OnabotulinumtoxinA improves symptoms in patients with overactive bladder and urinary incontinence

This study investigated the effectiveness and safety of onabotulinumtoxinA (OBTA; Botox) in patients with overactive bladder and urinary incontinence. Researchers suggested that OBTA was associated with an improvement in urinary symptoms in these patients.

Overactive bladder (OAB) is a chronic disabling condition. The main symptom is urgency (a sudden need to urinate), with or without urinary incontinence (UI; leakage of urine). These symptoms decrease the quality of life, affecting daily activities and mental health. In Japan, 12.4% of people with 40 years of age or more have this condition.

The standard medical treatment for OAB and UI is frequently of poor effectiveness and/or tolerance. Therefore, alternative therapies are necessary as second-line treatment. Prior studies showed the effectiveness of OBTA in treating this condition. It helps to stop the uncontrollable muscle activity of the bladder. OBTA is currently approved in several countries. However, the treatment has not been approved in Japan.

This study included information about 248 patients with OAB and UI. All patients had failed a first-line treatment. These patients were assigned to receive OBTA (124) or placebo (a drug with no effect on the body; 124). The change in daily incontinence episodes between the start and end of the treatment was assessed. Participants were followed-up for 12 weeks.

In the OBTA group, there was a greater decrease in the average number of incontinence episodes. Other symptoms, such as nocturia (waking up at night one or more times to urinate) also improved in the OBTA group. Moderate side effects, such as urinary infections increased in the OBTA group when compared to placebo.

This study concluded that OBTA could be a good and safe option to treat patients with overactive bladder and urinary incontinence.

This study was done with Japanese participants. Further studies on more diverse populations are needed.