A sudden need to find a bathroom, frequent trips to urinate, or unexpected urine leakage can interfere with sleep, errands, travel, and everyday activities. If these symptoms are caused by overactive bladder, your healthcare provider may recommend medication when lifestyle changes alone are not enough.

So, what is Myrbetriq used for? Myrbetriq (mirabegron) is a prescription medication primarily used to treat adults with overactive bladder, or OAB. It can help reduce urinary urgency, frequent urination, and urge urinary incontinence, which is leakage that occurs with a sudden need to urinate.

How Does Myrbetriq Treat Overactive Bladder?

Myrbetriq belongs to a medication class called beta-3 adrenergic agonists. It works by relaxing the detrusor muscle, the muscle in the bladder wall that helps control urination. Relaxing this muscle during the bladder-filling phase allows the bladder to hold more urine and may reduce sudden urges to urinate.

Myrbetriq controls symptoms rather than curing overactive bladder. Your healthcare provider may recommend it on its own or, in some adults, together with another bladder medication such as solifenacin.

Myrbetriq is also approved for certain children age 3 and older with neurogenic detrusor overactivity, a bladder condition caused by problems involving the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. The appropriate formulation and dose depend on factors such as age and body weight. For additional patient information, see the MedlinePlus mirabegron drug guide.

What Are the Side Effects of Myrbetriq?

Like other prescription medications, Myrbetriq can cause side effects. Some of the more commonly reported effects in adults include:

• Increased blood pressure

• Urinary tract infection

• Headache

• Cold-like symptoms involving the nose or throat

Not everyone experiences these effects, and their severity can vary. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop a new or persistent symptom while taking Myrbetriq.

Myrbetriq Cautions and Serious Risks

Myrbetriq may increase blood pressure, so blood pressure monitoring may be recommended, particularly for people who already have hypertension. It is not recommended for people with severe uncontrolled high blood pressure.

Urinary retention, or difficulty completely emptying the bladder, is another potential concern. The risk requires particular attention in people with bladder outlet obstruction or those taking certain other medications for overactive bladder. Rare cases of angioedema, a potentially serious allergic reaction involving swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, have also been reported.

Myrbetriq can also interact with some medications because mirabegron affects an enzyme called CYP2D6. Tell your healthcare provider and pharmacist about all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements you use. The DailyMed Myrbetriq prescribing information provides additional safety and interaction information.

Why Is Myrbetriq So Expensive?

If you have been prescribed this medication, you may wonder, why is Myrbetriq so expensive? Out-of-pocket costs for a brand-name prescription can depend on the pharmacy, insurance coverage, deductible, copay, and formulary rules.

FDA-approved generic mirabegron extended-release tablets are now available in the United States, although availability and individual costs can still vary. Patients concerned about price can ask their healthcare provider or pharmacist whether generic mirabegron is appropriate for their prescription.

U.S. customers can also compare options for Myrbetriq through Canada Drugs Direct. Prescription requirements and product availability apply. Do not switch between brand-name Myrbetriq and another medication or change your treatment based on price without first discussing it with your healthcare provider.

Myrbetriq may be helpful for people whose overactive bladder symptoms interfere with daily life, but treatment should be based on your health history, other medications, blood pressure, and individual symptoms. Your healthcare provider can help determine whether this medication is appropriate for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Myrbetriq do to the bladder?

Myrbetriq relaxes the bladder's detrusor muscle while the bladder fills. This can increase bladder capacity and help reduce urinary urgency, frequency, and urge-related leakage.

How long does Myrbetriq take to work?

Some people may notice improvement earlier, but the full benefit can take several weeks. Your healthcare provider can assess how well treatment is working and whether any adjustment is appropriate.

Does Myrbetriq raise blood pressure?

It can. Periodic blood pressure monitoring is recommended, particularly for patients who already have high blood pressure.

Is there a generic for Myrbetriq?

Yes. FDA-approved mirabegron extended-release tablets are available from generic manufacturers in the United States. Pharmacy availability and out-of-pocket pricing may differ.

Can you stop Myrbetriq suddenly?

Do not stop or change a prescription medication without discussing it with your healthcare provider. Stopping treatment may allow overactive bladder symptoms to return.