Gemtesa (vibegron) is a brand-name drug prescribed for overactive bladder in adults. Gemtesa comes as an oral tablet that’s typically taken once per day. The dosage can vary based on your health history.
Gemtesa is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat symptoms of overactive bladder, such as:
Gemtesa is also approved to treat these symptoms in males taking medication for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). (Sex and gender exist on spectrums. Use of the term “male” in this article refers to sex assigned at birth.)
Gemtesa belongs to a drug class called beta-3 adrenergic agonists. Gemtesa is not available in a generic version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Gemtesa, including its strength and how to take the medication.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Gemtesa provided by the drug’s manufacturer. When taking Gemtesa, always follow the dosage your doctor prescribes.
The following information focuses on Gemtesa’s form, strength, and dosage.
Gemtesa form
Gemtesa comes as an oral tablet.
Gemtesa strength
Gemtesa comes in one strength: 75 milligrams (mg).
Typical dosage
The following information describes the dosage that’s commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for overactive bladder
The recommended dosage for overactive bladder with symptoms in adults is 75 mg once per day. This is also the maximum dose of Gemtesa.
Long-term treatment
Gemtesa is meant to be a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Gemtesa is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
The Gemtesa dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:
- how well your kidneys are working
- how well your liver is working
- whether you take other medications with Gemtesa
Other medical conditions you have may also affect your Gemtesa dosage.
If you have questions about your Gemtesa dosage, talk with your doctor.
Gemtesa comes as an oral tablet that you swallow whole with a full glass of water. You can take the medication with or without food.
If you have trouble swallowing tablets, you can crush the tablet and mix it with 1 tablespoon of applesauce. Be sure to swallow the mixture right away and drink a full glass of water.
For other tips on how to take this form of medication, see this article on how to swallow pills. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
ACCESSIBLE DRUG LABELS AND CONTAINERSSome pharmacies offer labels with large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy doesn’t have these options, your doctor or pharmacist might be able to recommend a pharmacy that does.
If you’re having trouble opening medication bottles, ask your pharmacist about putting Gemtesa in an easy-open container. They also may recommend tools that can make it easier to open bottles.
If you miss a dose of Gemtesa, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the scheduled dose. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.
If you’re unsure whether to take or skip a missed dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
It’s important that you do not take more Gemtesa than your doctor prescribes. For some medications, taking more than the recommended amount may lead to side effects or overdose.
If you take more than the recommended amount of Gemtesa
Call your doctor right away if you believe you’ve taken too much Gemtesa. Another option is to call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. If you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room.
Here are some frequently asked questions about Gemtesa’s dosing.
Can you take more than 75 mg of Gemtesa?
No, you cannot take more than 75 mg of Gemtesa. The maximum daily dose of Gemtesa is 75 mg. Higher strengths of the drug, such as 150 mg, are not expected to be more effective.
If you feel that Gemtesa isn’t working as well as it should, talk with your doctor. They can recommend other treatment options for your overactive bladder symptoms.
What is the best time to take Gemtesa?
There’s no best time of day to take Gemtesa. However, you should try to take your dose at the same time each day. This helps keep a steady amount of medication in your body so Gemtesa can work effectively. Also, taking your dose at the same time may make it easier to remember.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about when to take Gemtesa.
Does Gemtesa require dosage modifications in older adults?
No, Gemtesa doesn’t require a dosage modification in adults ages 65 years and older. However, factors other than age may affect your dosage. For details, see the “Factors that can affect your dosage” section.
If your doctor recommends Gemtesa, they’ll determine an appropriate dosage for you based on your health history.
Does Gemtesa cause weight gain?
Gemtesa is not associated with weight gain. Clinical studies have not reported weight changes among people who use this medication.
If you experience unexpected weight changes while taking Gemtesa, be sure to let your doctor know.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
