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Feb 24, 2025

Everyday Health

The Generic of Myrbetriq: Mirabegron

  • Myrbetriq is used to treat overactive bladder in adults and neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in children.
  • It works by relaxing the bladder muscles, increasing the amount of urine the bladder can hold, and reducing the frequency and urgency of urination.
  • Generic versions of Myrbetriq (mirabegron) have become available since 2022, offering a lower-cost alternative to the brand-name medication.
  • Common side effects include headache, constipation, high blood pressure, urinary retention, fluid retention (oedema), and urinary tract infection (UTI).

Myrbetriq and Generic Alternatives

Myrbetriq is a brand-name prescription medication used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) and neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO). The active ingredient in Myrbetriq is mirabegron.

How Myrbetriq Works

Mirabegron is a "beta-3 adrenoceptor agonist." This means it relaxes the bladder muscle, allowing it to hold more urine. This helps reduce symptoms associated with OAB and NDO.

  • Targeting Beta-3 Receptors: Myrbetriq is a "beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonist." This means it activates specific receptors in the bladder called beta-3 adrenergic receptors.
  • Promoting Bladder Filling: When activated, they cause the bladder muscle to relax.
  • Increasing Bladder Capacity: By relaxing the bladder muscle, Myrbetriq allows the bladder to hold more urine. This increased capacity reduces the urge to urinate frequently and urgently.

Conditions Treated by Myrbetriq

  • Overactive Bladder (OAB) in Adults
    • Symptoms include urinary incontinence (leaking), frequency, and urgency.
    • Approved for use alone or in combination with solifenacin succinate.
  • Neurogenic Detrusor Overactivity (NDO) in Children: For children aged 3 or older and weighing at least 35 kg.
    • NDO refers to conditions that disrupt communication between the brain and the bladder. Symptoms may include urinary urgency, frequency, incontinence, or difficulty emptying the bladder.

Both OAB and NDO can impact productivity, sleep, and social interactions, making treatment important. Myrbetriq is a common medication option for managing these conditions.

Despite its effectiveness, Myrbetriq can be expensive. However, since 2022, multiple generic versions of Myrbetriq have become available. These generics contain the same active ingredients as the brand name product and are produced to be more affordable while offering the same clinical benefits.

Side Effects Associated With Myrbetriq

Like all medications, Myrbetriq and its generics are associated with a variety of different side effects. One of the main reasons people sometimes stop taking this medication, other than the high costs, are the unpleasant side effects.

The most common side effects experienced by individuals taking Myrbetriq include:

  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • High blood pressure
  • Urinary retention
  • Fluid retention (edema)
  • Urinary tract infection (UTI)

While not everyone may experience these effects while taking Myrbetriq, it is important to be aware and discuss the possible risks with your healthcare provider.

Save Money on Generic Myrbetriq

The brand-name Myrbetriq has been available since 2012, but due to the very high cost this medication has not always been an accessible option for those who struggle with an overactive bladder. This is a common difficulty with brand name medications, limiting the use of some medications until a generic version becomes available. Generic medications are considered to be “bio-equivalent” in their safety, quality, and effects to the original medication, but due to the different approval processes are often an average of 80% less expensive.

The first generic of Myrbetriq became available in 2022, which was a step in the availability of this medication, although the cost was still quite high due to a lack of competition in the generic market.

As of 2025, two more generics of Myrbetriq have been approved, which is a very exciting step toward widespread availability of this medication. Multiple generics allow for competition between the medications, ultimately pushing the price down to a much more affordable availability of the medication.

To learn about how you can get your Myrbetriq prescription from Marley Drug, just call us at 1-800-810-7790.

Prices mentioned in this article are based on average retail price at major box chain pharmacy in the U.S. as of February 1, 2025.

References:

  1. MYRBETRIQ (mirabegron extended-release tablets), for oral use MYRBETRIQ GRANULES (mirabegron for extended-release oral suspension). Food and Drug Administration. (2012; Revised 03/2021). Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov
  2. Generic vs. Brand-Name Drugs: Is There a Difference? (2022, July 21). University Hospitals. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.uhhospitals.org
  3. Overactive Bladder. (2023, March 1). HealthLinkBC. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.healthlinkbc.ca
  4. Urology Care Foundation. (2024, November). Overactive Bladder (OAB). Urology Care Foundation; American Urological Association. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.urologyhealth.org
  5. Pediatric Neurogenic Bladder. (n.d.). Yale Medicine. Retrieved January 30, 2025, from https://www.yalemedicine.org

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