8 Myrbetriq Side Effects You Should Know About

Gotta pee all the time? Having trouble sleeping through the night or making it to the bathroom without leaking? These are all common symptoms of overactive bladder (OAB) — a condition that affects about 1 of every 6 U.S. adults.

Myrbetriq (mirabegron) is one OAB medication option for adults. It’s also FDA approved for neurogenic detrusor overactivity (a type of bladder issue) in children as young as 3 years old. Myrbetriq is generally well tolerated and tends to cause fewer side effects than other OAB medications. But it still has some side effects to know about if you or your child is taking it. Here, we’ll cover eight Myrbetriq side effects and how to manage them.

1. High blood pressure

In initial clinical studies, Myrbetriq caused an increase in blood pressure for some people taking it. The changes were small, and not likely to be an issue for most people. But if you already have high blood pressure, it’s possible Myrbetriq could worsen it.

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This side effect is more likely in older people taking Myrbetriq. And if you have high blood pressure that’s above 180/110 mmHg, Myrbetriq isn’t recommended. Regular exercise, a low-sodium diet, and cutting back on alcohol are all helpful ways to keep your blood pressure at a healthy level while you’re taking Myrbetriq.

You may not notice any symptoms if Myrbetriq raises your blood pressure. So your healthcare provider will likely check your blood pressure before you start taking it. And they’ll also check it from time to time (or have you do so at home) while you’re taking Myrbetriq. Especially if you have high blood pressure or take medications for it.

Keep in mind, this side effect can happen in kids too. Ask your child’s provider how often their blood pressure should be checked.

2. Cold symptoms

About 4% of people taking Myrbetriq reported common cold symptoms in clinical studies. This may include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and cough. In most cases, these symptoms should resolve on their own. If they’re bothersome, you can treat them with over-the-counter (OTC) cold medication, as long as your provider OK’s it.

If your cold symptoms last more than 7 to 10 days, talk with your healthcare provider. They can help you figure out what’s causing them and suggest a treatment, if needed.

3. Urinary tract infection

In clinical studies, urinary tract infections (UTIs) were a reported Myrbetriq side effect. But UTIs are common in people with OAB. And a recent review found that taking Myrbetriq doesn’t seem to increase the risk of UTIs. So it’s unclear exactly what the association is between Myrbetriq and UTIs. But it’s still helpful to know how to tell when a UTI is happening.

UTI symptoms may be similar to your OAB symptoms, so you may not notice them right away. If you have pain when peeing, new or abnormal pain in your lower belly, or your OAB symptoms are getting worse, let your healthcare provider know. They can test your urine for bacteria to see if an infection is present.

Parents and caregivers should watch for signs of a UTI in children taking Myrbetriq. These can include bedwetting or foul-smelling urine, along with the symptoms described above. If your healthcare provider suspects a UTI, they’ll typically recommend treatment with an antibiotic.

4. Headache

Headaches are a possible Myrbetriq side effect, but they don’t happen often. Less than 5% of people taking Myrbetriq reported headache in clinical trials. And headaches were just as common in people taking a placebo (sugar pill) in clinical studies. 

Dehydration is a common cause of headaches, and it can worsen your OAB symptoms, too. So be sure to drink enough water throughout the day to stay hydrated.

Headaches often go away on their own. But an OTC pain reliever, such as Tylenol (acetaminophen) or Advil (ibuprofen), can also help (with your provider’s OK). If your headaches persist or are severe, contact your healthcare provider. They can make sure there’s not something else causing them.

5. Digestive issues

Gastrointestinal (GI) side effects aren't likely to happen with Myrbetriq. But in clinical studies, a small number of people reported nausea, diarrhea, or constipation while taking it. Constipation is more likely if you’re taking Myrbetriq along with Vesicare (solifenacin), another OAB medication. Constipation also seems to be more common in kids taking Myrbetriq.

You can take Myrbetriq tablets with or without food. But taking them with food may help lessen or prevent nausea. To prevent constipation, be sure you’re getting enough fluids and fiber. Regular exercise can also help keep things moving. If diarrhea is an issue, choose foods that aren’t spicy, fatty, or fried. A probiotic supplement may also help.

If home remedies aren’t cutting it, there are OTC treatment options that may help your symptoms. A stool softener or laxative can help relieve constipation. While a medication like loperamide (Imodium A-D) can help with diarrhea. Just make sure any OTC option you choose is safe to take with your other medications and health conditions.

If your GI symptoms continue or worsen, contact your healthcare provider to have them checked out.

6. Dizziness

Some people taking Myrbetriq may feel dizzy. It’s not a common side effect, but dizziness can have a negative effect on your daily life if it happens. And a small number of people in clinical trials had to stop taking Myrbetriq because of it.

A good general rule to follow is to be careful when driving or doing anything that requires coordination when starting Myrbetriq. You can resume these activities once you know how it affects you if dizziness isn’t an issue. Staying hydrated can also help prevent dizziness from happening. You can also talk to your healthcare provider about taking Myrbetriq at bedtime to reduce daytime dizziness.

If you feel dizzy after starting Myrbetriq, let your healthcare provider know. They may want to wait and see if it improves on its own. Or they may decide to try a different OAB medication. If you feel dizzy along with chest pain or trouble breathing, seek emergency medical care. These could be signs of a more serious medical issue.

Good to know: Other OAB medications, such as solifenacin, can cause dizziness and confusion in older adults. But Myrbetriq hasn't been linked to cognitive changes in older adults. And there doesn’t seem to be a difference in the risk of dizziness for older adults versus younger adults either.

7. Trouble peeing

Myrbetriq works by relaxing the muscles in your bladder. But sometimes, this can make it harder for you to fully empty your bladder when you pee (urinary retention). You may notice pain in your lower belly, or have trouble peeing, even if you feel the urge to go. This side effect is more likely if you take Myrbetriq with certain other OAB medications. It’s also more common if something is blocking urine from flowing freely (bladder obstruction).

Let your provider know if you’re having trouble peeing, or notice you’re peeing less than usual — especially if you also have stomach pain. If urinary retention isn’t treated, it could lead to bladder or kidney damage.

8. Swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

Angioedema is a very rare, life-threatening side effect that’s been reported with Myrbetriq. It often happens after your first dose of Myrbetriq, but can happen at any time while you’re taking it.

Symptoms include a puffy face, swelling of the mouth and tongue, and trouble breathing. If these symptoms appear, call 911 or get immediate medical attention. You’ll likely need to stop taking Myrbetriq and find another OAB treatment option.

When should I contact my healthcare provider about Myrbetriq side effects?

Keep your healthcare provider aware of any changes in your OAB symptoms. When you first start Myrbetriq, it may take 1 to 2 months for the medication to fully kick in. If you’re not seeing an improvement in that time period — or if you’re ever noticing your OAB getting worse — let your provider know.

Contact your provider right away if you experience any of the following:

• Pain when you pee

• Fever or pain in your lower abdomen

• UTI symptoms

• Cold symptoms that last longer than a week

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Written by:

Daphne Berryhill, RPh

Daphne Berryhill, RPh, has two decades of experience as a clinical pharmacist. She spent most of her career in the Chicago area practicing in-home infusion.

Edited by:

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD

Stacia Woodcock, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She earned her Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University of Kentucky and is licensed in New York and Massachusetts.

Reviewed by:

Christina Aungst, PharmD

Christina Aungst, PharmD, is a pharmacy editor for GoodRx. She began writing for GoodRx Health in 2019, transitioning from freelance writer to editor in 2021.

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