I've recently been prescribed Tamsulosin for an enlarged prostate (BPH I am assuming, until told otherwise) following a couple of UTIs that floored me and frequency of urination/ low pressure.
I've got them but haven't taken them yet as I'm a little bothered about the potential side effects. I'm on a raft of other meds for cardio/hypertension so I'm not against taking meds per se, just a bit concerned about this particular one. I know I'll probably end up taking them...
Does anyone have any thoughts? I have read the invaluable messages on here previously posted.
Billy
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There is also Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome which is not mentioned much. This has an impact on future Iris surgery (makes it more difficult) and you need to mention to your Opthalmologist that you have taken it at any time in the past since it can cause permanent changes, even after a short course of treatment.
"Unanticipated IFIS is still corelated with high rates of complications"
Personally I regret taking it for 6 weeks (it didn't help me much anyway). If you need to take it forever and you have bad symptoms then your calculation would be different.
Thank you for the reply... I hadn't even imagined this one! I don't know what it is with this particular medicine, I take lots of others without problems but this one is making me slightly anxious
I'm assuming it's BPH, just waiting to be copied in to the GP letter. I had a nephrectomy for kidney cancer a couple of years ago and my remaining kidney isn't very efficient so a lot of focus has been put on renal issues. To be honest I guessed it was an enlarged prostate but thought I could live with the symptoms.
I had a flexible cystoscopy 10 days ago and he told me there and then it was enlarged but as I say I'll wait for my GP letter for more info..
I'll do as I'm told and take the meds!
Good luck with your journey and thanks again for the reply
I too was concerned since I had the pills sitting here for months prescribed by my radiation oncologist. I was particularly concerned about dizzyness or light headedness but my current MO said that mainly affects much older, frailer people. I started them with a great improvement in flow and no discernable side effects.
I'm 65 and relatively fit (the word relatively is doing a lot of heavy lifting there) so I hope I'll be ok. I took my first one last night and felt I didn't get up as much in the night but that might just be wishful thinking.
My advice is if anyone had been diagnosed with urine retention with a large prostate is to ask for another flow test to see if it is working ( perhaps after 2 or 3 weeks - ask when). My husband, who was suffering from frequency which led to PCa diagnosis, following a urinary flow test which showed some retention) was told by the urologist that he could 'try Tamsulosin' as an alternative to a catheter. He then began suffering incontinence - copious at night, and also constipation for which laxido was prescribed. His stomach felt a bit hard which he thought was constipation and he then got an umbilical hernia so he went to his GP who felt his abdomen and sent him straight to A&E. (4 hours wait -too busy - return next day -long wait- chaotic hellhole experience) He eventually got admitted to a well run ward where he received very good attention. He'd been taking Tamsulosin for several weeks.The urologist there quickly diagnosed serious urine retention which was a surprise to us given the amount of urine he had been passing. This urologist then told him that 'Tamsulosin would not work for his size prostate' (size from previous scans and reports by the first urologist)
This urine retention had caused a severe decline in his previously perfect kidney function and had he not seen the GP about the hernia it would have been even worse. He then was given drips and had to have the bladder drained with the decompression risks that brings.
After discharge he needed to use a urinary catheter until his successful Green Light Laser surgery for the enlarged prostate.
After having a catheter the TURP or Laser treatment has to be done within a few months - it was left until the time was running out.
In retrospect it would have been worth paying to get it done sooner.It may be worth finding out if an op is an option to Tamsulosin sooner rather than later, as no drugs are required once it's done though many are happy with the drug.
We had to choose between the TURP and the Laser and received little guidance until we persuaded our new urologist to tell us which would he choose - he said the green laser - usually a day procedure with quicker recovery. (We had the new urologist because we felt that the one we had first should likely have been aware that Tamsulosin might not work among other reasons). Our new one, who also performed the op is a good communicator with a very pleasant manner and keeps an eye on my husband with regular checks although now he is under an oncologist).
The kidney function improved though not back to previous levels.
This whole saga would have been avoided if the first urologist who said he could 'try Tamsulosin' had arranged for my husband to come back and see if it's working.
