Flomax

• Antineoplastic Agents
• ATC:G04CA02

• Flomax
• Harnal
• Omnic
• Pradif
• Tamsolusin
• Tamsulosina [Inn-Spanish]
• Tamsulosine [Inn-French]
• Tamsulosinum [Inn-Latin]

ABOUT FLOMAX CAPSULES

FLOMAX capsules are for use by men only. Flomax capsules are not indicated for use in women.

Please read this leaflet before you start taking FLOMAX capsules. Also, read it each time you renew your prescription, just in case new information has been added. Remember, this leaflet does not take the place of careful discussions with your doctor. You and your doctor should discuss FLOMAX capsules when you start taking your medication and at regular checkups.

Why your doctor has prescribed FLOMAX capsules?

Your doctor has prescribed FLOMAX capsules because you have a medical condition called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. This occurs only in men.

What is BPH?

Benign prostatic hyperplasia is an enlargement of the prostate gland. After age 50, most men develop enlarged prostates. The prostate is located below the bladder. As the prostate enlarges, it may slowly restrict the flow of urine. This can lead to symptoms such as:

ï a weak or interrupted urinary stream

ï a feeling that you cannot empty your bladder completely

ï a feeling of delay or hesitation when you start to urinate

ï a need to urinate often, especially at night

ï a feeling that you must urinate right away

Since cancer of the prostate may cause similar symptoms, you should be evaluated by your doctor to rule out prostate cancer. Your doctor will likely examine your prostate gland manually to detect abnormalities and may measure prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood to help in evaluating for the presence of prostate cancer. FLOMAX capsules do not affect PSA levels.

Treatment Options for BPH

There are three main treatment options for BPH:

ï Program of monitoring or "Watchful Waiting". Some men have an enlarged prostate gland, but no symptoms, or symptoms that are not bothersome. If this applies, you and your doctor may decide on a program of monitoring, including regular checkups, instead of medication or surgery.

ï There are different kinds of medication used to treat BPH. Your doctor has prescribed FLOMAX capsules for you. See "What a FLOMAX capsule does to treat BPH" below.

ï Surgery. Some patients may need surgery. Your doctor can describe several different surgical procedures to treat BPH. Which procedure is best depends on your symptoms and medical condition.

What a FLOMAX capsule does to treat BPH

FLOMAX capsules act by relaxing muscles in the prostate and bladder neck at the site of the obstruction, resulting in improved urine flow and reduced BPH symptoms.

What you need to know while taking FLOMAX^® (tamsulosin HCI) capsules

ï You must see your doctor regularly.

While taking FLOMAX capsules, you must have regular checkups. Follow your doctor's advice about when to have these checkups.

ï It is important for you to recognize that FLOMAX capsules can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure especially following the first dose or when changing doses of FLOMAX capsules. Such a drop in blood pressure, although rare in occurrence, may be associated with fainting, dizziness, or lightheadedness. Therefore, get up slowly from a chair or bed at any time until you learn how you react to FLOMAX capsules. You should not drive or do any hazardous tasks until you are used to the side effects of FLOMAX capsules. If you begin to feel dizzy, sit down until you feel better. Although these symptoms are unlikely, you should avoid driving or hazardous tasks for 12 hours after the initial dose or after your doctor recommends an increase in dose. If you interrupt your treatment for several days or more, resume treatment at one capsule a day, after consulting with your physician. Other side effects may include sleeplessness, runny nose, or ejaculatory problems. In some cases, side effects may decrease or disappear when you continue to take FLOMAX capsules.

ï Extremely rarely, FLOMAX Capsules and similar medications have caused prolonged, painful erection of the penis, which is unrelieved by sexual intercourse or masturbation. This condition, if untreated, can lead to permanent inability to have an erection. If you have a prolonged erection, call your doctor or go to an Emergency Room as soon as possible.

You should discuss side effects with your doctor before taking FLOMAX capsules and anytime you think you are having a side effect.

How to take FLOMAX capsules

Follow your doctor's advice about how to take FLOMAX capsules. You should take it approximately 30 minutes following the same meal every day.

Do not share FLOMAX capsules with anyone else; it was prescribed only for you.

Do not crush, chew, or open capsules of FLOMAX capsules.

Keep FLOMAX capsules and all medicines out of reach of children.

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT FLOMAX CAPSULES AND BPH, TALK WITH YOUR DOCTOR. IN ADDITION, TALK TO YOUR PHARMACIST OR OTHER HEALTHCARE PROVIDER.