Product Details: Flomax (Tamsulosin)

PLEASE NOTE BRAND FLOMAX IS ALSO MARKETED INTERNATIONALLY UNDER THE NAME FLOMAXTRA. THIS COMES AS A TABLET NOT A CAPSULE.

Brand Name Options - Manufacturer: Astellas Pharma

Generic Options

What are Generics? A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, how it is taken, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name and works the same way in the body in the same amount of time.

The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is the generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (e.g. different shape or color), as trademark laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.

Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to invent a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name drug and sell it at substantial discounts.

Description

This medicine is an alpha blocker used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH).

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. This medicine may come with a patient information leaflet. Read it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this medicine. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. TAKE THIS MEDICINE 30 minutes after the same meal every day. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take the missed dose if you remember the same day. Skip the missed dose if you do not remember until the next day. Do NOT take 2 doses at once.

Cautions

DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IF YOU HAVE HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION to a sulfa drug or sulfonamide medicine (such as sulfasalazine or sulfamethoxazole), contact your doctor or pharmacist before taking this medicine. A severe reaction includes a severe rash, hives, breathing difficulties, or dizziness. If you have a question about whether you are allergic to this medicine or if a certain medicine is a sulfa drug or sulfonamide, contact your doctor or pharmacist. IF YOU EXPERIENCE difficulty breathing; tightness of chest; swelling of eyelids, face, or lips; or if you develop a rash or hives, tell your doctor immediately. Do not take any more of this medicine unless your doctor tells you to do so. YOU WILL NEED TO HAVE REGULAR CHECK-UPS with your doctor while you are using this medicine. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS. BEFORE YOU HAVE ANY MEDICAL OR DENTAL TREATMENTS, EMERGENCY CARE, OR SURGERY (including eye surgery), tell the doctor or dentist that you are using this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY CAUSE drowsiness, dizziness, lightheadedness, fainting, or blurred vision. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. ALCOHOL, HOT WEATHER, EXERCISE, AND FEVER can increase dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting. To prevent dizziness or fainting, sit up or stand up slowly, especially in the morning. Also, sit or lie down at the first sign of dizziness or weakness. DO NOT DRIVE OR PERFORM OTHER POSSIBLY UNSAFE TASKS for 12 hours after your first dose of this medicine or after your doctor tells you to increase your dose. THIS MEDICINE MAY RARELY CAUSE A PROLONGED, PAINFUL ERECTION. This could happen even when you are not having sex. If this is not treated right away, it could lead to permanent sexual problems such as impotence. Contact your doctor right away if this happens. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. IT IS UNKNOWN if this medicine may cause harm to the human fetus. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. This medicine is not approved for use in women.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include blurred vision, dizziness, drowsiness, lightheadedness, runny or stuffy nose, diarrhea, trouble sleeping, decreased sexual ability, weakness, back pain, or increased cough. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CHECK WITH YOUR DOCTOR AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if you experience symptoms of infection (such as fever, chills, headache, sore throat). CONTACT YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience chest pain, irregular heartbeat, fainting, a prolonged painful erection, or severe or persistent dizziness. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Active Ingredients

Tamsulosin