Gemtesa
Pronunciation: gem tes' ah
Generic name: vibegron
Dosage form: tablet 75mg
Drug class: Urinary antispasmodics
What is Gemtesa?
Gemtesa is used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) symptoms, including urinary urgency, urinary frequency, and urge incontinence. Gemtesa helps to relieve urinary symptoms in adults with overactive bladder or men with OAB who are taking medicine for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Gemtesa works by relaxing the bladder muscle so the bladder can hold more urine which may reduce the urgency to use the bathroom and decrease the frequency of urinary leaks or wetting accidents.
Gemtesa generic name is vibegron.
Gemtesa is a once-daily tablet that is swallowed whole with water or maybe crushed, mixed with a tablespoon (~15 mL) of applesauce, and taken immediately with a glass of water. The tablet can be taken with or without food.
Who can use Gemtesa?
Gemtesa is used to treat:
- Overactive bladder symptoms in adults, including symptoms of urinary urgency, frequency, and urinary urge incontinence.
- Overactive bladder symptoms in men taking medicines for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
How does Gemtesa work?
Gemtesa's mechanism of action (MOA)is by binding and activating β3-adrenergic receptor, which relaxes the muscles in the wall of the bladder (detrusor muscle), which increases bladder volume.
Gemtesa is from a class of medications called beta-3 agonists, or more specifically it is a selective human beta-3 adrenergic receptor agonist (β3-AR agonist).
Gemtesa Clinical trial results
In the 12-week clinical trial called Study 3003 (NCT03492281) used for overactive bladder symptoms, Gemesa patients had:
- 2 fewer daily leakage episodes (compared with 1.4 fewer episodes for placebo)
- 1.8 fewer bathroom visits per day (compared to 1.3 fewer episodes for placebo)
- 2.7 fewer “need to urinate immediately” episodes (compared to 2 fewer episodes for placebo
Gemtesa side effects
Common Gemtesa side effects
The most common Gemtesa side effects for OAB include:
- headache (22%)
- cold symptoms -nasopharyngitis (15%)
- diarrhea (12%)
- nausea (12%)
These common side effects occurred in 2% or more of the Gemtesa patients in the 12-week clinical trial for OAB called Study 3003.
The long-term 52-week study had the same side effects as above and also included urinary tract infection (6.6%) and bronchitis (2.9%).
The most common Gemtesa side effects for OAB with BPH include:
In a 12-week clinical trial (Study 3005) evaluating Gemtesa in males with overactive bladder (OAB) who were also taking medication for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), the most common side effects occurring in more than 2% of patients were:
- Hypertension: 9% (compared to 8.3% with placebo)
- Urinary tract infection: 2.5% (compared to 2.2% with placebo)
Serious Gemtesa side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Gemtesa with symptoms of hives; difficulty breathing; and swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if:
- you are unable to completely empty your bladder; or
- you have pain or burning when you urinate.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Related/similar drugs
Botox
Botox is used to treat chronic migraines, excessive sweating, bladder conditions, eye muscle ...
Myrbetriq
Myrbetriq (mirabegron) is used to treat overactive bladder with symptoms of frequent or urgent ...
Omvoh
Omvoh is used to treat moderate to severe ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease in adults. This ...
Estrace
Estrace (estradiol) is used to treat symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness ...
Detrol
Detrol is used to treat overactive bladder symptoms of urinary frequency, urgency, and ...
Trospium
Trospium systemic is used for interstitial cystitis, overactive bladder, urinary frequency, urinary ...
Tolterodine
Tolterodine systemic is used for overactive bladder, urinary frequency, urinary incontinence
Solifenacin
Solifenacin systemic is used for neurogenic bladder, neurogenic detrusor overactivity, overactive ...
Mirabegron
Mirabegron systemic is used for neurogenic detrusor overactivity, overactive bladder, urinary ...
Oxybutynin
Oxybutynin is used to treat symptoms of overactive bladder such as incontinence. Learn about side ...
Warnings
Gemtesa should not be taken if you have hypersensitivity to the active ingredient vibegron or any of the inactive ingredients in this medicine.
Urinary Retention: It is important to monitor for urinary retention, especially in patients with bladder outlet obstruction and also in patients taking muscarinic antagonist medications for OAB, as the risk of urinary retention may be greater. If urinary retention develops, discontinue Gemtesa.
Angioedema: Angioedema of the face and/or larynx has been reported with this medicine.
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not take Gemtesa if you are allergic to the active ingredient vibegron, or any inactive ingredients.
To make sure Gemtesa is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- trouble emptying your bladder;
- a weak stream of urine;
- liver disease; or
- kidney disease.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
How should I take Gemtesa?
The normal dose of Gemtesa 75mg is one tablet, taken by mouth, once daily. Take this medicine with a full glass of water. You may take Gemtesa with or without food.
If you cannot swallow a tablet whole, you may crush the tablet and mix it with 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away with a glass of water. Do not save the mixture for later use.
Use Gemtesa exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and use the medicines exactly as directed. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets.
Gemtesa Dosing information
Dosing Information for Gemtesa
- Usual Adult Gemtesa Dose: One Gemtesa 75 mg tablet orally once a day.
