Diagnosis and treatment of non-neurogenic overactive bladder (OAB) in adults: An AUA/SUFU guideline (2019). American Urological Association.

Makhani, A., et al. (2020). Mirabegron in the treatment of overactive bladder: Safety and efficacy in the very elderly patient. Clinical Interventions in Aging.

Momentum. (2021). Request a savings card. Astellas Pharma US, Inc.

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Definition and facts for bladder control problems (urinary incontinence).

National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2021). Treatments for bladder control problems (urinary incontinence).

RemedyPack, Inc. (2022). Myrbetriq [package insert].

Sacco, E., et al. (2012). Mirabegron: A review of recent data and its prospects in the management of overactive bladder. Therapeutic Advances in Urology.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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