Gemtesa vs. Myrbetriq: What to know about each
Gemtesa (vibegron) and Myrbetriq (mirabegron) are brand-name drugs. They’re both prescribed for overactive bladder. Myrbetriq is also prescribed for another use.
This article explains the main similarities and differences between Gemtesa and Myrbetriq. If you’re considering taking one of these drugs, discussing this information with your doctor can help you decide whether one of these treatments may be right for you.
Note: For more comprehensive information about these two drugs, you can refer to our Gemtesa and Myrbetriq articles.
Here’s information about the generic status for Gemtesa and Myrbetriq, as well as details on their active ingredients.
Extended-release means the drug is released slowly into your body over a long period of time.
The Myrbetriq granules are mixed with water by a pharmacist to create a liquid suspension before being dispensed.
Gemtesa and Myrbetriq have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat overactive bladder (OAB) in adults. They’re prescribed to help manage symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence.
For OAB, either drug can be taken on its own. Myrbetriq may also be prescribed together with solifenacin (Vesicare), another OAB treatment.
Gemtesa is also FDA approved to treat OAB symptoms in adults taking medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Myrbetriq is approved to treat neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in children ages 3 years and older. The extended-release oral tablet form may be prescribed if the child weighs at least 35 kilograms (about 77 pounds). The extended-release granule form may be prescribed regardless of weight.
Gemtesa is not approved for any use in children.
Note: For more information about the drugs’ uses, see our articles about Gemtesa and Myrbetriq.
Here’s a quick look at the dosage and administration of Gemtesa and Myrbetriq for the condition they treat.
The dosages of Gemtesa and Myrbetriq for treating overactive bladder (OAB) are as follows. Strengths are listed in milligrams (mg).
Note: For more dosage information, see our dosage articles about Gemtesa and Myrbetriq.
Gemtesa and Myrbetriq both treat overactive bladder (OAB). These drugs can cause some of the same side effects, as well as different ones. Some of the side effects reported in clinical trials of these drugs are listed here.
If you’re wondering which OAB medication has the fewest side effects, there isn’t one option that works best for everyone. The side effects you experience can depend on factors such as your overall health and the other medications you take. For example, Myrbetriq’s side effects may differ when it’s taken on its own versus when it’s combined with solifenacin (Vesicare), another OAB treatment.
For more details about side effects of these two drugs, see our side effect articles about Gemtesa and Myrbetriq. You can also refer to the Gemtesa prescribing information and Myrbetriq prescribing information.
The following table lists some of the more commonly reported mild side effects of Gemtesa and Myrbetriq. The table may also include mild side effects that are less common but may concern you.
These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. If the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The following table lists reported serious side effects of Gemtesa and Myrbetriq.
If you have serious side effects while using Gemtesa or Myrbetriq, call your doctor immediately. If the side effects feel life threatening or you believe you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number right away.
For some people, Gemtesa can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in clinical trials of Gemtesa or Myrbetriq.
In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Gemtesa or Myrbetriq, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.
Keep reading to learn more about the effectiveness of Gemtesa and Myrbetriq.
Review of studies: Research has shown that both Gemtesa and Myrbetriq are effective for easing symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB). One
However, the results of research studies may not apply to your specific health situation. Your doctor can determine whether Gemtesa or Myrbetriq may be better for you.
Prescribing information: For details about how these drugs performed in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Gemtesa and Myrbetriq. Keep in mind that trial results may not apply to your individual health situation.
Treatment guidelines: Another way to determine whether a drug is considered effective is to look at treatment guidelines. When an organization includes certain drugs in treatment guidelines, research has shown the drug to be safe and effective.
Gemtesa and Myrbetriq are recommended as treatment options for people with OAB in guidelines from the American Urological Association.
The cost of Gemtesa or Myrbetriq depends on the treatment plan your doctor prescribes, your insurance plan, and your pharmacy.
For more details about the cost of these two drugs, see our cost articles about Gemtesa and Myrbetriq.
Both Gemtesa and Myrbetriq are brand-name drugs. Myrbetriq extended-release oral tablet also comes in a generic form. Brand-name medications often cost more than generics. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn about the generic form of Myrbetriq.
Gemtesa and Myrbetriq may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. These drugs have some of the same precautions, but they also have different ones. Some of these precautions are mentioned here.
If any of the following medical conditions or other health factors are relevant to you, talk with your doctor before using Gemtesa or Myrbetriq.
Note: For more comprehensive information about these drugs, you can refer to our Gemtesa and Myrbetriq articles.
Switching between Gemtesa and Myrbetriq might be possible if your doctor recommends it.
If you’d like to know more about switching between Gemtesa and Myrbetriq, talk with your doctor. They can give you additional details and help determine the best course of action for your personal situation. Even if two drugs treat the same condition or are in the same drug class, your body can still respond differently.
It’s important that you do not stop, start, or switch any of your drug treatments without your doctor’s recommendation.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.