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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How Long Will It Take For The Body To Be Clear Of Detrol La?

I am considering switching from Detrol La to Myrbetriq because I am a pilot and the FAA no longer allows pilots to take anything for OAB except Myrbetriq. My doctor has given me samples to try, but first I d like to see how bad it is going to be without taking anything. I have been taking DetrolLa since 2000. How long will it take for my body to be clear of the Detrol?
posted on Wed, 5 Mar 2014
Twitter Tue, 25 Nov 2025 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 2 Dec 2025 Last reviewed on
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Detrol LA has a long half-life, but in most adults, it is functionally out of the system in about 4 to 5 days after the last dose. The medication's active effects fade over that period. Even though you have taken it for many years, it does not "build up" in a way that it would take weeks to clear. The body handles it consistently, whether you take it for a month or many years.

The more important part is how your bladder behaves once it is gone, and that varies from person to person. Some notice a return of urgency within a few days; others take longer. That is why your plan to stop it briefly to see what symptoms you have is reasonable — just make sure this break does not interfere with any FAA medical documentation, since they may ask about symptom control.

When initiating Myrbetriq, it generally takes some time to settle in, often a couple of weeks before you feel steady improvement. So do not judge it too quickly. You'll note a specific time when urgency, burning, or pain suddenly worsens during the transition. That's the point at which you'll need an in-person check to rule out infection or another cause.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further query I will be happy to help. Wish you good health.

Regards,
Dr. Usaid Yousuf, General and Family Physician
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How Long Will It Take For The Body To Be Clear Of Detrol La?

Hello, Detrol LA has a long half-life, but in most adults, it is functionally out of the system in about 4 to 5 days after the last dose. The medication s active effects fade over that period. Even though you have taken it for many years, it does not build up in a way that it would take weeks to clear. The body handles it consistently, whether you take it for a month or many years. The more important part is how your bladder behaves once it is gone, and that varies from person to person. Some notice a return of urgency within a few days; others take longer. That is why your plan to stop it briefly to see what symptoms you have is reasonable — just make sure this break does not interfere with any FAA medical documentation, since they may ask about symptom control. When initiating Myrbetriq, it generally takes some time to settle in, often a couple of weeks before you feel steady improvement. So do not judge it too quickly. You ll note a specific time when urgency, burning, or pain suddenly worsens during the transition. That s the point at which you ll need an in-person check to rule out infection or another cause. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. If you have any further query I will be happy to help. Wish you good health. Regards, Dr. Usaid Yousuf, General and Family Physician