Is vibegron safe and effective in older patients?

This study looked at the use of vibegron (Gemtesa) for overactive bladder (OAB) in older patients. It found that vibegron was equally effective in younger and older patients and did not have significant impact on heart disease in older patients. 

OAB is a condition that affects mainly older people. It results in an increased frequency of urination and an urgent need to urinate. This can impact the quality of life of people with this condition.

Vibegron is a medication used in the treatment of OAB. It works by causing the bladder muscle to relax. However, it may also act on the heart and blood vessels, causing increased heart rate and high blood pressure. It is not clear if it causes significant changes to heart rate and blood pressure, especially in older patients.

This study looked at 1,108 Japanese patients with OAB. Patients were divided into three groups. Group 1 received vibegron 50 mg, group 2 received vibegron 100 mg, and group 3 received a placebo. All groups were treated for 12 weeks. They were monitored for improvement in OAB symptoms and for changes in blood pressure or heart rate.

Those groups treated with vibegron showed a significant reduction in frequency and urgency of urination compared to the placebo groups. The improvement with vibegron was similar in patients aged 65 years or more as in younger patients. There were no significant changes in heart rate or blood pressure in those treated with vibegron compared to those treated with placebo.

This study showed that vibegron is safe and effective for older patients with OAB to use. It did not cause any significant cardiovascular effects over 12 weeks of treatment.

This study was funded by the pharmaceutical company that produces vibegron. It involved Asian patients only. Further studies are needed to see if these results apply to other ethnicities. Also, the study had a short treatment and follow-up period. Longer-term studies are needed to evaluate the effects of vibegron over the long term.