Does Myrbetriq cause weight gain?

In this article:

• Myrbetriq weight gain
• Weight loss on Myrbetriq
• Tips for weight management
• Alternatives

In this article

• Myrbetriq weight gain
• Weight loss on Myrbetriq
• Tips for weight management
• Alternatives

Overactive bladder (OAB) is common: It affects roughly 33 million people in the United States. Fortunately, it’s also highly treatable. Many adults turn to medications like Myrbetriq (mirabegron). The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Myrbetriq to treat urinary incontinence from OAB in adults as well as neurogenic detrusor overactivity (a condition where nerve damage causes the bladder to squeeze on its own) in children. 

If you’re exploring treatment options, it’s understandable that you may be concerned with side effects. Myrbetriq is not linked to weight gain, and taking a few manageable steps can help you maintain your weight while on the drug.

Can Myrbetriq cause weight gain?

Weight gain has not been identified as a Myrbetriq side effect across multiple clinical studies and trials. “In general, Myrbetriq does not affect weight in either direction (gaining or losing),” explains  Erika Gray, Pharm.D., founder and chief medical officer at ToolBox Genomics.com.  

When you have OAB, your bladder contracts involuntarily, which signals your brain that you need to go to the bathroom. As a beta-3 adrenergic agonist, Myrbetriq works by stimulating beta-3 receptors in the bladder, forcing the bladder to relax and increasing your bladder capacity. 

Weight gain is not typically linked to beta-3 adrenergic agonists. In fact, this class of drugs has recently been linked to health benefits like improved glucose metabolism. This is because beta-3 adrenergic agonists promote the growth of “beige fat.” White fat stores energy, and brown and beige fats burn energy.

It is still possible to feel like you’re gaining weight on Myrbetriq, Dr. Erika Gray says. “Some people may experience bloating from their bladder not emptying completely or constipation and feel that they have ‘gained’ weight as a result,” she explains.

If you are gaining weight while taking Myrbetriq, it’s best to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the cause.

Does Myrbetriq make it hard to lose weight?

Myrbetriq does not make it difficult to lose weight. Additionally, several small studies on overweight and obese adults have found that taking mirabegron leads to better insulin sensitivity, lower hemoglobin A1c levels, and even reduced triglycerides.

Tips for managing your weight on Myrbetriq

If weight is your concern, there are several steps you can take to avoid weight gain while taking Myrbetriq.

1. Maintain a healthy diet

Eating a balanced diet is one of the best ways to avoid weight gain, regardless of which medications you take. A simple way to achieve a balanced diet is to think about your plate: half of it should be fruits or vegetables, 25% of it should be a lean meat (chicken, turkey, or fish), and 25% of it should be whole grains or starches (brown rice, quinoa, or sweet potatoes). 

2. Increase fiber intake

One Myrbetriq side effect is constipation, which can cause temporary weight gain. Increasing your fiber intake through eating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains may mitigate the risk of constipation. Most adults should get 22 to 34 grams of fiber a day.

“Eating foods rich in fiber fiber like fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains, can support weight management because they help you feel fuller for longer, which can naturally reduce overeating,” adds Ashley Kitchens, RDN, registered dietitian nutritionist and owner of Plant Centered Nutrition in Durham, North Carolina. 

3. Drink plenty of water

Drinking water is another way to avoid constipation and temporary weight gain while on Myrbetriq. Staying hydrated while taking the medication may also reduce the risk of other known side effects, such as dizziness and headaches.  

“Drinking water throughout the day supports digestion, and it can help you feel satisfied between meals,” says Kitchens. “Fiber absorbs water and expands in the stomach, so if you’re eating high fiber foods and drinking water, this can increase the feeling of fullness and help you feel satisfied with less food.”

People assigned male at birth should drink about 15.5 cups of water a day, and those assigned female at birth should drink 11.5 cups a day to help with hydration and gastrointestinal motility.

4. Avoid foods that irritate the bladder

Myrbetriq itself does not have any drug-food interactions, but there are certain products, such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, that might irritate the bladder or increase the need to urinate, Dr. Erika Gray explains. 

“I typically counsel patients if they still feel their bladder is overactive despite taking Myrbetriq to take a look at how much caffeine they are consuming.”

5. Limit or avoid alcohol

There are two reasons to limit alcohol intake while on Myrbetriq. First, if you drink alcohol, it could lead to even more frequent urination and incontinence because alcohol is a diuretic. 

Additionally, alcohol is an “empty calorie” drink, which means it adds to your overall calories without adding significantly to the nutrients your body needs. Empty calories can quickly lead to unwanted weight gain.

6. Maintain an exercise routine

Regular physical activity is one of the most effective ways to achieve and maintain a healthy body weight, as it helps burn calories. Exercise also helps lower blood pressure in the long-term. This is significant because one of Myrbetriq’s side effects is an increase in blood pressure. 

An important note: Exercise does temporarily raise your blood pressure, but only during exercise. If you already have high blood pressure or hypertension, consult with your provider about what type of exercise may be safest. 

“The blood pressure increases with Myrbetriq tends to be small,” Dr. Erika Gray adds. “However, if someone is struggling with controlling their blood pressure, and it tends to be elevated, then I suggest paying close attention to blood pressure levels when starting Myrbetriq.”

Myrbetriq side effects and interactions

Myrbetriq may not be right for you for a few reasons. 

First, Myrbetriq has a few common side effects, including dry mouth, fast heart rate, a weak urine stream, headaches, urinary retention, and urinary tract infections (UTIs). Although not as common, serious side effects of Myrbetriq include severe allergic reactions, trouble breathing, angioedema, and high blood pressure. 

If you have a medical condition such as kidney or liver problems, Myrbetriq could build up in your body, increasing its side effects. If you have bladder outlet obstruction, Myrbetriq may not be your best bet due to a risk of urinary retention. The drug may not worsen the blockage, and it can still treat the symptoms of an overactive bladder, but it should be used with caution.

Lastly, Myrbetriq has a few drug-drug interactions that could increase side effects or lead to serious conditions. Those include colchicine, thioridazine, digoxin, metoprolol, and propafenone. Ask your provider or pharmacist for medical advice if you are on any other medications. 

Alternatives to Myrbetriq

There are several alternatives to taking brand-name Myrbetriq granules or extended-release tablets. 

Beta-3 adrenergic agonists alternatives

Gemtesa (vibegron) is widely accepted as the most tolerated OAB medication with mild side effects.

“In the class of beta-3 adrenergic agonists, Gemtesa is generally considered to have a slightly better side effect profile than Myrbetriq because it has fewer drug-drug interactions, and it does not increase blood pressure,” Dr. Erika Gray says. 

Like most beta-3 adrenergic agonists, Gemtesa is not linked to weight gain.

Anticholinergic agents

Anticholinergic agents are another class of drugs commonly used to treat OAB. They block acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter, from binding to receptors in the bladder. This reduces involuntary contractions. 

Ditropan (oxybutynin), Vesicare (solifenacin), and Detrol (tolterodine) are popular anticholinergic agents. While they may be more affordable than Myrbetriq, they are known to have more side effects, including dry mouth and even some cognitive impairment in older adults. 

One possible side effect of some anticholinergic agents, like Ditropan, is weight gain. This happens because the drug stimulates your appetite and causes fatigue. If gaining weight is a concern, opt for a beta-3 adrenergic agonist instead.

Bottom line

Before starting Myrbetriq treatment or any prescription drugs, tell a healthcare professional about any supplements and medications you take, including over-the-counter options. Alert your provider if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Always read the prescribing information to understand the correct dosage of Myrbetriq tablets for you.