
Gemtesa
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.
What is Gemtesa?
What is Gemtesa used for?
- Overactive bladder (OAB)
- Overactive bladder in people who are taking medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
How Gemtesa works
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.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Gemtesa |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Beta-3 adrenergic agonist |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
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Side effects of Gemtesa
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Headache (4%)
- Cold symptoms (3%)
- Diarrhea (2%)
- Nausea (2%)
- Upper respiratory tract infection (2%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Dry mouth
- Constipation
- Trouble emptying the bladder
Gemtesa serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Severe allergic reaction: swelling in the lips, face, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing
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The following Gemtesa side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Trouble passing urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- Nausea
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Sore throat
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Pros and cons of Gemtesa
Pros
- A first-choice option for overactive bladder
- Can take with anticholinergics for OAB, if needed
- Tablets are crushable if you have trouble swallowing pills
Cons
- 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
Pharmacist tips for Gemtesa
- 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.
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Risks and warnings for Gemtesa
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 face, mouth, throat, or other organ)
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 of difficulty emptying the bladder completely
- 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.
Gemtesa dosage
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 75mg | 30 tablets | $500.43 | $16.68 |
Typical dosage for Gemtesa
The typical dose is 75 mg by mouth once per day.
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How much does Gemtesa cost?
$500.43
What are alternatives to Gemtesa?
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