Sorry about the lengthy post - I hope it might help someone avoid this overall traumatic experience by being aware of the risks and symptoms of urine retention.
Thank you for your thoughtful and detailed post Kalecrew I do appreciate it. I am so sorry your husband went through so much to get to some degree of appropriate treatment. I hope you are both doing well now.
I had a nephrectomy for kidney cancer a few years ago and my remaining kidney has impaired function so when I have seen the urologist we've been preoccupied with renal issues. After a couple of UTIs which left me feeling like I'd been hit by a truck I mentioned it to the urologist who arranged for a flexible cystoscopy which was done about 10 days ago. To be honest I thought I'd at least got the symptoms of BPH but chose to adopt the classic male tactic of ignoring it and hoping it would go away or wouldn't get any worse.
At the cystoscopy - which I watched in 4k on the screen, rather reluctantly - he did say I wasn't emptying my bladder completely and that I had an enlarged prostate. He prescribed Tamulosin there and then. I will await being copied in to the GP letter.
I took the first dose last night so it's early days. I will keep an eye on symptoms and report back. I know if things get worse it will mean a TURP or other surgical intervention, and maybe a catheter, both of which make me feel uncomfortable although I know they're necessary.
Thank you again for taking the time to reach out, I hope you are both feeling that you're in a better place now.
I just realised that urine retention may not be a factor in your case so my reply may not be relevant - I may post it as a new post instead. Many find Tamsulosin fine as do several friends taking it. All the best
Thanks Kalecrew. I think it is an issue but not yet a big one (that maybe wishful thinking). I realise it was the retention or inability to completely empty the bladder which probably caused the UTIs I had.
I take a raft of meds but for some reason this one caused me some anxiety. But I'll take it and hope!
Take care and thank you so much for sharing your experiences
Hi Billy, I have been taking Tamsulosine for more than 10 years now. It is great for relaxing the muscles around your prostate. I'm able to (normally) urinate again. Be aware however that it lowers your blood pressure. Mention the Tamsulosine to your Cardiologist and/or GP. A second SE is that in about 1 in 5 men it is the cause of retrograde ejaculation. I'm in that category, so I have no (visible) ejaculation anymore. This makes the experience of sex different and for many men worse. Of cause you can try how you do react to T.
I think it is the sexual function side effects that bothered me the most. I will take it... I have felt reassured buy the messages I've received on here.
I'll have to see how it affects me - the urologist who prescribed it mentioned this side effect but I wasn't in a good place to ask lots of questions. I'll see how it goes - I'll certainly be happier with fewer urinary symptoms.
I do have treatment for hypertension so I'll keep and eye on my BP
Thank you for reaching out, I really appreciate it. Hope your journey goes well and you stay well
I’ve been talking 0.4mg for several years with no known side effects. I have had the best luck taking them after my first meal of the day, usually lunch. If I happen to forget, it’s tiny stream for me.
Thank you Hopschops! That's a really interesting point: at the moment my flow isn't brilliant but it's manageable. I've had a couple of UTIs (that absolutely floored me) presumably because of incomplete emptying of my bladder.
At the moment I'm thinking of taking them in the evening because I take all my other meds then, but I'll see.
I was prescribed Tamsulosin after SBRT for BPH and urine retention .4mg 1/2 hour after dinner. They recommend food because they to ensure that your body absorbs the right amount of medication.
Instead of taking every night I take every other night, and seems to do the trick for me. Like you I am on a lot of BP meds.
Tamsulosin is an alpha blocker, and can cause floppy iris which can make cataract surgery more difficult, so if you need cataract surgery you might want to have that first before starting the tamsulosin.
As other have recommended, it would be a good idea to consult with you physician who monitors your BP before starting.
If you do have BPH, you may also want to consider Avodart or proscar for BPH also. Those drugs actually shrink the prostrate, and will lower the PSA, so a new basline will need to be established. One other drug that some use for BPH is 5mg Cialis taking daily.
Either way you really should consult with you other physicians who monitor your BP.
Hello Della. At the moment I am assuming I have BPH. I had a nephrectomy a couple of years ago and my remaining kidney isn't functioning very well so most of my medical conversations have been about renal issues. I've just had a flexible cystoscopy following a couple of UTIs and tamsulosin was prescribed.
