Myrbetriq Effects and Their Management: Exploring Potential Side Effects and Strategies for Coping
Myrbetriq (mirabegron), a brand-name drug, is commonly used to treat overactive bladder in adults and certain children. It's important to understand the potential side effects and interactions associated with this medication.
While there's no known interaction between alcohol and Myrbetriq, consuming alcohol while taking the drug could worsen side effects. Alcohol can increase the need to urinate and irritate the lining of the bladder, potentially exacerbating symptoms of overactive bladder. If you drink alcohol and are taking Myrbetriq, it's advisable to discuss safe consumption levels with your doctor during treatment.
One of the most notable potential long-term side effects to monitor in both adults and children is an increase in blood pressure. Children aged 3 to under 12 are more susceptible to blood pressure increases than older children or adults. High blood pressure can lead to severe headaches, nausea or vomiting, chest pain, changes in vision, and in extreme cases, a hypertensive crisis (very high blood pressure).
Urinary retention is another concern, particularly for patients with bladder outlet obstruction or those taking other medications like muscarinic antagonists. Symptoms of urinary retention include a feeling of fullness in the bladder, lower abdominal discomfort, urine leakage, needing to urinate more frequently than usual, trouble starting to urinate, and a weak urine stream.
Other mild to moderate side effects include headache, dizziness, and urinary tract infections. In children, constipation is more common than in adults.
In rare cases, Myrbetriq may cause serious side effects such as angioedema (severe swelling), high blood pressure, and urinary retention. Angioedema is sudden swelling of tissues deep in the skin and can be life-threatening if it affects the throat or airways. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious and can include skin rash, itching, flushing, swelling under the skin, swelling of the mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe.
It's crucial to inform your doctor if you experience symptoms of a urinary tract infection, an allergic reaction, or high blood pressure. For mild symptoms, your doctor may recommend ways to ease your symptoms and determine whether you should continue taking Myrbetriq. For severe symptoms, immediate medical attention is necessary.
Myrbetriq is available in extended-release tablet and extended-release granules that are mixed with water to form a liquid suspension. It's essential to note that Myrbetriq belongs to a drug class called beta-3 adrenergic agonists and is not available in a generic version.
While Myrbetriq is generally well-tolerated, it's important to be aware of its potential side effects and monitor your health closely during treatment. Clinical trials and post-marketing data show that long-term use (up to 12 months) maintains the drug's profile without new or emerging major safety concerns.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking Myrbetriq are not known to be safe. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, it's essential to inform your doctor, as they can help determine whether Myrbetriq is the right drug choice for you.
Lastly, it's important to note that Myrbetriq does not cause weight gain as a side effect.
[1] DrugBank. (2021). Mirabegron. Retrieved from https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB11150 [2] U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2021). Myrbetriq. Retrieved from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugs-a-z/mybetriq [3] National Organization for Rare Disorders. (2021). Mirabegron. Retrieved from https://rarediseases.org/drugs/mirabegron/ [5] European Medicines Agency. (2021). Myrbetriq. Retrieved from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/EPAR/mybetriq
- Monitoring blood pressure and discussing alcohol consumption with your doctor is advisable if you're taking Myrbetriq, as children aged 3 to under 12 may be more susceptible to blood pressure increases.
- Symptoms of urinary retention, such as a feeling of fullness in the bladder, lower abdominal discomfort, and trouble starting to urinate, could be a concern for some Myrbetriq users, particularly those with bladder outlet obstruction or those taking other medications like muscarinic antagonists.
- Apart from urinary tract infections, headache, and dizziness, Myrbetriq may cause serious side effects like angioedema (severe swelling) or high blood pressure, which require immediate medical attention if symptoms occur.
- Inform your doctor about any symptoms of a urinary tract infection, an allergic reaction, or high blood pressure during Myrbetriq treatment to ensure proper management of your condition.
- It's essential to recognize that mytheteriq does not cause weight gain as a side effect, and it's crucial to discuss the drug's safety with your doctor, particularly regarding pregnancy, breastfeeding, and potential interactions with other medications.
