Does Gemtesa cause hair loss? This is a question raised by some patients starting vibegron (Gemtesa) for overactive bladder. Vibegron is a beta-3 adrenoceptor agonist licensed for overactive bladder (OAB) in adults, and understanding its side effect profile is important for informed treatment decisions. Based on current clinical evidence, hair loss is not a listed adverse effect in vibegron's Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), nor has it been flagged as a safety signal by the MHRA or EMA. This article reviews the evidence, known side effects, and what to do if you notice hair changes whilst taking vibegron.

Vibegron and Hair Loss: What the Evidence Shows

Hair loss is not an established adverse effect of vibegron; it does not appear in the drug's SmPC and has not been flagged as a safety signal by the MHRA or EMA as of June 2025.

Experiencing these side effects? Our pharmacists can help you navigate them →

Vibegron (brand name Gemtesa, where available) is a beta-3 adrenoceptor agonist licensed for the treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) in adults. It works by selectively stimulating beta-3 adrenergic receptors in the detrusor muscle of the bladder, promoting relaxation and increasing bladder capacity.

With regard to hair loss specifically, there is no established link between vibegron and alopecia based on current clinical evidence. Hair loss does not appear as a listed adverse effect in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) for vibegron, nor has it been identified as a safety signal by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) or the European Medicines Agency (EMA) at the time of writing (June 2025). Patients and clinicians are encouraged to consult the current UK SmPC (available via the Electronic Medicines Compendium, emc.medicines.org.uk) or the EMA EPAR for the most up-to-date prescribing information.

It is important to acknowledge that individual patient experiences can vary, and some people may notice changes in hair condition or shedding whilst taking any new medication. This does not necessarily confirm a causal relationship. Hair loss can arise from numerous concurrent factors — including stress, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, and other medications — making it difficult to attribute to a single drug without robust evidence. If you are concerned about hair changes whilst taking vibegron, discuss this with your GP or prescribing clinician rather than stopping the medication without advice.

Reported Side Effects of Vibegron in Clinical Trials

The EMPOWUR Phase III trial identified headache, nasopharyngitis, UTIs, nausea, and diarrhoea as the most common side effects; hair loss was not identified as a significant adverse event.

Not sure if this is normal? Chat with one of our pharmacists →

Vibegron was evaluated in the pivotal EMPOWUR trial, a large Phase III randomised controlled trial involving over 1,500 adults with overactive bladder. The trial provided a comprehensive safety profile for the drug, and the adverse effects identified were generally mild to moderate in severity.

The most commonly reported side effects in clinical trials include:

• Headache — one of the more frequently reported adverse events

• Nasopharyngitis (common cold-like symptoms)

• Urinary tract infections (UTIs)

• Nausea

• Diarrhoea

Notably, hair loss (alopecia) was not identified as a common or uncommon adverse effect in these trials, and the safety data did not flag any statistically significant association between vibegron use and hair thinning or shedding.

Important cautions to be aware of:

• Urinary retention: Vibegron, like other bladder medications, carries a risk of urinary retention, particularly in patients with bladder outlet obstruction or those taking concomitant antimuscarinic medicines. If you experience difficulty passing urine or a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying after starting vibegron, seek medical advice promptly.

• Digoxin interaction: Vibegron may increase plasma concentrations of digoxin. If you are taking digoxin, your clinician should monitor your digoxin levels when vibegron is initiated or the dose is adjusted. Please refer to the current SmPC for full details of interactions.

Because vibegron is a relatively newer agent, its long-term post-marketing safety profile continues to be monitored. Rare or delayed adverse effects may emerge over time as the drug is used more widely in real-world clinical settings. Patients and clinicians are encouraged to remain vigilant and report any unexpected symptoms through appropriate channels.

How Common Is Hair Loss With Bladder Medications?

Hair loss is not a recognised side effect of bladder medications, including beta-3 agonists or antimuscarinics; drug-induced telogen effluvium is more commonly linked to anticoagulants, antithyroid drugs, and chemotherapy agents.

Hair loss is not a widely recognised side effect of medications used to treat overactive bladder, whether these are beta-3 agonists such as vibegron or the older class of antimuscarinic agents. However, it is worth understanding the broader context of drug-induced alopecia to appreciate why patients may raise this concern.

Drug-induced hair loss, known medically as telogen effluvium, can occur with a wide range of medications. It typically involves a diffuse shedding of hair that begins two to four months after starting a new drug. According to NHS and British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) guidance, commonly implicated drug classes include:

• Anticoagulants (e.g., warfarin, heparin)

• Antithyroid medications

• Retinoids

• Certain antidepressants and mood stabilisers

• Chemotherapy agents

• Some antihypertensives (e.g., beta-blockers)

Bladder medications, including antimuscarinics and beta-3 agonists, are not typically associated with this pattern of hair loss. That said, if a patient begins a new bladder medication at a time of significant physical or emotional stress — both of which are independent triggers for telogen effluvium — it may be easy to incorrectly attribute the hair shedding to the drug.

It is also worth noting that overactive bladder itself can cause considerable psychological distress, which may independently contribute to hair changes. A thorough clinical assessment is therefore essential before concluding that any medication is responsible for hair loss. For further information on hair loss causes and when to seek help, the NHS hair loss overview page and BAD patient information on telogen effluvium are useful resources.

