Myrbetriq (mirabegron) for multiple sclerosis
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Myrbetriq (mirabegron) is an oral medication approved to treat an overactive bladder. Doctors sometimes prescribe Myrbetriq for multiple sclerosis (MS) when the neurological disease causes bladder dysfunction.
Brain and spinal cord damage in MS can disrupt the nerve signaling that controls bladder function, leading to excessive contraction of the detrusor muscle in the bladder wall. Because detrusor contractions facilitate bladder emptying, this dysfunction causes symptoms of overactive bladder — increased urgency, urinary frequency, and urine leakage (incontinence) — as well as nocturia in MS, a condition where patients wake up frequently during the night to empty the bladder.
Myrbetriq promotes detrusor muscle relaxation, helping counteract the excessive contractions that contribute to an overactive bladder. The medication acts as a beta-3-adrenergic agonist , binding to and stimulating a receptor protein in the bladder that signals the muscle to relax. Data suggest that Myrbetriq may help manage urinary frequency in MS, although evidence from large clinical trials in this patient group is lacking.
Astellas Pharma markets Myrbetriq in the U.S., as both extended-release tablets and granules for liquid suspension. Generics are also available. The medication is sold under different names in other regions, including Betmiga in the European Union and Betanis in Japan.
Therapy snapshot
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| Treatment name | Myrbetriq |
| Usage | Used to manage overactive bladder in MS |
| Administration | Extended-release oral tablet or granules for liquid suspension |
Who can take Myrbetriq?
Mybetriq is approved in the U.S. to treat:
- overactive bladder in adults, including symptoms of urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency, either alone or combined with another bladder medication called solifenacin succinate
- overactive detrusor activity due to nerve damage in children 3 years and older
Although MS is not specifically listed on the prescribing label, these indications apply to people with the neurodegenerative disease. Mybetriq is sometimes prescribed as an MS overactive bladder treatment or MS bladder incontinence medication.
The medication is contraindicated for people with known allergies to Myrbetriq or any of its ingredients. The prescribing information also warns against using Myrbetriq — or advises using additional caution — in individuals who:
- have severe, uncontrolled high blood pressure
- have severe liver or kidney disease
- have difficulty emptying their bladder, which sometimes occurs as a urinary symptom in MS
- are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- have a bladder blockage
How is Myrbetriq administered?
For adults, Myrbetriq is available as extended-release oral tablets, which can be taken with or without food. The starting dosage is typically 25 mg once daily, which clinicians may increase to 50 mg once daily after four to eight weeks of treatment if needed. Patients should swallow Myrbetriq tablets whole without crushing, dividing, or chewing them. A doctor may also prescribe solifenacin succinate to be used alongside Myrbetriq.
Children may take Myrbetriq tablets or granules, depending on their body weight, both of which must be taken with food. Caregivers dissolve the granules in water to make a liquid suspension, which patients take by mouth at a weight-based dose. Dose adjustments may be needed in people with kidney or liver problems.
Potential side effects of Myrbetriq
Extensive data are not available on the side effects of Myrbetriq in MS populations. However, among people with overactive bladder more broadly, the most common side effects in adults include:
- high blood pressure
- the common cold
- urinary tract infection
- headache
When used alongside solifenacin succinate, the most common side effects in adults are:
- dry mouth
- urinary tract infection
- constipation
- fast heart rate
In children, the most common side effects of Myrbetriq granules include urinary tract infection, the common cold, constipation, and headache.
Blood pressure monitoring is recommended during treatment with Myrbetriq. Excessive urinary retention, which can increase the risk of urinary tract infections and other complications, can occur in people with bladder obstructions or those using Myrbetriq alongside solifenacin succinate or a similar medication.
An uncommon but potentially serious side effect of Myrbetriq involves swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and larynx, which may affect breathing.
Some medications interact with Myrbetriq, including the heart medication digoxin. People with MS should always tell their doctors about all of their medications, as some drugs require dosing adjustments when taken alongside Myrbetriq.
Multiple Sclerosis News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.
