Frequently asked questions

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"What is the prostate?" "Where is the prostate?" "What does the prostate do?"
The prostate is a walnut-sized gland located just below a man's bladder. It surrounds the urethra, which is the canal through which urine flows. The main function of the prostate is to produce and squeeze fluid into the urethra as sperm move through during sexual climax.

"I'm concerned about my prostate. Should I speak with my doctor?"
If you are experiencing urinary symptoms, it is important to speak with your doctor. Many men neglect to do so because they believe that their symptoms are an inevitable part of later life. Others feel uncomfortable discussing urinary problems.

Your doctor will be able to evaluate the severity of your symptoms, determine if BPH, also known as an enlarged prostate, is the cause, and help you make the best decisions for your care. A visit may include a discussion of your medical history, a physical examination and an analysis of your urine. Your physician may also recommend a PSA blood test to screen for prostate cancer.

"I think I have an enlarged prostate/BPH. How should I talk with my partner?"
If you are experiencing symptoms of BPH, others may notice too. Frequent nighttime trips to the bathroom may disturb your partner, and your inability to sit through a concert or sporting event may cause them concern. They may feel uncomfortable bringing up the subject, so it is important to first educate yourself about BPH and the available treatment options before starting a dialogue. Reassure your partner with the information that BPH is a very common condition and, in most cases, can be easily treated. And, of course, make an appointment with your physician to discuss treatment options.

"I think my partner has an enlarged prostate/BPH. How should I talk with him?"
If you suspect that someone you care about is experiencing the signs and symptoms of BPH, you should first educate yourself about BPH before bringing up the subject. Reassure him by letting him know that BPH is a common, treatable condition. This may help him overcome any unfounded fears or embarrassment. Once a dialogue has begun, encourage him to make an appointment with his physician to discuss his symptoms and treatment options.

"My doctor said I have an enlarged prostate, or benign prostatic hyperplasia/BPH. Is it cancerous?"
Your doctor probably referred to your condition as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH for short. The word benign means not cancerous. This is an important point to note, as many men seem to have a lot of unfounded fears about this common condition. To clear up any that you may have, we'd like you to know the facts:

  • Having BPH does NOT cause cancer
  • Having BPH does NOT mean that you're more likely to develop cancer
  • Having BPH is NOT the same as having cancer of the prostate

Because BPH and prostate cancer, a more serious condition, share similar symptoms, it is important to see your doctor for regular checkups.

"How can my doctor tell if I have an enlarged prostate/BPH?"
Your doctor has two primary methods for determining whether you have BPH. The first is by talking with you and asking questions about any symptoms you are experiencing. Symptoms like going often, going urgently, weak stream and frequently waking up at night to go are just a few of the clues many men give their doctors.

A digital rectal examination (DRE) is the second method your doctor has for making this diagnosis. During this exam, your doctor places a lubricated, gloved finger into your rectum. While this may not be pleasant, rest assured that it is not painful, causing what many describe as only minor discomfort. This enables the doctor to feel the prostate and determine whether it is enlarged, has lumps, or is of abnormal texture.

"Is having an enlarged prostate/BPH common?"
BPH affects over half of men over age 60 and almost all men over 80.

"What are some of the signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate/BPH?"
In some men, BPH can squeeze the urethra, which is like pinching a straw. As you can imagine, this can make it increasingly difficult to completely empty the bladder during urination. This can mean getting up several times during the night to urinate. It can also make long car rides uncomfortable without frequent bathroom breaks. Some men find that when they attempt to urinate, it is difficult to get started. Others experience a weak flow of urine, or have difficulty maintaining a continuous flow of urine. The urge to urinate may also occur more frequently. The following is a list of many common BPH symptoms:

  • Going often
  • Straining
  • Urgency
  • Stopping and starting
  • Weak stream
  • Incomplete emptying
  • Frequently waking up at night to go

"What are some ways to treat the signs and symptoms of enlarged prostate/BPH?"
Your doctor may choose to watch and wait before treating your condition. This is because many mild cases may not be bothersome enough to you to treat. Your doctor may suggest that you make some behavioral changes to help relieve the signs and symptoms. For example, cutting back on drinking too many liquids in the evening may help you sleep through the night without having to go to the bathroom.

