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 tablet 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. To learn more about Gemtesa, including its uses, dosage, and cost, read this Gemtesa overview article.

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. To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section.

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.

Urinary retention

Gemtesa treatment may cause urinary retention. This is a condition in which you have trouble emptying your bladder. This is a rare but serious side effect of Gemtesa reported in the drug’s studies.

You may have an increased risk of developing urinary retention if you:

Symptoms of urinary retention include:

What might help

Your doctor will monitor you closely if you have a bladder neck obstruction and take Gemtesa. They’ll also follow up regularly if you take a muscarinic receptor blocker along with Gemtesa for OAB.

Tell your doctor if you have any symptoms of urinary retention. If you develop this condition, your doctor will likely stop your Gemtesa treatment and recommend a safer medication for your OAB symptoms.

Nausea

Gemtesa can cause nausea. This was a common but mild side effect of the drug reported in studies. Keep in mind that nausea may be caused by other medications you’re taking. In some cases, nausea may also be a symptom of another side effect of Gemtesa, such as headache.

What might help

Nausea is a mild side effect that’s usually temporary and should ease as you continue taking Gemtesa. For mild nausea, your doctor may offer suggestions to manage it, such as avoiding nausea triggers (strong odors, spicy foods, or heavy meals). But if your nausea symptoms are severe or ongoing, they may have you stop Gemtesa and suggest other treatment options for your OAB.

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

Does Gemtesa cause side effects in elderly people?

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.

Can Gemtesa cause weight gain or weight loss?

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.

Does Gemtesa cause hair loss?

It’s not likely. Hair loss wasn’t a side effect reported in studies of Gemtesa. If you experience hair loss while taking Gemtesa, talk with your doctor. There may be other causes, such as other health conditions you may have, or other medications you take. Your doctor can determine the cause of new or worsening hair loss and suggest ways to help manage it.

If I stop taking Gemtesa, will I experience certain side effects?

No, this isn’t likely. Long-term side effects (those that continue after you stop a medication) weren’t reported in studies of Gemtesa. But it’s important to take Gemtesa exactly as your doctor prescribes. Stopping the drug could cause your overactive bladder symptoms to return.

If you’re having bothersome side effects from Gemtesa, call your doctor. They can discuss your concerns with you and give you options to consider, which may include switching you to a different treatment.

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: Healthline 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.