Do you have to go to the washroom often? Let's talk about Vibegron

Do you sometimes feel like this? "Oh, I need to go to the bathroom again." In the middle of an important meeting, on the bus, or after waking up at night... This constant need to urinate, sudden urge to urinate, and sometimes loss of control is very annoying and uncomfortable. In medicine, we call this condition "Overactive Bladder". So, a medicine that doctors recommend to control this condition is called Vibegron. Today, we will talk about this medicine in simple terms, what it does, how to use it, and what things to be careful about.

What is this Vibegron?

Simply put, Vibegron is a medicine that helps control the function of your bladder. Our bladder is like a bag made of muscles. In the case of 'Overactive Bladder', this muscle constantly contracts unnecessarily. This means that even when it is slightly full of urine, it sends the wrong signal to the brain that the bladder is full. Vibegron works by relaxing these muscles in the bladder. Then the bladder can hold a little more urine.

As a result of this:

• The need to go to the washroom less often becomes necessary.
• Sudden urge to urinate can be controlled.
• Helps prevent uncontrollable urination (wetting accidents).

This medicine is commonly found in the market under the brand name `(Gemtesa)`.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine

Before using Vibegron, it is very important to tell your doctor about your complete health history. Especially if you have any of the following conditions:

• If you have any illness or weakness in your kidneys (kidney disease).
• If you have any liver disease.
• If you are a man, you have prostate problems.
• If you have difficulty urinating or have a blocked urine flow.
• If you have had an allergic reaction to Vibegron or any other medicine, food, or dye.
• If you are pregnant or hoping to become pregnant.
• If you are a breastfeeding mother.

How exactly do you use this medicine?

To get the most out of a medicine, you need to use it as directed.

• How to take: Swallow this tablet with a glass of water.
• Time: Try to take your medicine at the same time every day , as prescribed by your doctor. This will help keep the concentration of the medicine in your blood at the same level.
• Food: This can be taken before or after meals. However, if you experience stomach upset, it is best to take it with food.
• Swallowing difficulties: Some people have difficulty swallowing tablets. In this case, you can crush the tablet and dissolve it in 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of applesauce. However, if you do this, you should swallow the mixture whole as soon as you make it.
• Recommended dosage: Never take more than the amount prescribed by your doctor. And continue taking it until your doctor tells you to stop.

Overdosage

If you think you have taken too much of this medicine, do not panic and immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

What if I miss a dose of medication?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.

Other things that may interact with this medicine

Some medications can interact with Vibegron. This may change how Vibegron works or increase side effects. For example, digoxin, a heart medication, may interact with it.

So, when you go to see your doctor, tell them about everything you're taking:

• All prescription drugs taken for other diseases
• Vitamins, herbal products, and supplements
• If you smoke or drink alcohol, tell us about it.

What are the possible side effects?

As with any medication, Vibegron can cause side effects in some people. While most of these are minor, there are some things to be aware of.

Other things to keep in mind when taking the medicine

• Medical tests: To see how successful the treatment is, go for checkups at the scheduled times as prescribed by the doctor.
• Symptoms: If your symptoms do not improve, or if they worsen, tell your doctor.
• Food and Drink: Things like tea, coffee, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol can increase your 'Overactive Bladder' symptoms. Therefore, it is best to consume these in moderation while taking this medication.

How to store the medicine?

This is very simple.

• Keep away from children: Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Temperature: Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Protect from excessive heat or moisture.

Vibegron, Gemtesa, Overactive Bladder, Frequent Urination, Bladder Problems, Medications