Mirabegron improves the treatment outcomes of patients with overactive bladder and benign prostatic hyperplasia receiving tamsulosin

This study investigated the effectiveness of mirabegron (Myrbetriq) on overactive bladder (OAB) in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) receiving tamsulosin (Flomax) therapy. Researchers suggested that mirabegron is a good and safe treatment for these patients.

OAB is present in 23% of the US population and consists of a frequent feeling of needing to urinate. It negatively affects the quality of life of the patients. In men, OAB is caused by bladder dysfunction which can be associated with BPH. These patients have an enlarged prostate that compresses the urinary tube stopping the flow of urine. Tamsulosin is a medication of BPH. It relaxes the muscles in the bladder neck, making it easier to urinate.

Some patients with OAB still have symptoms after treatment with tamsulosin. It is recommended that these patients add an anticholinergic agent such as oxybutynin (Ditropan) to the therapy. However, these agents are associated with high levels of side effects.

Prior studies showed that mirabegron improved symptoms in patients with OAB with fewer side effects. However, its safety and effectiveness in male patients with BPH and OAB receiving tamsulosin are not clear.

This study reviewed 3 other studies and included information about 1317 male patients. These patients had OAB as a symptom of BPH and were treated with tamsulosin and mirabegron.

Patients receiving the combined treatment had improved OAB symptoms. This included urinating fewer times, less urine, and with less urgency. These patients also had a 12% improvement in the odds of a better safety profile. However, there was an increase in the volume of urine left in the bladder after urinating.

This study concluded that mirabegron improves the OAB symptoms of male patients with BPH treated with tamsulosin with fewer side effects.

This study was based on medical records. Some information might have been incomplete. This might affect the results.