- How to take: Take Gemtesa tablet with a glass of water with or without food.
- Crushing Option: If you cannot swallow a tablet whole, you may crush the tablet and mix it with 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Swallow the mixture right away with a glass of water. Do not save the mixture for later use.
Strength available
- Gemtesa 75mg tablet
Missed Dose
Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.
Overdose
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking Gemtesa?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What other drugs will affect Gemtesa?
Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:
- digoxin or digitalis.
This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with vibegron, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.
Gemtesa Coupon Card
A Gemtesa coupon or Gemtesa Simple Savings Card may help you save money on Gemtesa. How much you pay will depend on if you have insurance, what kind of insurance you have, and whether this medicine is covered. You may pay as little as $0 for a 90-day supply of Gemtesa if you have a commercial drug insurance plan (government plans like Medicare or Medicaid are not eligible) and this medicine is covered by your plan. The Gemtesa Coupons, Copay Cards, Prices & Patient Assistance page has more details on applying for Gemtesa coupons or saving cards and patient assistance & Copay Programs.
See Gemtesa Saving program details for terms and conditions.
Ingredients
Active ingredient: vibegron.
Inactive ingredients: Croscarmellose sodium, hydroxypropyl cellulose, magnesium stearate, mannitol, and microcrystalline cellulose. The light green film coating contains FD&C Blue No. 2 - aluminum lake, hypromellose, iron oxide yellow, lactose monohydrate, titanium dioxide, and triacetin.
Storage
Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F).
Company
Manufactured for and Distributed by: Urovant Sciences, Inc. Irvine, CA 92617.
Popular FAQ
Does Gemtesa (vibegron) cause constipation?
Constipation is listed as a side effect of Gemtesa, but it is uncommon, occurring in less than 2% (2 out of every 100) people who take Gemtesa.
Can Gemtesa cause dementia?
Cognitive decline, which may include dementia, memory loss and confusion, is not a known side effect for Gemtesa (vibegron) or the beta-3 agonist class as a whole. In addition, a study found the use of anticholinergic medications among patients with overactive bladder (OAB) was associated with an increased risk of new-onset dementia compared to beta-3 agonist users. Continue reading
How long does it take for Gemtesa (vibegron) to work?
Gemtesa (vibegron) starts working almost immediately – within a few days of first taking it, with noticeable improvements in urinary urgency, frequency, and incontinence noted in clinical trials at 2 weeks which were reported as significant by 12 weeks.
After 12 weeks, people taking Gemtesa had 2 fewer daily leakage episodes compared to 1 fewer episode in those taking placebo, 2 fewer bathroom visits (versus 1 fewer with placebo), and 3 fewer “urge to go” visits a day compared to 2 fewer with placebo. Continue reading
Does Gemtesa cause high blood pressure?
No, it isn’t common for Gemtesa (vibegron) to cause high blood pressure. In the phase 3 EMPOWUR trial of patients taking 75 mg of Gemtesa per day, Gemtesa had low rates of high blood pressure (1.7%) that were similar to placebo. Continue reading
How does Gemtesa (vibegron) work?
Gemtesa (vibegron) works by relaxing the detrusor muscle of the bladder – this is smooth muscle found in the wall of the bladder – and it does this by activating beta-3 adrenergic receptors located in the detrusor muscle. By activating these receptors, the muscle in the bladder wall relaxes. This allows the bladder to hold more urine, which can relieve symptoms of overactive bladder such as needing to pass urine immediately or frequently (urinary urgency and frequency) and reduce urine leakage (urinary incontinence). Continue reading
Can men take Gemtesa?
Yes, men can take Gemtesa (vibegron) for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB). Overactive bladder is a condition that causes symptoms of urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency. Continue reading
What is the best time to take Gemtesa?
Gemtesa can be taken any time of the day with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. Take it at about the same time each day so you don’t forget your dose. Swallow Gemtesa tablets whole with a glass of water. You can also crush the tablet, mix it into a tablespoon (15 mL) of applesauce and take it right away with a glass of water if you have trouble swallowing the pill. Continue reading
Can you take Gemtesa after bladder polyp removal surgery?
Ask your urologist or other healthcare provider if you should use Gemtesa (vibegron) after bladder polyp removal surgery. While it is common to feel the urge to urinate more often after your surgery, these symptoms should improve after a few weeks. Your healthcare provider can help you weigh the benefits and risks (e.g., urinary tract infection) of taking Gemtesa immediately after your procedure. Continue reading
Does Gemtesa have a patient assistance program?
You can reach the Gemtesa patient assistance program (Gemtesa Simple Savings Program) at 1-833-876 -8268 or online at the Gemtesa website. If you are eligible for a copay card, you may pay as little as $0 for a 90-day supply of medicine if you have commercial insurance and your benefit plan covers Gemtesa. Government plans like Medicare and Medicaid are not eligible. Other savings options for patients without insurance may be available. Continue reading
References
More about Gemtesa (vibegron)
- Check interactions
- Compare alternatives
- Pricing & coupons
- Reviews (201)
- Drug images
- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Support group
- FDA approval history
- Drug class: urinary antispasmodics
- Breastfeeding
- En español
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.