I will wait to be copied in to the GP letter.
I came to this site because when I put in 'Tamulosin' in the search engine it sent me here
my MO scripted Flomax for me several decades ago after a DRE and he told me my prostate was enlarged. I’m now on the generic. I do remember talking to an urology resident around the same time that put himself on the drug in hopes it would prevent PCa, obviously, that didn’t work for me. If I’ve developed any side effects, I’m unaware….
Funny story….i asked my MO about taking oral Ketoconazole that had just came out for my athletes foot that I had been plagued with for decades. I knew from my brother in law, a project manager for Jansen, the manufacturer, that my liver enzymes would need to be watched. I got a quick response that athletes foot was the least of my problems! We still joke about this 35 years later…
Ha! That's a good story... I hope the liver enzymes are good now. I always have a slight anxiety of the doctor talking to me sternly about my liver enzymes!
Tamsulosin eventually caused me to have bradycardia. I was taking it for bladder spasms. I’m now taking Myrbetriq instead and it works well….so far. For the UTIs you mentioned, my urology clinic recommends D-Mannose taken daily to prevent UTIs. D-Mannose prevents bacteria from adhering to the bladder wall.
Thank you for this. I wasn't aware of the other treatments. I had a flexible cystoscopy a week or so ago and the tamsulosin was prescribed after that. I should have asked lots of questions but was in a bit of a whirl and just wanted to get out.
When I next talk to my physician in January (I see a surgical urologist too) I will prepare some questions to get a clearer picture.
Thank you for your help, I hope your journey goes well.
I have taken it regularly for about 6. months. When I first started I had an episode driving where felt I was going to faint. It was slow coming on so I pulled over and it passed in about 5 minutes. Nothing like that again (or prior to taking it). I have read that the body adjusts to the alpha-blocker. I also experience retrograde ejaculation so that's that. If I miss a day my urination becomes labored. Other than those side effects, it keeps me out of the ER as I can urinate much better. I still wake up at night 3-4 times, though. Without it it was 4-6. Once the body adjusts to it it seems fairly innocuous and definitely helpful.
Feeling faint was one of the side effects I was worried about, and how it might affect driving. I had a couple of ops a few years ago (a 4-way CABG and a nephrectomy) which knocked my confidence driving, so when I saw the dizziness it made me anxious again. I will take then and see what happens...
Your message gives me lots of reassurance, so thank you. Good luck with your journey and I hope you stay healthy.
Thanks for this Taynintom... this is an interesting one. I don't think I have any great problems with my night vision just now ( prior to taking the meds) but I hate driving at night so maybe it's not perfect.
Been on Tamsulosin for 5 years now from little noticed positive or negative side effects...3 weeks ago I saw my urologist for incontinence and dripping...he prescribed mirabegron for overactive bladder...miracle! Works great!
Thank you Max... I don't know that drug! I'll see how I go on the tamsulosin: when it was prescribed just after a cystoscopy a week or so ago I should have asked lots of questions but didn't. I was in a bit of a head spin...
But I will ask questions at my next appointment.
Thank you for reaching out, good luck with your journey
Hi ok so basically this is a muscle relaxer specifically targeted for your prostate bladder, no known side effects per the research, I haven't used it, but ask indications is that it will assist with your urinating, that's a good thing, pls let me know how it works out for you. Cheers.
Hey, thank you for your message, I really appreciate it. I was prescribed this drug following a flexible cystoscopy a week ago. I should have asked lots of questions at the time - I will ask them at my next hospital appointment.
I take a raft of other meds for cardio and hypertension but this one gave me some anxiety. I will carry on and take it and see how it goes!
Thank you again. I hope you go well on your journey
Thanks Bigbilly, and may your challenges be smooth and conducive to your well being. Yes it's crazy how many different drugs they have out there for this particular man issue, and ask of them come with some dang side effects, I can imagine cuz I know I take like 7 different meds in the am, it's heck on the tummy and generally you don't know which is making u dizzy, shake, nauseous and whatever else😅 but we charge forward sir. Cheers n Feel Better my friend Feel Better.
