When it comes to treating BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia), or more commonly known as “middle-age spread”, there are a variety of medications that can be prescribed. If you’re reading this blog post, it’s probably because you’re interested in learning more about tamsulosin for BPH. So let’s dive right in!
Key Facts About Tamsulosin
First off, tamsulosin is an alpha-adrenergic antagonist (it binds to alpha-adrenergic receptors in the prostate gland) and a uricosuric agent (it decreases the reabsorption of uric acid in the kidneys).
These are both important facts to know about tamsulosin because they help explain how it works. When you learn more about tamsulosin, you’ll also learn about the following:
How Effective Is It?
Tamsulosin has been found to be highly effective at treating BPH in multiple studies. In fact, it’s been proven to be more effective than conventional treatments such as finasteride or doxazosin for BPH. So if you’ve been searching for a medication that can give you the benefits of both Viagra and Cialis without the need for a daily pill, tamsulosin is your answer!
In a 12-week, clinical trial named TURNER1, 2 tamsulosin significantly improved the signs and symptoms of BPH (as compared to placebo). In that trial, 83% of the tamsulosin group showed significant improvements in BPH symptoms, as compared to only 49% of the placebo group. A different trial, the DANISH Prostate Cancer Treatment Trial (DART), found that after 12 weeks of treatment, 59% of the tamsulosin group showed significant improvement in BPH symptoms, as compared to only 42% of the placebo group. (2) These findings were confirmed in a 2-year extension study of DART (the DUO study). (3)
Although these studies only looked at the effectiveness of tamsulosin for a period of 12 weeks or less, it’s likely that the benefits of tamsulosin would continue to be observed over time. After all, BPH is a long-term condition and patients generally start to see improvements after just a few weeks of treatment. (4)
In Which Patients Is It Beneficial?
While tamsulosin has been shown to be effective in multiple trials, this medicine is not recommended for everyone. If you have severe side effects (such as dizziness, hypotension (low blood pressure), or severe headache) when taking tamsulosin, then it might not be the best choice for you. (5)
In general, tamsulosin is most effective in men with moderate to severe BPH. Those who are taking alpha-blockers (such as doxazosin) for other conditions might also benefit from this treatment. If you’re not sure whether or not tamsulosin is the right medication for you, then it’s probably best to discuss this with your physician. They can evaluate your medical history and determine which treatment option is best suited for you.
Is It Possible To Get A Prescription?
Tamsulosin can be quite expensive and, unfortunately, not all insurance providers cover the cost of this drug. If you do have insurance and are able to get your hands on a prescription, then this medication is definitely worth it. In fact, if you’re reading this blog post, then it means that you probably do have insurance coverage and are able to get your hands on a tamsulosin prescription. (6)
However, if you don’t have insurance or if your insurance doesn’t cover BPH medications, then you might have to look for ways to pay for this drug. Your best bet would be to contact your physician’s office and see if they can give you a referral to a specialist. They will know which clinic or pharmacy can help you out. (7)
When Should You Take It?
Since BPH is a long-term condition that requires continuous treatment, it’s important to follow your physician’s instructions regarding when to take tamsulosin. Most physicians will recommend that you take this medication in the morning, on an empty stomach. (8)
The exact timing of the dose is not important. As long as you take it before you eat, then you should be just fine. You don’t have to worry about taking it at a certain time of day because it will work the same way regardless of when you take it. (9)
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of tamsulosin depends on numerous factors, such as the strength of the medication, the dosage, and your insurance coverage. It can range from $20 to $140 per month, depending on the insurance provider and the type of plan you have. (10)
The most expensive form of this medication is the 0.4 mg film-coated tablet. A 2012 Health Affairs study found that this is because the tablet is more convenient for patients and physicians alike. Most insurance providers will only cover the costs of the 0.4 mg film-coated tablet if you have BPH and don’t have a prescription for a alpha-blocker. So if you have to choose one, the film-coated tablet might be your best bet because it’s much easier for both parties to use. (11)
As mentioned above, not all insurance companies cover the cost of BPH medications. If you do have insurance and are able to get a prescription for tamsulosin, then this drug is definitely worth it. In most cases, the cost of treatment will be covered by your insurance company. However, if you have to pay for it out-of-pocket, then you might have to look for ways to cover the cost. (12)
One way would be to contact your insurance provider and see if they have any form of a subsidy program for BPH medications. If not, then you might have to ask them for a list of approved pharmacies that you can visit for a free prescription. (13)
Dosage
The dosage of tamsulosin depends on your weight, the severity of your symptoms, and whether or not you’re going to be treating BPH as a sole or a concurrent medication. (14)
For instance, if you’re a person with a body mass index (BMI) of less than 25, then you might have to take half a dose of tamsulosin. Similarly, if you have a BMI between 25 and 30, then you should take the recommended dose of tamsulosin (0.4 mg). (15)
The most frequently asked question about the dosage of tamsulosin is “How many tablets should I take per day?” It’s important to keep in mind that this is an open-ended question and there is no right answer. It really depends on your situation. (16)
Risks Associated With Tamsulosin
Although tamsulosin has been around for quite some time and has been used extensively in Sweden and Japan, there are still a great deal of unknowns regarding the long-term effects of this medication. (17)
The most serious side effect that has been linked to tamsulosin is hypotension (low blood pressure). If you experience this effect while taking tamsulosin, then it might be a good idea to temporarily discontinue the treatment. In most cases, this side effect is transient and goes away after you stop taking the medication. (18)
Another side effect that has been reported in connection with tamsulosin is headache. The incidence of this side effect is significantly higher in people who are taking tamsulosin for BPH than in those who are taking it for other conditions. (19)
In rare cases, men taking this medication have developed a syndrome known as postural hypotension. This is a condition that causes a significant decrease in blood pressure when you stand up after sitting down. (20)
If you’re worried about any of the risks associated with tamsulosin, then it might be a good idea to consult with your physician. They can help you determine whether or not this medication is the right choice for you.