Key takeaways

  • Common side effects of Gemtesa (vibegron) include headache and urinary tract infections (UTIs). More serious but rare side effects can include urinary retention and allergic reactions.
  • Gemtesa side effects should be temporary, and studies have reported that Gemtesa medication is as safe and effective in older adults as in younger adults.
  • Managing side effects often involves simple steps such as taking over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers for headache or contacting a doctor for UTI symptoms. Discuss any concerns with a healthcare professional.

Gemtesa is used to treat overactive bladder (OAB) in adults with the following symptoms:

The use of binary terms such as “male” and “female” or “men” and “women” in this article reflects the language of the sources we’ve used. Unless otherwise noted, it’s unclear whether the research we reference included participants with expansive gender identities.

It’s also used to treat urinary frequency in adult males who are taking medication for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

Gemtesa comes as a 75 milligram (mg)-tablet that you swallow. It contains the active ingredient vibegron. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)

Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects Gemtesa can cause.

Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during Gemtesa treatment. Examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects include:

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Tips for managing side effects” section.

Mild side effects have been reported with Gemtesa. These include:

In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop taking Gemtesa unless your doctor recommends it.

Gemtesa may cause mild side effects other than those listed. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Tips for managing side effects” section.

Serious side effects have been reported with Gemtesa, including urinary retention.

In rare cases, Gemtesa may cause a serious allergic reaction called angioedema. This can lead to swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat and make it hard to breathe. If you notice these symptoms, stop taking Gemtesa and call 911 or get emergency care right away.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Gemtesa, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medication safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Gemtesa and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Gemtesa can cause an allergic reaction. This side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s studies, but there have been reports since the drug was approved for use.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should keep taking Gemtesa.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Gemtesa, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

While taking Gemtesa, you may be able to take steps to make side effects easier to manage.

If you have problems with side effects, they do not go away, or they become worse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss options for managing side effects or other available treatment options.

Headache

Taking Gemtesa can cause headaches. This was one of the most common side effects of the drug reported by people taking it in studies.

What might help

If you have mild headaches with Gemtesa, your doctor may suggest ways to ease your symptoms. These may include:

If your headache is severe or ongoing, call your doctor right away. They can discuss possible causes and treatment options with you. In some cases, they may have you stop taking Gemtesa and switch you to a different medication.

Urinary tract infection

Gemtesa can increase your risk of urinary tract infection (UTI). This was a common but mild side effect of Gemtesa reported in studies. Symptoms include:

Symptoms of a UTI may be similar to those of an overactive bladder (OAB). But UTI symptoms caused by bacteria in your bladder can worsen if you don’t get treatment. In some cases, untreated UTI may be a serious condition requiring immediate treatment.

What might help

If you have symptoms of a UTI while taking Gemtesa, call your doctor. They’ll likely test your urine for bacteria. If they confirm you have a UTI, they’ll likely treat it with an antibiotic.

Tell your doctor if you have a history of frequent UTIs. They may suggest an OAB treatment option that’s better suited for you.

Here are answers to some commonly asked questions about Gentesa’s side effects.

No, Gemtesa isn’t expected to cause unique side effects in older adults (adults ages 65 years and older).

In the drug’s studies, Gemtesa was reported to be just as safe and effective in older adults as in younger adults. And side effects were reported at similar rates across all age groups.

If you have concerns about how your age may affect your treatment with Gemtesa, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They’ll let you know whether Gemtesa is safe for you.

It’s not likely. Weight-related changes such as weight gain or weight loss weren’t reported in studies of Gemtesa. But you may experience changes in weight from other causes such as other medications you’re taking, or from certain side effects of Gemtesa.

For example, if you have diarrhea (a side effect of Gemtesa) that’s severe or ongoing, you may have some weight loss. If you have serious diarrhea, call your doctor. They can discuss possible causes with you and recommend ways to manage this side effect.

If you have concerns about weight changes with Gemtesa, talk with your doctor. They can discuss the likelihood of this happening to you.

Before taking Gemtesa, discuss your health history with your doctor. Gemtesa may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health.

Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.