This is general health information only and is not a substitute for advice from your GP or healthcare professional.
1. What is overactive bladder (OAB)?
Overactive bladder is a condition characterised by urinary urgency, usually accompanied by increased daytime frequency and nocturia, with or without urgency urinary incontinence. It occurs when the bladder contracts involuntarily during the storage phase, creating a sudden and difficult-to-defer urge to urinate.
2. What is mirabegron?
Mirabegron is a medicine used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder. It belongs to a class of medicines called beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonists. It works by relaxing the bladder muscle during filling, allowing the bladder to hold more urine and reducing urgency and frequency.
3. How effective is mirabegron for overactive bladder?
Mirabegron can reduce urinary urgency, frequency, and urgency incontinence and may improve overall bladder control. The response varies between individuals, and improvement may become more noticeable after several weeks of treatment.
4. How is mirabegron taken?
Mirabegron is usually taken once daily, with or without food. The tablet should generally be swallowed whole rather than crushed or chewed. The dose is selected according to the individual’s symptoms, kidney and liver function, other medications, and local prescribing recommendations.
5. What are the common side effects of mirabegron?
Common side effects may include headache, dizziness, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, and increased blood pressure. Some people may also experience urinary tract infections or palpitations.
6. Can mirabegron increase blood pressure?
Yes. Mirabegron can increase blood pressure in some people, so blood pressure should be checked before starting treatment and monitored during therapy. It is generally not recommended for people with severe uncontrolled hypertension.
7. Is mirabegron suitable for everyone with overactive bladder?
No. Mirabegron may not be appropriate for people with severe uncontrolled hypertension, significant kidney or liver impairment, urinary retention, or certain medication interactions. Your doctor will consider your medical history and other medicines before prescribing it.
8. Can mirabegron be used with other overactive bladder treatments?
Yes. In people who have an inadequate response to a single treatment, mirabegron may sometimes be combined with an antimuscarinic medicine such as solifenacin. Combination treatment should be prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional because it may increase the risk of side effects.
9. How long should I take mirabegron?
Mirabegron is generally used as a longer-term treatment when it is effective and well tolerated. Your doctor may review your symptoms after starting treatment and periodically thereafter to determine whether it should be continued, adjusted, or changed.
10. When should I seek medical advice while taking mirabegron?
You should seek medical advice if your symptoms do not improve, become significantly worse, or you develop difficulty passing urine. Urgent medical attention is required for severe palpitations, chest pain, severe headache associated with very high blood pressure, or other concerning symptoms.