How long does Myrbetriq stay in your system?

Myrbetriq (mirabegron) is the brand name for an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved prescription drug manufactured by Astellas Pharma US, Inc. It is classed as an adrenergic agonist and is used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) in adults. Myrbetriq is available as extended-release tablets and granules. Myrbetriq tablets and Myrbetriq granules are two different products and cannot be substituted on a milligram-per-milligram basis.

Here we will take a closer look at What Myrbetriq is, what it is used for, how it works, its side effects, and other commonly asked questions.

What is Myrbetriq used for?

Myrbetriq (mirabegron) is a beta-3 receptor agonist that is used alone or in combination with solifenacin succinate to relieve the symptoms of overactive bladder such as frequent or urgent urination and urinary incontinence. Myrbetriq is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat the following conditions:

  • Overactive bladder (OAB) in adults with symptoms such as urinary incontinence, urgency, and urinary frequency. Myrbetriq can be used alone or along with the antimuscarinic medication Vesicare (solifenacin)
  • Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in pediatric patients 3 years of age and older and weighing at least 35 kg

RELATED: What is Myrbetriq

How does Myrbetriq work?

The detrusor muscle in your bladder wall relaxes to let your bladder fill with urine and then contracts to squeeze the bladder and release the urine. With an overactive bladder, the bladder muscle contracts more frequently or uncontrollably. This decreases the amount of urine your bladder can hold and makes you feel like you need to urinate frequently. It can also cause urine leakage (incontinence).

Myrbetriq works by binding to beta-3 receptors on detrusor muscle cells. This causes the muscle to relax and allows more urine to be stored by the bladder. This helps decrease how often you urinate as well as prevents incontinence.

Before taking Myrbetriq

Before starting Myrbetriq, tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following medical conditions:

  • Liver problems or impairment
  • Kidney problems or impairment
  • Uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breast-feeding

What are Myrbetriq’s side effects?

The most common side effects of Myrbetriq include:

  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Nasopharyngitis (common cold)
  • Headache
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • Constipation
  • Dry mouth
  • Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
  • Diarrhea
  • Back pain
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness

Myrbetriq can cause serious side effects including:

  • Life-threatening allergic reactions including hives, angioedema, and trouble breathing
  • Increased risk of urinary retention if you have a bladder outlet obstruction
  • Atrial fibrillation (AFib)

Contact your healthcare professional for medical advice about any side effects you experience while taking Myrbetriq. You can report your side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

RELATED: Myrbetriq side effects and how to avoid themSide effects of Myrbetriq in the elderly

Do Myrbetriq side effects go away?

You will find that most of the side effects will go away within a few days to a couple of weeks of you stopping treatment with Myrebetriq. Your doctor will assess the benefits of using Myrbetriq against your risk of side effects. You are encouraged to report side effects or adverse events of Myrbetriq to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

What are the long-term side effects of Myrbetriq?

  • Myrbetriq can cause increases in blood pressure. Patients with hypertension should have their blood pressure periodically monitored. It is not recommended in patients with uncontrolled high blood pressure
  • Increased risk of urinary retention in patients with a bladder outlet obstruction (blockage) and those taking anticholinergic medications such as Vesicare (solifenacin)
  • Angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, throat, or tongue) has been reported with Myrbetriq

Myrbetriq drug interactions

When Myrbetriq is taken with other drugs, it may change the way the other drugs work. The other drugs may also change how Myrbetriq works. They may increase the frequency and severity of side effects as well. Make sure your doctor is aware of all prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take. Some major drug interactions with Myrbetriq include:

  • Medications metabolized by CYP2D6 including Rythmol (propafenone), Mellaril (thioridazine), Tambocor (flecainide), Norpramin (desipramine), and Lopressor (metoprolol)
  • Lanoxin (digoxin)
  • Coumadin (warfarin)

What is the correct dosage for Myrbetriq?

Myrbetriq is available as an extended-release tablet or oral granules. Myrbetriq tablets and Myrbetriq granules are not interchangeable and cannot be substituted on a milligram-per-milligram basis. Your dose may be adjusted if you have severe kidney or liver impairment.

  • No dose adjustment is needed for patients with mild or moderate renal impairment
  • In adult patients with severe renal impairment (eGFR 15-29ml/min/1.73 m^2 ), the daily dose of Myrbetriq should not exceed 25mg
  • Myrbetriq is not recommended for end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients or those on dialysis
  • No dose adjustment is needed for patients with mild hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class A)
  • In adult patients with moderate hepatic impairment (Child-Pugh Class B), the daily dose of Myrbetriq should not exceed 25mg

RELATED: Myrbetriq Dosage

How long does Myrbetriq stay in your system?

Myrbetriq has a half-life of approximately 50 hours, so it will stay in your bloodstream for around 10.5 days after the last dose.

Do I have to take Myrbetriq every day?