Like others here I've been on Flomax for several years. Initial presumption was BPH. Now proven to be PCa and I'm in treatment for that. RP scheduled for late Feb. See my bio.
I worked in healthcare years ago. When I was prescribed the Flomax to help with LUTS symptoms, I looked it up. Simple alpha blocker. IMHO, an older and safer type of drug. Well studied over decades.
Best thing was it worked for me. I knew the side effects to look for and I changed my schedule to take it at night. Most effective for me if I do it after dinner. Seems to promote a little more urination when first taken and so I try not to take it just before bedtime.
It's really improved my LUTS symptoms. And here in the US, I learned it's cheaper in quantity so my MD prescribes a 6 month supply to save me money. Not a very expensive drug.
I was also given Tamsulosin .4mg (Flowmax) by my urologist but found only mild improvement in voiding urine but had no side effects.
My primary care physician suggested I try daily Tadalafil 2.5mg (Cialis) and I found greatly improved urination and no side effects. It does cost my more but the generic was only $126 for a 3 month supply.
My urologist said he hadn’t offered that because it was more expensive and I had no erectile dysfunction complaints. He commonly uses it for patients with both BPH and ED.
Thank you Bill. I am going to try this. I should have asked questions when it was first prescribed but I'd just had a flexible cystoscopy and my mind was elsewhere!
I have an appointment next month so I will take some prepared questions and ask away
Thank you for reaching out: good luck with your health journey
The other benefit of tadadafil is that it is cardio/vascular protective (it's initial clinical target) and could also improve blood supply surrounding the bladder neck
I used to take it and stopped. Like you, I'm on a raft of meds.
The biggest side effect I had from 3 different "osin" drugs is the vasodialation increased my base heart rate.
From a base rate of about 60, to 85.
That interferes with my cardio training.
Now I take Silodosin when I travel (and we all know how difficult travel can be with a partially obstructed prostate). It's supposed to target the prostate more so than the other "osin" drugs. But I will get the vasodialation effect.
Silodosin is hard to come by, it costs far more than Tamsolosin.
Thank you Sammy. My knowledge of these drugs is woefully limited so I'm going to do more research and take questions in to my next appointment. I'll definitely keep an eye out for any cardio symptoms.
I must say travelling has been really uncomfortable at times... I am hoping that treatment will give me a degree of control and comfort.
Thank you for reaching out, I wish you luck on your own health journey
I also have reservations about the chemical load on my body right now, but during my 28 session of EBRT urination became extremely difficult. By the third day of RT, I was taking 2 Tams per day plus ibuprofen. TG for that stuff because it kept me from canceling the RT treatments, although I remained very discouraged throughout. It was my RO’s and her team’s encouragement that got me through. Fast forward to today, 3 mos since RT, and I’m down to one Tam every other day. The primary SEs I noticed were slight dizziness and some increased congestion, which are now gone. If you’ve suffered from UTIs, Tam could offer significant relief that I wouldn’t pass up. Best wishes on improving your ability to pee. It’s a worrisome condition to have.
Thank you for your insights Mababa. I should have asked questions when it was prescribed but I'd just had a flexible cystoscopy and was bit distracted. I've had urinary symptoms which have been getting worse and I've been guilty of ignoring them and hoping they'll get better.
I hope your journey continues to get better. Thank you for your wisdom and experience
I’ve been on Tamsulosin for 5+ year and it has been one of the best meds I’ve taken. I had PC and could not empty the bladder,
But Tamsu REALLY made a significant difference. I was on 2 daily during proton treatments and now I take one every other day. If you get dizzy, cut your dose back. I only felt that way a few times while taking the two daily. All the best to you!
Thank you Tdi that's great advice. I've said to some others on here I should have asked lots of questions when it was prescribed but I'd just had a flexible cystoscopy and was a little distracted.
I'll take it in the evening after food and keep a diligent eye on any side effects
Good luck with your health journey and thank you for your encouragement
Flomax made me dizzy and I had some side aches even though it worked well. I now use Super Pomi10x and Cialis low dose. My bathroom trips went from 6 to none.