When to Speak to Your GP or Prescriber

Consult your GP if you experience significant hair shedding, patchy loss, scalp changes, or difficulty passing urine after starting vibegron — do not stop the medication without medical advice.

Whilst hair loss is not an expected side effect of vibegron, any new or unexplained symptom that develops after starting a medication warrants a conversation with your GP or prescribing clinician. It is important not to stop taking vibegron without medical advice, as doing so may lead to a return of overactive bladder symptoms and could affect your overall management plan.

You should contact your GP or prescriber if you notice:

• Significant or sudden hair shedding that is new or worsening since starting vibegron

• Patchy hair loss, which may suggest alopecia areata — an autoimmune condition unrelated to medication

• Changes in hair texture or quality alongside other symptoms such as fatigue, weight changes, or skin changes (which could indicate a thyroid disorder)

• Scalp pain, scarring, pustules, or scaling, which are red-flag features that may suggest scarring alopecia and warrant prompt assessment by a GP or dermatologist

• Difficulty passing urine or a sensation of incomplete bladder emptying — seek medical advice promptly, as this may indicate urinary retention

• Any other unexpected symptoms that began after starting the medication, including rashes or swelling

Your GP can help determine whether the hair loss is related to vibegron, another medication, or an underlying medical condition. Blood tests — including thyroid function (TSH), full blood count, ferritin, vitamin B12, and vitamin D levels — are commonly used to investigate unexplained hair loss and can help identify treatable causes. Refer to NICE CKS guidance on hair loss for further information on appropriate investigations.

If you experience a severe allergic reaction — such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or a widespread rash — call 999 or go to your nearest A&E immediately. For urgent but non-emergency concerns, contact NHS 111.

Managing Side Effects While Taking Vibegron

Most vibegron side effects are mild and improve over time; practical measures include staying hydrated for headaches, taking the tablet with food for nausea, and keeping a symptom diary if hair changes are a concern.

For most patients, vibegron is well tolerated, and the majority of side effects — where they do occur — are mild and tend to improve over time. There are several practical steps that can help manage side effects and support your overall wellbeing whilst taking this medication.

General advice for managing side effects includes:

• Headache: Stay well hydrated and consider paracetamol if appropriate. If headaches are persistent or severe, speak to your GP.

• Nausea: Vibegron can be taken with or without food; if nausea is a concern, taking it with a meal may help — confirm this with your pharmacist or prescriber.

• UTIs: Maintain good fluid intake and hygiene practices. Report any symptoms of infection (burning on urination, increased frequency, or fever) to your GP promptly.

• Urinary retention: Be alert to difficulty passing urine or a feeling that your bladder is not emptying fully. If this occurs, contact your GP or prescriber without delay. This risk is higher if you have bladder outlet obstruction or are taking other bladder medications concurrently.

• Digoxin: If you are prescribed digoxin alongside vibegron, ensure your clinician is aware, as digoxin levels may need monitoring.

If you are concerned about hair loss whilst taking vibegron, it may be helpful to keep a diary noting when shedding began, its severity, and any other lifestyle or health changes occurring at the same time. This information can be invaluable when discussing the issue with your clinician.

A balanced diet that meets your nutritional needs supports healthy hair. If blood tests confirm a specific deficiency (such as low ferritin, vitamin B12, or vitamin D), your GP may recommend appropriate supplementation. Do not start supplements without confirmed deficiency or clinician guidance. It is also important to note that high-dose biotin (vitamin B7) supplements can interfere with certain laboratory tests, including thyroid function tests and troponin assays, potentially producing misleading results — an issue highlighted in MHRA safety guidance. Avoiding excessive heat styling and harsh chemical treatments during any period of hair shedding is also advisable. Your GP may refer you to a dermatologist if hair loss is significant or persistent.

MHRA Guidance and Reporting Adverse Reactions in the UK

The MHRA has not issued any safety alerts linking vibegron to hair loss; suspected adverse reactions, including unexpected hair shedding, should be reported via the Yellow Card scheme at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk.

In the United Kingdom, the safety of all licensed medicines — including vibegron — is monitored by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which is the independent UK regulator. The MHRA participates in international pharmacovigilance collaboration, though it operates independently of the European Medicines Agency (EMA) following the UK's departure from the EU.

Currently, the MHRA has not issued any safety alerts or warnings linking vibegron to hair loss. The drug's approved SmPC does not list alopecia as a known adverse effect. However, pharmacovigilance is an ongoing process, and the safety profile of any medicine can evolve as more real-world data becomes available. The current UK SmPC for vibegron can be accessed via the Electronic Medicines Compendium (emc.medicines.org.uk), and the EMA EPAR is available at ema.europa.eu.

Patients and healthcare professionals in the UK are encouraged to report any suspected adverse drug reactions — including unexpected hair loss — through the Yellow Card scheme, which is the MHRA's pharmacovigilance reporting system. Reports can be submitted:

• Online at yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

• Via the Yellow Card app (available on iOS and Android)

• Through your GP, pharmacist, or hospital team

Reporting suspected side effects, even if a causal link is uncertain, is an important contribution to patient safety. It helps the MHRA detect emerging signals that may not have been apparent during clinical trials.

Healthcare professionals making prescribing decisions for overactive bladder should consult the current SmPC alongside relevant NICE guidance, including NICE NG123 (Urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse in women: management) and NICE CG97 (Lower urinary tract symptoms in men), to ensure treatment choices are evidence-based and appropriately tailored to individual patient needs.

Frequently Asked Questions