Mirabegron improves the quality of life of older patients with overactive bladder

This study investigated the quality of life outcomes in patients with overactive bladder (OAB) of 65 years of age or more. Researchers suggested that patients with OAB who received mirabegron (Myrbetriq) had improved quality of life.

OAB consists of an uncontrolled need or urge to urinate. Some people will leak urine when they feel this urge. The leakage of urine is called urinary incontinence. OAB can be caused by nerve disorders, change in hormones or even weakness of the pelvic muscles. It affects 12 to 16% of the population, more often in older individuals (65 years of age or older). OAB is associated with a decrease in quality of life and with anxiety and depression.

Mirabegron is used for the treatment of OAB by relaxing the bladder muscle. Prior studies showed that this treatment improves OAB symptoms in older patients. However, it is still not clear how it affects the quality of life of these patients.

This study included information about 848 patients with OAB and taking mirabegron. Of these 380 patients were 65 years of age or older. Participants were followed-up by filling a quality of life questionnaire at the start of the study and at the follow-up visits.

Symptoms improved in older patients after 10 to 12 months. The percentage of patients with improvements in symptoms was similar between younger and older groups. Quality of life also improved in both age groups. No safety issues were observed.

This study concluded that mirabegron improved the quality of life of older patients with OAB.

This study was funded by Astellas Pharma Europe, the mirabegron manufacturer.