Medications are often prescribed to treat the signs and symptoms of BPH. The two basic kinds of medications are alpha blockers and 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

Alpha blockers relax the prostate thereby improving urine flow.

5-alpha reductase inhibitors shrink the size of the prostate over time.

There are several surgical procedures, all performed under some form of anesthesia, which you and your doctor may wish to consider.

"Why did my doctor prescribe FLOMAX capsules?"
FLOMAX is a medication developed specifically to relieve the signs and symptoms of BPH. It does this by relaxing muscles in the prostate and the neck of the bladder. This is like releasing a pinched straw, which makes it easier for urine to pass out of the body.

"When do I take FLOMAX capsules?"
Follow your doctor's directions carefully. FLOMAX should be taken once daily, approximately 30 minutes after the same meal each day.

"What is the usual dose of FLOMAX?"
The recommended dose of FLOMAX is 0.4 mg, once a day.

"How soon can I expect FLOMAX to work?"
For many men, FLOMAX reduces male urinary symptoms due to BPH in one week.

"Will FLOMAX affect my sex drive?"
Generally, neither taking FLOMAX nor having BPH causes impotence or affects sexual drive.

"What are the most common side effects associated with FLOMAX?"

Possible side effects may include:

  • Decreased blood pressure when changing positions. FLOMAX capsules may cause a sudden drop in blood pressure upon standing, especially after the first dose or when changing doses. Symptoms may include:
    • fainting
    • dizziness
    • lightheadedness

Change positions slowly from lying down to sitting up or from sitting to a standing position until you learn how you react to FLOMAX capsules. If you begin to feel dizzy, sit or lie down until you feel better. If the symptoms are severe or do not improve, call your doctor.

  • Allergic reactions. Make your doctor aware of any allergic reactions you may experience while taking FLOMAX.
    Allergic reactions include:
    • rash
    • itching
    • hives
  • Rare and more serious allergic reactions may also include:
    • swelling of the face, tongue or throat
    • difficulty breathing

Get medical help right away if you have swelling of the face, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing.

  • A painful erection that will not go away. FLOMAX capsules can cause a painful erection (priapism), which cannot be relieved by having sex. If this happens, get medical help right away. If priapism is not treated, you may not be able to get an erection in the future.
  • Eye problems during cataract surgery. During cataract surgery, a condition called intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) can happen if you take or have taken FLOMAX. If you need to have cataract surgery, be sure to tell your surgeon if you take or have taken FLOMAX.

Common side effects of FLOMAX may include:

  • runny nose
  • dizziness
  • decreased semen

These are not all the possible side effects with FLOMAX. Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088, or by visiting www.fda.gov/medwatch.

"Can I take FLOMAX while I'm using other medications?"

Before taking FLOMAX, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions including:

  • any kidney or liver problems.
  • any history of low blood pressure.
  • any allergies to sulfa or any other medicines.
  • if you are planning to have cataract surgery.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take including:

  • any prescription medicines, including blood pressure medicines.
  • any non-prescription medicines, including vitamins and herbal supplements.

Some of your other medicines may affect the way FLOMAX works. Especially tell your doctor if you take a medicine for high blood pressure. You should not take FLOMAX if you are already taking certain blood pressure medicines.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them and show it to your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new medicine.

"My best friend and I have the same symptoms. Can I give him some of my FLOMAX capsules?"
Never share a prescription medication with another person. Your friend may be allergic to the drug, or may be taking another medication that adversely interacts with it. Your doctor prescribed FLOMAX for your symptoms only. Tell your friend to talk to his doctor about his symptoms.

Before taking FLOMAX capsules, please see the full Prescribing Information and Patient Information.

Important Safety Information
Flomax® (tamsulosin HCl) capsules is approved to treat male urinary symptoms due to BPH, an enlarged prostate. Only your doctor can tell if you have BPH, not a more serious condition like prostate cancer. When taking FLOMAX, avoid driving or hazardous tasks until you know how FLOMAX will affect you, especially after your first dose or change in dose, as a sudden drop in blood pressure may occur, rarely resulting in fainting. Tell your doctor about all medications you take. If considering cataract surgery, tell your eye surgeon if you've taken FLOMAX. Common side effects are runny nose, dizziness, and decrease in semen.

Before taking FLOMAX capsules, please see the full Prescribing Information and Patient Information.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Boehringer Ingelheim - astellas Content intended for U.S. residents only.