In a nutshell
This article investigated the safety and effectiveness of low-dose mirabegron (Myrbetriq) in patients with overactive bladder (OAB). The authors concluded that this treatment is effective in two-thirds of patients with a good safety profile.
Some background
OAB is a condition where there is a frequent feeling of needing to urinate. OAB is currently treated with medications known as antimuscarinics. However, these can cause side effects such as dry mouth, constipation, headache, and blurred vision.
An alternative is mirabegron. It is a beta-3-adrenoceptor which works to help relax the smooth muscle that surrounds the bladder and may increase the bladder's ability to store urine. The safety and efficacy of mirabegron in current medical practice are still under investigation.
Methods & findings
The study involved 177 patients. They received 25 mg mirabegron and were followed up at 4, 12 and 24 weeks. Symptom scores were used to evaluate patients' symptoms.
There was an improvement in OAB symptoms after mirabegron. Patients had decreased urgency (urgent need to urinate) and decreased problems storing and passing urine.
118 (66.7%) patients remained on mirabegron for more than 3 months and 84 (47.5%) remained on it for more than 6 months. 29 patients (16%) had a poor response to it and stopped its use within 3 months. 8 (4.5%) patients stopped it due to side effects.
The most common side effects were high blood pressure (2.8%) and increased post-void residual volume (2.8%, PVRV; increased amount of urine remaining in the bladder after urinating). There was no difference in symptoms between males or females.
The bottom line
The authors concluded that low dose mirabegron is effective in two-thirds of patients with a good safety profile.
The fine print
This study had a short follow up time. Further studies are needed for stronger evidence.
Published By :
International urology and nephrology
Date :
Jun 07, 2018
