Mirabegron

Potential Health Benefits of Mirabegron

• Treats symptoms of overactive bladder [1-25]
• Improves blood sugar levels [26-29]
• Improves heart health [30-34]
• Increases exercise capacity [35-37]
• Improves cognitive function [38]

What is Mirabegron?

Mirabegron is a medicine that is commonly prescribed for the treatment of overactive bladder, a condition that causes a frequent and sudden urge to pass urine. It comes as an extended-release tablet that you need to take by mouth. This means that the tablets slowly and evenly release mirabegron throughout the day.

How does Mirabegron Works?

Mirabegron belongs to a class of medications known as beta-3-adrenergic-receptor agonists. They work by stimulating the beta-3-adrenergic-receptor, resulting in decreased contraction of the smooth muscles of the bladder. As a result, the bladder stores more urine which decreases the symptoms of an overactive bladder.

Chemical Structure of Mirabegron

Research on Mirabegron

Treats Symptoms of Overactive Bladder

An overwhelming body of clinical evidence supports the primary benefits of mirabegron:

1. 1. Results from large phase 3 phase 3 trials showed that oral mirabegron administration for 12 weeks reduced urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence, and improved the health-related quality of life of patients. [1]
   2. A review of phase II, III, and IV studies has shown mirabegron to be safe and efficacious in the treatment of symptoms of overactive bladder. [2]
   3. In Phase III clinical trials in patients with overactive bladder, the administration of mirabegron at various doses (25, 50, and 100 mg) resulted in significant reduction of symptoms. [3-4]
   4. In patients with overactive bladder, monotherapy with mirabegron decreased nocturia (uncontrolled urination at night), urgency episodes, and urgency urinary incontinence. [5]
   5. In patients with Parkinson’s disease, mirabegron demonstrated increased efficacy in treating the symptoms of overactive bladder. [6]
   6. A study reported that the administration of mirabegron in patients with overactive bladder at 25 and 50 mg/day was associated with clinically meaningful benefits. [7]
   7. In female patients with overactive bladder syndrome, mirabegron treatment for 12 weeks significantly improved the quality of life and sexual health of the subjects. [8]
   8. Data from 10 studies showed the safety and efficacy profiles of mirabegron in the treatment of overactive bladder for different age groups. [9-10]
   9. An analysis of multiple studies showed that mirabegron was more effective than placebo in the treatment of symptoms of overactive bladder. [11]
   10. A review of 64 studies showed that mirabegron 50 mg is significantly better than placebo at relieving symptoms of overactive bladder. [12]
   11. In men with overactive bladder (OAB) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), mirabegron has been shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of OAB and BPH with few adverse side effects when used alone or in combination with other medications. [13-20]
   12. The combination of solifenacin succinate 5 mg plus mirabegron 50 mg tablets over 12 months in patients with overactive bladder reduced urinary frequency, urinary urgency, and unintentional passing of urine. [21-22]
   13. Studies suggest that mirabegron appears to be a promising treatment for overactive bladder with a low occurrence of side effects. [23-25]

Improves Blood Sugar Levels

Evidence suggests that mirabegron can help improve blood sugar levels by affecting the body’s response to the hormone insulin:

1. 1. In obese, insulin-resistant humans, mirabegron treatment substantially improved multiple measures of blood sugar balance. [26]
   2. In healthy women of diverse ethnicities, treatment with 100 mg mirabegron resulted in improved insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity. [27]
   3. In high-fat diet-induced obese mice, mirabegron treatment improved blood sugar tolerance and insulin sensitivity. [28]
   4. In healthy young lean males, oral administration of mirabegron (200 mg) increased blood sugar uptake. [29]

Improves Heart Health

Mirabegron has also been shown to exert protective effect against heart failure:

1. 1. Studies suggest that beta-3-adrenergic-receptors such as mirabegron offer protective mechanism under conditions of increased stress to the heart muscle. [30-32]
   2. In mice, mirabegron reduced the incidence of heart enlargement. [33]
   3. In patients with reduced blood flow to the heart, mirabegron significantly increased blood circulation in the left ventricle of the heart. [34]

Increases Exercise Capacity

There are also studies supporting the beneficial effects of mirabegron on exercise capacity:

1. 1. A study reported that mirabegron can increase exercise capacity by indirectly participating in the regulation of carbohydrate metabolism, improving insulin sensitivity, and supporting cellular uptake of blood sugar. [35]
   2. In healthy lean men, mirabegron improved exercise capacity by increasing resting energy expenditure (REE). [36]
   3. A study found that mirabegron can increase exercise capacity by affecting blood sugar and lipid metabolism. [37]

Improves Cognitive Function

Mirabegron can also help improve memory in patients with debilitating injuries.
A study assessed the cognitive effects of mirabegron in older persons with spinal cord injury (SCI). [38] Twenty older persons aged 60 years and above with SCI who are taking medications for neurogenic lower urinary tract dysfunction were enrolled. All of the subjects were studied at baseline then switched to mirabegron treatment for 6 months. Researchers observed that the subjects had significant improvements in immediate Story A recall, and delayed story A and B recall, with no adverse effects on the heart and gut.

Associated Side Effects of Mirabegron

Mirabegron side effects are very uncommon. There have been some side effects associated with the use of this drug wherein the patient had one of the issues listed below at some point while being on mirabegron. However, these side effects weren’t confirmed to be associated with the treatment and could have been a coincidence and not related to the use of mirabegron. Despite this, it was listed as a side effect associated with mirabegron even though these associated side effects are very uncommon.

Side effects associated with mirabegron may include the following:

• Back pain
• Changes in heart rhythm
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Headache
• Increased heart rate
• Itchy welts
• Joint pain and swelling
• Palpitations

References

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