Yes, even if you do not have symptoms. Do not wait until your symptoms of OAB are troublesome.

Can I take Myrbetriq every other day?

No. You must continue to take Myrbetriq once daily, every day.

Does Myrbetriq have withdrawal symptoms?

Myrbetriq does not have withdrawal symptoms.

What happens when you stop taking Myrbetriq?

Symptoms of an overactive bladder may come back or get worse if you stop taking this medication. Speak to your doctor for medical advice if you are considering stopping this medication.

Does Myrbetriq affect sleep?

There have been reports by patients of problems sleeping, confusion, anxiety, and hallucinations when taking Myrbetriq. However, these patients did have pre-existing medical conditions or were already taking other medications that may also cause these symptoms.

Does an overactive bladder ever go away?

No, an overactive bladder will not go away on its own. Without treatment the symptoms of OAB can get worse, bladder muscles can weaken and your pelvic floor tissue can become thinner.

Do you have to take Myrbetriq forever?

Myrbetriq treatment is normally long-term. If treatment becomes a problem with Myrbetriq or you no longer require treatment, speak to your doctor.

Can Myrbetriq be stopped suddenly?

Do not stop taking Myrbetriq suddenly without speaking with your doctor first. Symptoms of an overactive bladder may potentially come back or become worse.

How long does Myrbetriq take to work?

Myrbetriq will begin to work immediately but will take 4 to 8 weeks to reach its full benefits.

How long is the half-life of Myrbetriq?

The half-life is the time it takes for half of this drug to leave your system. The half-life in adults is 50 hours and the half-life in children is 26 to 31 hours.

How long until Myrbetriq is out of your system?

Myrbetriq will stay in your body for around 10 days after the last dose if you are an adult and 6 days if you are a child.

Does Myrbetriq cure cancer?

No. Myrbetriq is not associated with curing or causing cancer.

What is the best time of day to take Myrbetriq?

Take Myrbetriq once a day at the same time each day. It does not matter if you take it in the morning or evening.

Does Myrbetriq cause weight gain?

Myrbetriq can cause urinary retention which can lead to temporary weight gain. However, weight gain or weight loss are not side effects associated with Myrbetriq.

Can you take Myrbetriq while you are pregnant or breastfeeding?

There is no clinical data on the use of Myrbetriq in pregnant women to know if there is a risk for birth defects or miscarriage. There is also no data on whether Myrbetriq is found in breast milk or the effects it may have on the infant. It was found in rat milk during animal studies. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

How long does it take for Myrbetriq to get into your system?

Myrbetriq will start to work after 3 to 4 hours. It will however take 4 to 8 weeks for you to experience the full benefits of this medication.

How long does it take for the effects of Myrbetriq to wear off?

Myrbetriq will stay in your body for around 10 days after the last dose if you are an adult and 6 days if you are a child.

Myrbetriq alternatives

There are other overactive bladder medications that your healthcare provider can prescribe if Myrbetriq is not the right medication for you. Some alternative FDA-approved treatment options include:

RELATED: Comparing Myrbetriq alternatives: which other medications can I take?

How do I take Myrbetriq?

  • Read the full prescribing information including the boxed warning, drug Information leaflet, and medication guide that comes with Myrbetriq.
  • Take Myrbetriq exactly as your doctor prescribes it to you. Do not change your dose or stop taking Myrbetriq without discussing it with them.
  • Myrbetriq tablets are usually taken once a day. If you are taking Vesicare (solifenacin) with Myrbetriq, you should take them once a day at the same time.
  • You should swallow Myrbetriq tablets whole with water. You should not break, crush, or chew the tablet. Adult patients can take Myrbetriq with or without food. Pediatric patients should take Myrbetriq with food.
  • If you miss a dose of Myrbetriq, take it immediately. If it has been more than 12 hours since taking your last dose of Myrbetriq, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at its regular time.
  • Store Myrbetriq tablets in the original bottle at room temperature between 15°C-30°C (59°F-86°F).

Medically reviewed

A medical professional has reviewed this article.

Jamie Winn, PharmD
Jamie Winn, PharmD

Jamie Winn, PharmD

Medical Writer & Reviewer

Jamie Winn, PharmD

Medical Writer & Reviewer

Dr. Jamie Winn received his Doctor of Pharmacy in 2002 from the University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Columbia, SC. Jamie is a medical reviewer for NiceRx.

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Sources (6)

  1. Prescribers Digital Reference - mirabegron - Drug Summary

  2. Mayo Clinic - Mirabegron (Oral Route)

  3. Drugs.com - Myrbetriq

  4. FDA - highlights of prescribing information for Myrbetriq

  5. Myrbetriq official website

  6. Medscape - mirabegron (Rx)

The content on this website is intended for information purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. The information on this website should not be relied upon and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should always speak to your doctor regarding the risks and benefits of any treatment.
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