Do you also feel like you need to go to the bathroom several times a day? Maybe in the middle of an important task, while riding the bus, or after waking up at night... Having to urinate frequently and having difficulty controlling it is a discomfort for many people. In medicine, we call this condition Overactive Bladder (OAB) . So, Mirabegron is a medication that your doctor will prescribe to control this condition. Today, we will talk about this medication, how to use it, and what things to be careful about.
What is Mirabegron (Myrbetriq)?
Simply put, Mirabegron is a medication that relaxes the muscles in your bladder, increasing its capacity, or ability to hold urine. Think of your bladder as a small ball. What this medication does is make the ball a little bigger and help it hold more urine until it can hold it. This reduces the need to urinate frequently and reduces wetting accidents. It is available in Sri Lanka under the brand name Myrbetriq.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. Be sure to mention the following in particular:
- High blood pressure: If you already have high blood pressure or are taking medication for it.
- Kidney disease: If there is any weakness in the kidneys.
- Liver disease: If there is a problem related to liver function.
- Difficulty urinating: If you have problems with your bladder, such as delayed urination or prostate problems.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to Mirabegron or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant or trying to conceive.
- If you are a mother who is breastfeeding.
Giving this information to your doctor will help him decide exactly whether this medication is right for you or not and how to use it.
How exactly do I use this medicine?
The most important thing is to take the medicine exactly as prescribed by the doctor, at the right time.
- This pill should be swallowed whole with a glass of water.
- Very important: Never break, crush, or chew this tablet. Swallow the tablet whole.
- Get into the habit of taking your medicine at the same time every day. That way, you're less likely to forget.
- Adults can take this before or after meals, but if given to children, it should be given with a meal.
- Continue taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to stop.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, don't worry. Take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is less than 12 hours until your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the scheduled time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
What to do if you overdose?
If you have any suspicion that you have taken more medicine than you think, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital. Or, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) without delay.
Other drugs that may interact with this medicine (Drug Interactions)
Mirabegron may interact with some other medications you are taking. Therefore, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you are taking (including vitamins and herbal remedies). Below are some medications that may interact with Mirabegron.
| Drug name / category | Things to consider |
|---|---|
| Digoxin | A medicine given for heart disease. |
| Warfarin | A medicine given to prevent blood clotting. |
| Metoprolol | A medicine for high blood pressure and heart disease. |
| Flecainide, Propafenone | Medications for irregular heartbeat. |
| MAOIs (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl) | A class of drugs used to treat depression and other mental illnesses. |
| Codeine, Methadone | Painkillers. |
This list is not exhaustive, so it's safest to inform your doctor about all medications you take.
Possible side effects
Like any medicine, Mirabegron can cause side effects in some people. Some of these can be serious, so it's important to be aware of them.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| If you experience these symptoms, tell your doctor immediately. | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips or tongue, difficulty breathing. |
| Increased blood pressure | Severe headaches, dizziness, vision changes. |
| Heart rate changes | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, chest pain. |
| Urinary tract infections | Fever, feeling cold, pain when urinating. |
| Difficulty urinating | Inability to urinate or difficulty urinating. |
| If these symptoms persist or become bothersome, tell your doctor. | |
| Common side effects | Dry mouth, constipation, headache, nausea, sore throat. |
Take-Home Message
- Mirabegron is a medication used to treat the condition 'Overactive Bladder'. It reduces the need to urinate frequently.
- Never break, crush, or chew this tablet. Swallow it whole.
- Tell your doctor about any other medical conditions you have (especially high blood pressure, kidney and liver disease) and all other medications you are taking.
- While taking the medication, regularly measure your blood pressure as directed by your doctor.
- If you experience any severe side effects such as allergic symptoms, chest pain, or rapid heartbeat, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Do not share it with others.
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