Mirabegron

[jordlee21]

Has anyone tried taking Mirabegron to help with incontinence? Also has anyone experienced any side effects from these talets? thanks.

[COwithAMN Administrator AMN EASIER Volunteer]

Hi, this is an interesting question. I have the usual bladder problems and my consultant put me on solifenacin last year. I am not sure how effective it has been. I have ultimately gone to intermittent self-catheterisation ( morning and night for me) which helps quite a bit. Also, I use Coloplast drainage bags which help and at least mean you don't have to rush to the loo all the time.

However, I heard a BBC R4 programme which happened to mention that anticholinergic drugs (of which solifenacin is one) had some potential side effect in being linked to the onset of dementia! So, naturally, I am going to question the use of this drug next time I see the consultant. From what I can see, Mirabegron is not an anticholinergic drug so the dementia thing is excluded, but it does have other side effects.

Wikipedia says:

A number of antimuscarinic drugs (e.g., darifenacin, hyoscyamine, oxybutynin, tolterodine, solifenacin, trospium, fesoterodine) are frequently used to treat overactive bladder.[14] β3 adrenergic receptor agonists (e.g., mirabegron),[23] may be used, as well. They are, however, a second line treatment due to the risk of side effects.[3]

Few people get complete relief with medications and all medications are no more than moderately effective.[24]

Finally, I was on Oxybutynin before the solifenacin but the consultant dismissed it as being "old-fashioned". It is also an anticholinergic drug.

I see you reside in Sheffield, U.K. so are you getting Mirabegron on the NHS?

[jordlee21 in reply to COwithAMN]

Thanks for your reply. I tried taking solifenacin last year but they really didn't agree with me so i stopped taking them. yes i will be getting the mirabegron on the NHS, starting with 25mg at first and see how i go.

[Aaron98]

I have been taking 50 mg extended release Myrbetriq (mirabegron) for the past three months or so. I have never had much incontinence, but have struggled with urinary urgency and frequency. For years I was waking up 4-5 times every night to use the restroom, and would have to urinate every one to two hours throughout the day. While there are still days when I need to use the restroom often during the day, Myrbetriq has significantly reduced the number of times I need to wake up at night, to maybe once or twice.

The only side effect I have observed is possible dry mouth (though I have also been taking amitriptyline, and it got much worse after starting that drug). Please let us know if you start taking mirabegron, and how you are doing with it. Bear in mind that it does take several days for the drug to begin taking effect. I hope that it is effective for you!

[jordlee21 in reply to Aaron98]

thanks for your reply and the information you've provided. after seeing my GP today i will start taking the mirabegron at 25mg dose. will collect the tablets tomorrow and see how i go over the next few weeks. will let you know cheers.

[Aaron98 in reply to jordlee21]

I realize that you've only been taking Myrbetriq for a week now, but has it had a positive effect for you yet? I also wanted to ask if your insurance is covering most of the cost of this drug. It's a very expensive drug, but there is a 12 month discount program through the manufacturer, if you are interested in that.

myrbetriq.com/momentum-prog...

I hope you're doing well, and have a good weekend!

[jordlee21 in reply to Aaron98]

Sorry for the late reply, i think the mirabegron is helping to cut down the amount of times i am needing to go throughout the day which is a big help, but it hasn't cured my urge to go when it comes on me, which is still pretty quick. i get the mirabegron free on the NHS, but i have heard it is an expensive drug. all the best jord.

[mariagno]

I take oxybutynin. It is not the extended release it is the basic 5mg.

I can take it up to 4 times a day.

I like being able to be flexible with my meds to avoid over-prescribing.

On days where I will be on the go all day, I take it all day. If I will be home all day, I save it for night time.

A side effect of a lot of the bladder control medicines can be edema. I have swelling in my legs so I avoid taking it unless I am active.