5 mins read

Overview: Gemtesa is used to relieve urge urinary incontinence, urinary urgency, and frequent urination in people with overactive bladder (OAB). It is also prescribed for people being treated for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who have OAB symptoms. Common side effects include headache, kidney or bladder infection, common cold symptoms, diarrhea, and nausea. Gemtesa is a tablet that you take by mouth.

Uses

What is Gemtesa used for?

Gemtesa (vibegron) is commonly used in people with overactive bladder (OAB), including those being treated for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It helps manage symptoms such as a strong need to pee (urinate) with leaking or wetting accidents (urge urinary incontinence), the need to pee right away (urgency), and peeing often (frequency).

Gemtesa may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Gemtesa work (mechanism of action)?

Gemtesa increases the amount of pee that your bladder can hold by relaxing bladder muscles.

Learn more about Gemtesa for Overactive Bladder.

How is Gemtesa supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Gemtesa

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 75 mg oral tablets

How should I store Gemtesa?

Gemtesa should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C), for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Gemtesa?

The most common side effects of Gemtesa are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Headache
  • Kidney or bladder infection
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Diarrhea
  • Nausea

There may be other side effects of Gemtesa that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at https://www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Gemtesa?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Gemtesa are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Inability to Empty Bladder (Urinary Retention). Gemtesa might make it harder to empty your bladder, especially if you already have a blockage or take other medicines for overactive bladder. Call your health care provider right away if you are having trouble peeing or cannot empty your bladder.

Angioedema. Gemtesa may cause a rare reaction called angioedema. The usual symptoms of this reaction include swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat. Stop taking this medicine and contact your health care provider right away if you have this type of swelling. If you are having trouble breathing, get medical attention right away.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Gemtesa may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Gemtesa and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Gemtesa?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Gemtesa.

  • Gemtesa
  • Vibegron
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Gemtesa.

What should I know about Gemtesa before using it?

Do not take Gemtesa unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share Gemtesa with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Gemtesa out of the reach of children.

Gemtesa should be swallowed whole with a glass of water. If you cannot swallow the tablet whole, it may be crushed and mixed with a tablespoon (about 15 milliliters) of applesauce and taken right away with a glass of water.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Gemtesa?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Gemtesa is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Kidney problems
  • Liver problems
  • Trouble emptying your bladder, a weak urine stream, or a blockage in your bladder

Other Medicines and Supplements. Gemtesa may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Gemtesa, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Gemtesa could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Gemtesa while you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Gemtesa passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Gemtesa while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Gemtesa?

For more information about Gemtesa, you can visit the drugmaker's website at www.gemtesa.com or call them at 833-876-8268.

Interactions

Does Gemtesa interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Gemtesa and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Gemtesa.

Does Gemtesa interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Gemtesa.

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin), which is a medicine used to treat irregular heartbeat and some types of heart failure
  • Any other medicine for overactive bladder (OAB)

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Gemtesa. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Gemtesa?

If you or someone else has used too much Gemtesa, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Gemtesa?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.