Indications
Vibegron is used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) in adults. OAB causes a sudden, strong need to pass urine (urgency), passing urine often (frequency), and sometimes leaking urine before reaching the toilet (urge incontinence). In some countries it is also approved for OAB in men who are already being treated for an enlarged prostate.
How It Works
Vibegron is a beta-3 adrenergic agonist. It stimulates beta-3 receptors in the detrusor, the muscle in the wall of the bladder. This relaxes the bladder muscle while it is filling, so the bladder can hold more urine, which reduces urgency, frequency and leakage. Unlike older bladder medicines, it does not block acetylcholine, so it causes less dry mouth and constipation.
Dosage and Administration
The usual adult dose is 75 mg once a day by mouth, with or without food, or as prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the tablet whole with water; if you cannot swallow it, it may be crushed and mixed with a spoonful of soft food such as applesauce and taken straight away. Improvement may take a few weeks.
Interactions
- Digoxin: Vibegron may raise Digoxin levels; your doctor may check Digoxin blood levels and adjust the dose.
- Antimuscarinic bladder medicines (such as Solifenacin or Oxybutynin): using them together can increase the risk of urinary retention.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines and supplements you take.
Contraindications
Do not take if you are allergic to Vibegron or any ingredient of the tablet.
Side Effects
Common side effects include headache, urinary tract infection, cold-like symptoms (stuffy or runny nose, sore throat), diarrhoea, nausea and hot flushes. Some people, especially men with an enlarged prostate, may have difficulty emptying the bladder (urinary retention).
Get urgent medical help if you cannot pass urine at all or have a painful, swollen bladder, or if you have signs of a severe allergic reaction such as swelling of the face, lips or throat, or difficulty breathing.
Pregnancy and Lactation
There is not enough information about use in pregnancy; it is not recommended unless your doctor advises it. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk; discuss with your doctor before breastfeeding.
Precautions and Warnings
- Use with care if you have a blocked bladder outlet or an enlarged prostate, or if you take antimuscarinic bladder medicines.
- Not recommended for people with severe kidney disease or severe liver disease.
- Tell your doctor if symptoms do not improve or get worse.
Overdose
There is limited experience with overdose. Seek medical help if a large amount is taken; treatment is supportive with monitoring.
Therapeutic Class
Urinary antispasmodic; beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonist.
Storage
Store below 30°C in a dry place, away from light, and out of the reach of children.
Prepared by the Oshud Alo team from standard drug references. For information only; always follow your doctor's advice.