Gemtesa is a brand-name medication that's used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) in adults. This includes OAB in people who are taking medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Gemtesa belongs to the drug class called beta-3 adrenergic agonists. The typical dosage is 1 tablet by mouth once per day. Side effects aren't common but can include headache and symptoms of a common cold. There's no generic version available yet.
Overactive bladder in people who are taking medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Gemtesa is a beta-3 adrenergic agonist. It turns on a protein in your bladder called beta-3 adrenergic receptor. This causes your bladder muscles to relax so that your bladder can hold more urine. It helps lessen the need to go to the bathroom as often.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
A first-choice option for overactive bladder
Can take with anticholinergics for OAB, if needed
Tablets are crushable if you have trouble swallowing pills
Can take several weeks to see improvement in your symptoms
Not recommended for people with severe liver or kidney problems
Hasn't been studied in children
You can take Gemtesa with or without food.
Swallow the Gemtesa tablet whole with a glass of water.
If you're having trouble swallowing the tablet whole, you can crush it and mix it with a tablespoon of applesauce. Take the mixture right after mixing it along with a glass of water.
Keep in mind that certain foods can irritate the bladder and make your urinary symptoms worse. These foods include alcohol, coffee, carbonated drinks (sodas), spicy foods, and citrus fruits. Work with your care team on a diet plan that meets your needs.
Gemtesa can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Angioedema (swelling of the face, lips, tongue, throat, or other organs) can happen at any time while you're taking Gemtesa. In more serious cases, swelling of the throat can make it difficult to breathe, which can be life-threatening. Talk to your care team if you have any head or neck swelling that doesn't go away. Get medical help right away if you have serious swelling or difficulty breathing.
Risk factors: Blockage in the bladder | Use of certain overactive bladder medications
Some people who took Gemtesa had problems urinating or emptying their bladder completely. The risk might be higher if you have a blockage in your bladder or if you take anticholinergic medications for overactive bladder. Keeping urine in your bladder for long periods of time can lead to complications, such as urinary tract infection (UTI) bladder damage, and kidney damage. Let your prescriber know if you can't urinate or can't empty your bladder fully, even though you feel the urge to urinate.
Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
---|---|---|---|
75mg | 30 tablets | $477.86 | $15.93 |
The typical dose is 75 mg by mouth once per day.
Overactive bladder in people who are taking medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Overactive bladder
Incontinence in children due to a neurologic (brain) condition, such as spina bifida
Overactive bladder (OAB) in adults
Neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) in children ages 3 years and older
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Cameron, A. P., et al. (2024). The AUA/SUFU guideline on the diagnosis and treatment of idiopathic overactive bladder. The Journal of Urology.
Fernandez, J. (2024). Angioedema. Merck Manual Consumer Version.
Frankel, J., et al. (2021). Vibegron improves quality-of-life measures in patients with overactive bladder: Patient-reported outcomes from the EMPOWUR study. International Journal of Clinical Practice.
National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. (2019). Definition & facts of urinary retention.
Schena, G., et al. (2019). Everything you always wanted to know about β3-AR * (* but were afraid to ask). Cells.
Sumitomo Pharma America, Inc. (2024). Gemtesa- vibegron tablet, film coated [package insert]. DailyMed.
Urology Care Foundation. (2018). 10 foods your bladder will fall in love with.
Urology Care Foundation. (2024). What is overactive bladder (OAB)?
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