In a nutshell
This paper investigated the effectiveness and safety of mirabegron (Myrbetriq) for the treatment of symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB). Mirabegron appeared to be safe and effective for the treatment of OAB symptoms.
Some background
OAB is characterized by symptoms such as experiencing incontinence (urine leakage), having a strong urge to urinate, and being woken up at night due to the need to urinate (nocturia). Antimuscarinics are the standard treatment for overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms. Mirabegron is a medicine that acts in a similar way to antimuscarinics to relax the bladder in order to treat OAB symptoms. It is important to investigate the effectiveness and safety of mirabegron for the treatment of OAB symptoms.
Methods & findings
This paper analyzed the results of 10 different studies investigating mirabegron as a treatment for OAB. Each study involved participants receiving at least one dose of mirabegron, an antimuscarinic such as solifenacin (Vesicare) or tolterodine extended-release (Detrol), or a placebo.
Patients recorded the effects of the treatment on OAB symptoms in a bladder diary. The effects of the drugs were also compared across age groups and genders. The side effects of the treatment were also measured.
Before treatment, older patients and males were more likely to have high blood pressure or diabetes than younger patients or females. OAB symptoms appeared to improve in those in the mirabegron or anti-muscarinic groups, compared to those in the placebo group. The average number of incontinence episodes in a day, urination frequency across a day, and nocturia were all improved by treatment with mirabegron or an anti-muscarinic.
21.4% of those in the anti-muscarinic group reported side-effects due to treatment, compared to 17% in the mirabegron group. Dry mouth was reported by 8.7% in the anti-muscarinic group, 2.7% in the mirabegron group and 2.4% in the placebo group.
The bottom line
This paper showed mirabegron was effective in improving the symptoms of OAB with limited non-serious side-effects.
The fine print
This paper analyzed studies that took place over a 12 week period. Therefore, longer-term studies are necessary.
What’s next?
If you have questions about the treatment of OAB symptoms, please consult your doctor.
Published By :
European Urology
Date :
Oct 18, 2019
