Myrbetriq: Approved for Over Active Bladder


Myrbetriq: Approved for Over Active BladderLast month The U.S. Food and Drug Administration  approved Myrbetriq (mirabegron) to treat adults with overactive bladder, a condition in which the bladder muscle cannot be controlled, squeezes too often or squeezes without warning.  

Myrbetriq is said to improve the storage capacity of the bladder by relaxing the bladder muscle during filling. Symptoms of overactive bladder include the need to urinate too often (urinary frequency), the need to urinate immediately (urinary urgency), and the involuntary leakage of urine as a result of the need to urinate immediately (urge urinary incontinence).
 

According to UCLA Urology, an overactive bladder is caused by involuntary spasms in the muscles surrounding your bladder. These contractions produce an intense desire to urinate.

The Mybetriq drug is designed to relax the bladder muscle as the bladder fills, minimizing the potential symptoms of needing to urinate too often, needing to urinate immediately or the involuntary leakage of urine.


The drug does carry side effects  like, increased blood pressure, common cold-like symptoms (nasopharyngitis), urinary tract infection, constipation, fatigue, elevated heart rate (tachycardia), and abdominal pain. Myrbetriq is not recommended for use in those with severe uncontrolled high blood pressure, end stage kidney disease or severe liver impairment.



Overactive bladder is primarily a problem of the nerves and muscles of the bladder. Detrusor is one of the major muscles of the bladder. Its contraction in response to filling of the bladder by urine is one the steps in the normal process of urination. The contraction and relaxation of the detrusor muscle is regulated by the nervous system. 

 

Am I a case of  Over Active Bladder?

  • Getting up to urinate at least three times in the middle of the night
  • Increased urinary frequency (urinating at least eight times daily)
  • Urinary urgency, and
  • Urinary incontinence

 If you seem to be suffering from any one or all of the symptoms then, consult a doctor. 
 

Bladder Control Exercises

Having a leaking bladder is embarrassing, uncomfortable and unsanitary. Medication is one option. There are other options to establish better bladder control like, exercise.

 

Bladder control exercises can help repair and re-strengthen weakened muscles. Exercises recommended are:

  • Myrbetriq: Approved for Over Active BladderLunges

  • Squats

  • Crunches

  • Pelvic Raises

  • Kegel exercises, if done correctly and over an extended period of time, strengthen those muscles to better support your bladder. A review of studies from New Zealand found that women who regularly practiced Kegels were up to 17 times more likely to be cured of incontinence symptoms than women who did not.

 

Kegel Exercises

The individual contractions of a Kegel workout require you to squeeze the pelvic floor muscles just as you would if you were trying to stop urine flow.

  • Empty your bladder before beginning.

  • Contract the pelvic floor muscles and hold for a count of 10.

  • Relax the muscles completely for a count of 10.

  • Stand and perform 10 of these contractions. Repeat 10 times each while sitting, and 10 times while reclining, for a total of 30 contractions in a single exercise routine.

  • Perform your Kegel exercises three times a day, for a total of 90 contractions a day.

 

Dietary Management of Over Active Bladder

Caffeine may exacerbate urinary urgency and it is potentially an irritant to the bladder. Eliminating caffeine intake can diminish some of the symptoms of overactive bladder.

Avoid foods such as chocolate, spicy foods, alcohol, carbonated beverages, and nuts to prevent symptoms of overactive bladder. Increase the amount of fiber in diet. Limit fluid intake to reduce urinary frequency.

 

Ref:

http://www.medicinenet.com/

 

Dated 09 July 2012

 

Listen to the Podcast (what's this))

Related Links