From the Guidelines
Gemtesa (vibegron) typically begins working for overactive bladder (OAB) within 1-2 weeks, though some patients may notice improvements in urgency, frequency, and incontinence symptoms as early as the first week of treatment. Full therapeutic effects are usually achieved after about 8 weeks of consistent use 1. The standard dose is 75 mg taken once daily with or without food. It's essential to take Gemtesa regularly at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels of the medication. Gemtesa works by selectively targeting beta-3 adrenergic receptors in the bladder muscle, causing relaxation of the detrusor muscle during the storage phase of the urinary cycle, which increases bladder capacity and reduces symptoms of overactive bladder. Unlike anticholinergic medications, Gemtesa has fewer side effects like dry mouth and constipation, making it a good option for many patients 1. If you don't notice improvement after 8-12 weeks of treatment, consult your healthcare provider to reevaluate your treatment plan. Some key points to consider when treating OAB include:
- The importance of shared decision-making to select the best therapy or therapies, regardless of invasiveness, based on the patient’s needs, desires, and side effect tolerance 1
- The use of telemedicine as a viable option for patients with OAB, although it may not allow for all elements of the initial in-office evaluation 1
- The need for urinalysis and urine culture in patients with symptoms suggestive of OAB and suspected infection and/or hematuria 1
From the Research
Efficacy of Gemtesa (Vibegron) for Overactive Bladder
- Gemtesa, also known as vibegron, is a beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonist used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Studies have shown that vibegron is effective in reducing urinary incontinence episodes, daily micturitions, and improving volume voided per micturition 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Vibegron has been compared to other treatments for OAB, including mirabegron and anticholinergics, and has been found to have a favorable efficacy and safety profile 3, 4, 5, 6.
Time to Efficacy
- The exact time it takes for Gemtesa to work for overactive bladder is not explicitly stated in the provided studies.
- However, studies have reported efficacy outcomes at various time points, including weeks 4,12, and 52 3, 4, 5, 6.
- It is likely that the efficacy of Gemtesa is evident within the first few weeks of treatment, but long-term data is needed to fully understand its effects 3, 4, 5, 6.