Cost effective drugs for overactive bladder

This study looked at the long term value for money of two drugs for Overactive Bladder Syndrome (OAB). It concluded that Mirabegron (Myrbetriq) is more value for money than Tolterodine (Detrol). 

Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a sudden, frequent urge to urinate. It may result in urge incontinence (inability to hold on to urine). OAB urination is usually eight or more times a day and two or more times at night. OAB can have a negative impact on quality of life. Medications can be taken to calm the muscles and nerves which cause OAB. These medications however, can carry side effects.

Mirabegron and tolterodine are two OAB medications which work to relax the muscles of the bladder. These medications can be taken as either first-line or second-line medications. First-line medication means the medication taken as the first drug treatment for the condition. If the first-line treatment does not work, then the patient moves onto the second-line treatment, another medication. Taking these medications long-term can be associated with significant costs. These costs can be especially high if the OAB symptoms are severe. 

This study searched databases for patients with OAB. These patients were taking either mirabegron or tolterodine as their first-line treatment medication. Patients took the medications for approximately 5 years. Patients change in urination frequency (how often they urinated) and their incontinence frequency (how often they experienced urine leaks) was noted. The cost effectiveness of the drugs was determined. This was calculated from comparing the financial cost of the drugs over time and how much they improved the patient's quality of life. 

Mirabegron did cost more than tolterodine. It also found that mirabegron could improve patient quality of life more than tolterodine. Therefore, mirabegron was found to be better value for money. But mirabegron will end up costing more in patients who experience more severe OAB symptoms. This is because they have to take more of the drug. Adverse effects for both drugs were found to include dry mouth and constipation. 

This study concluded that mirabegron is better value for money than tolterodine. Though this is affected by the severity of the symptoms experienced. 

The authors note that the cost of each drug was not straightforward. It included the first-line medication (the first medication used to treat symptoms) used to treat OAB. It also included the cost of any further medication used to ease symptoms. This may affect the study's results. 

If you are interested in learning more about mirabegron and tolterodine in OAB treatment, contact your doctor.