The prevalence of BPH increases with age.1 The number of people over the age of 65 years is projected to steadily rise.2 Therefore, the size of the at-risk patient population will likely continue to increase in future years.
Despite the growing numbers, BPH is underdetected, and many men do not bring up their urinary problems with their physicians.3
Important Safety Information
FLOMAX is indicated to treat the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). FLOMAX is not indicated to treat hypertension. As with other alpha-adrenergic blocking agents, there is a potential risk of syncope. Patients beginning treatment with FLOMAX should be cautioned to avoid driving or hazardous tasks for 12 hours after their first dose or increase in dose should syncope occur. The most common side effects are dizziness, abnormal ejaculation, and rhinitis.
Caution should be exercised with concomitant administration of warfarin and FLOMAX. In addition, FLOMAX should be used with caution in combination with cimetidine, particularly at doses higher than 0.4 mg. FLOMAX is contraindicated in patients known to be hypersensitive to tamsulosin HCl or any component of FLOMAX.
Before prescribing FLOMAX, please see the full Prescribing Information.
1. Berry SJ, Coffey DS, Walsh PC, et al. The development of human benign prostatic hyperplasia with age. J Urol. 1984;132:474-479.
2. US Census Bureau. Population Projections Program. (NP-D1-A) Projections of the resident population by age, sex, race, and Hispanic origin. Issued January 13, 2000. Available at: http://www.census.gov/prod/2001pubs/c2kbr01-10.pdf. Accessed September 26, 2003.
3. Garraway WM, Russell EBAW, Lee RJ, et al. Impact of previously unrecognized benign prostatic hyperplasia on the daily activities of middle-aged and elderly men. Br J Gen Pract. 1993;43:318-321.
4. Decision Resources Patient Base. Data accessed on September 2007.
5. Platz EA, Smit E, Curhan GC, Nyberg LM Jr, Giovannucci E. Prevalence of and racial/ethnic variation in lower urinary tract symptoms and noncancer prostate surgery in US men. Urology. 2002;59:877-883.
