Generic Myrbetriq (mirabegron): Effectiveness, cost, and side effects

An overactive bladder (OAB) can really throw a wrench in your daily routine, whether it means urgency, incontinence, or running to the restroom every hour. But Myrbetriq can help. By relaxing the smooth muscle around the bladder, this drug allows it to hold more urine, relieving OAB symptoms. Yet Myrbetriq can be pricey for some people, which might leave you wondering whether there’s a generic alternative. We have all the important details below. 

Is there a generic for Myrbetriq?

Yes. The generic version of Myrbetriq is called mirabegron, and the FDA approved it in 2012 for treating adult overactive bladders. In 2021, mirabegron received additional approval for treating neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in pediatric patients. 

What are the differences between brand name and generic Myrbetriq?

Approved generic drugs are often extremely similar to their brand-name counterparts, and that’s because the FDA demands it. To receive official approval, the generic must have the same active ingredient(s), dose, forms, and administration routes as the reference drug. So Myrbetriq and mirabegron will work exactly the same way in the body.

But that doesn’t mean that they’re identical products. Generic drugs are allowed to have different inactive ingredients, like coatings, stabilizers, fillers, binders, flavorings, and diluents. These ingredients shouldn’t influence the medication’s efficacy, but “some patients are sensitive to inactive ingredients, dyes, fillers, and coatings that differ between the brand and generic,” says Dr. David Shusterman, MD, board-certified urologist and founder of Modern Urologist. “If a patient reports a reaction or reduced tolerance on the generic, I’ll consider prescribing the brand. But for the vast majority, the generic is a safe and effective option.”

Anyone taking generic mirabegron might wonder: Is it really just as effective? In most cases, generic and brand-name drugs have comparable effectiveness. In fact, in a Canadian review of 43 different comparison studies, only 8% found any differences in outcomes. Another study on generic bioequivalence found only a 3.5% difference in absorption.

“In my own practice, I haven’t seen any meaningful difference in how patients respond,” says Dr. Jason B. Carter, urologist and medical advisor at Aeroflow Urology. “Both versions reliably improve urgency, frequency, and incontinence in people struggling with overactive bladder.”

While mirabegron and Myrbetriq are interchangeable for most people, it’s still important to consult a healthcare provider about whether the generic version will work well for you. 

How much is generic Myrbetriq?

Generic and brand-name medications might have very similar compositions, but their prices can be miles apart. Some studies suggest that generic drugs can be up to 80–85% less than brand-name ones, but that’s not always the case with Mybetriq and mirabegron. 

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Is Myrbetriq covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans will cover Myrbetriq to a certain degree. But that’s assuming you’re using it for an approved medical condition, like overactive bladder or neurogenic detrusor overactivity. Some insurance plans might refuse coverage if it’s prescribed for an off-label condition like erectile dysfunction (ED) or interstitial cystitis. 

Additionally, some insurance or Medicare Part D plans might require prior authorization before they will approve coverage. This could be as simple as the prescriber submitting additional documentation, or it might involve step therapy—trying other drugs first before moving to Myrbetriq. 

Insurance companies typically prefer generic drugs to brand-name ones, though, since they’re usually cheaper. So healthcare plans might also have more comprehensive coverage or lower copays for generic mirabegron than brand-name Myrbetriq. Ultimately, it depends on your specific insurance provider and plan. Check your formulary to see how the plan classifies Myrbetriq and whether it’s covered. 

Generic alternatives to Myrbetriq

“Currently, mirabegron is the only drug in its class—a beta-3 adrenergic agonist—so there’s no true generic alternative outside of mirabegron itself,” Dr. Shusterman says. “The other medications for overactive bladder, like oxybutynin or solifenacin, are anticholinergics, which work differently and often come with more side effects, especially in older patients.”

Dr. Carter adds: “While I’ll sometimes turn to the older generics when I need to, mirabegron—whether brand or generic—is usually my first choice. It gives patients relief without as many of the quality-of-life issues we’ve historically seen with the older drugs.” That said, here are some of the most popular generic alternatives to Myrbtriq:

• Oxybutynin: An anticholinergic medication that also helps relax muscles around the bladder and reduce bladder contractions. 
• Tolterodine: An antimuscarinic drug, tolterodine (Detrol) works by relaxing the muscles responsible for bladder contractions, reducing the urge to urinate. 
• Solifenacin: Commonly sold under the brand name Vesicare, solifenacin succinate also relaxes the muscles around the bladder. 
• Fesoterodine: Another antimuscarinic drug, fesoterodine is sold under the brand name Toviaz and works similarly to tolterodine. 

Not only that, but there are several brand-name alternatives too—like Gemtesa and Enablex. These might not always be less expensive, but some insurance plans might prefer them to Myrbetriq and provide better coverage. 

Effective alternatives will also depend on the condition Myrbetriq is prescribed to treat. The options above are for overactive bladder, but other alternatives might be appropriate for the treatment of neurogenic detrusor overactivity in children. Sometimes, a healthcare provider might also prescribe Myrbetriq for an off-label use like erectile dysfunction or interstitial cystitis, which have totally different alternatives. 

In some states, a pharmacist might be able to dispense an equivalent generic drug even if the healthcare provider wrote a brand name on the prescription. However, the laws about this vary by state, and sometimes a healthcare provider might include a “dispense as written” statement on the prescription, which disallows substitutions of any kind. 

Always consult a healthcare professional if you’re considering switching medications. They can help decide which might be the best option for your particular health condition, history, other medications, and preferences.