In a nutshell
This study looked at the effectiveness of giving Vibegron alone or with tolterodine (Detrol) in the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). It concluded that vibegron was safe and effective in OAB treatment.
Some background
Overactive Bladder (OAB) is a sudden, frequent urge to urinate. It may result in urge incontinence (inability to hold on to urine). OAB urination is emptying of the bladder usually eight or more times a day and two or more times at night. OAB can have a negative impact on quality of life. Medications can be taken to calm the muscles and nerves which cause OAB. These medications however, can carry side effects. Vibegron and tolterodine are OAB medications. These relax the muscles of the bladder. It is important to research the safety and effectiveness of these medications.
Methods & findings
1395 patients with OAB were included in this study. The study was divided into two parts. In part 1, patients were randomly assigned to take one of several doses of vibegron, to take vibegron with tolterodine or to take a placebo. Part 1 lasted for 8 weeks. In part 2, patients were randomly assigned to take 100mg vibegron, 100mg vibegron and 4 mg tolterodine, 4mg tolterodine or placebo. Part 2 lasted for 4 weeks. Patients kept urination diaries. Patients were assessed for a reduction in the amount of urinations per day, incontinence episodes and urgency episodes. Patients were also assessed for side effects.
Higher doses of vibegron given alone reduced the number of urinations and urgency episodes per day. Patients who had wet OAB had reduced numbers of incontinence episodes per day. Vibegron and tolterodine reduced the number of urinations per day, incontinence and urgency episodes. Some side effects did occur. These included: dry mouth, headache, urinary tract infection, pharynx and nasal cavity infections, constipation and fatigue. Dry mouth was more common in patients taking tolterodine.
The bottom line
This study concluded that vibegron was safe and effective in OAB treatment.
The fine print
The authors note that the study was short. This may affect its results.
What’s next?
If you want to learn more about vibegron in OAB treatment, talk to your doctor.
Published By :
European Urology
Date :
Feb 01, 2019