Hi Victory, that sounds like a result... I was concerned about driving and dizziness., I'll keep an eye out for symptoms. I'll go to my next appointment with lots of questions! I need to research the other drugs too
Thanks Steve. I should have asked lots of questions when it was prescribed but I'd just had a cystoscopy and wasn't focussed. I have a list of questions for my next appointment!
Hi. I have been taking the 0.4 dosage of Tamsulosin for 3 years. It has been a Godsend for me. Initially there was minimal side effects for myself. I take it in the evening and it would help me to sleep. It may decrease your ejaculate in the morning but later on in the day you should be fine. After a couple of weeks there were no noticeable side affects for me. I enjoy the ability to urinate better with this drug.
Hi Jgper, thank you for this, it is really encouraging. I am hearing good things that have reduced my anxiety. That's also interesting that it helps sleep.
thank you for reaching out, good luck to you on your journey
Tamsulosin has a minimal effect on reducing the size of your prostate and lowering your PSA as for example Dutasteride , which they sometimes proscribe together . Dutasteride also , when taken for a few years has the effect that your LAB RESULTS PSA has to be doubled .
Therefore if your PSA is say 6 , it is really 12 . A fact that many GP'S and Urologists do not tell their patients .
Thanks Config, those are really interesting facts. I have to do a bit more research but I do already have a list of questions for my physician at my next OPD appointment. This whole area of medicine is new to me although I have a health background.
I am originally from Northern Ireland 60 plus years ago . If I have learned anything about the difference in the interaction between the patient and the doctor , UK vs North America . The patient rules , we pay the Doctors salary we expect answers and actions to our inquiries . We are not intimited by the aloof attitudes of lawyers and doctors as I experienced in the UK . We take a more proactive approach . More pushy they may claim in the UK .
You have to take charge and be your own health advocate . It's your health .
I can certainly see some fantastically really well prepared and researched answers I have on this post from people in the states. I worked for most of my career in healthcare, up to a relatively senior position (although not a doctor). I usually - and deliberately - make people aware of this when I have a consultation. In a few instances I have made connections with colleagues in common. I find it helps a lot, but I also usually have a list of questions. In my experience the doctors and other staff are happy to listen and answer any queries.
I think in any health system, the main enemy of the patient is ignorance. I have to say with the enormous amount of treatment I have had (a lifetime of free general practice, childhood imms, supported dental care, a period of mental health care, a couple of small surgeries as a young man, a 4-way CABG with aftercare, diagnostics which picked up kidney cancer - of which I was unaware - and subsequent nephrectomy, follow up care, ongoing medication, continued screening and a recent cystoscopy) I feel very fortunate to live where I do. I am reasonably well off, but without the National Health Service and its wonderful, caring, brilliant staff I would dead or destitute. The NHS is certainly not perfect but I'll take it any day.
In Canada we have excellent " PAID FOR " health care , but similar to the UK , not perfect .*** It may have changed , but my late brother-in-law shocked me when he said: "Our NHS does not cover an automatic medical once per year ". You have to have something wrong before you have a general medical " . Additionally . Our GP will not hesitate referring you to Specialist ( Consultant ) on your request .
*** Less funding for the health care system . But plenty + for illegals . Just like the rest of the western world .
My husband has taken this drug successfully for a couple of years. He takes 2 tablets at HS. It has helped with his nocturia and urgency. He recently tried to decrease dose to one tablet daily but had more nocturia. He is on 2 other meds for CVD and HTN but has tolerated Tamusolin with no side effects. The drug is an alpha blocker and may help a little with his HTN management. He had problems initially with overflow incontinence and urinary retention. He was found to have advanced PC when a TURP was done in the past year( age 83.) . He is a believer in using the drug.
Thank you so much for your message, Redbone. It is really encouraging and I do appreciate it. I take lots of other meds for hypertension and cardio but for some reason this one spooked me a little. I also think I've had symptoms for a while but chose to do the classic man thing of playing my music louder and hoping they'd go away.
I’ve taken it for about 5.5 years and so has a close friend. We both have some nasal congestion, but it sure beats not being able to urinate. My Oncologist says that he’s seen this several times in the past.
Thanks NDJIM! That is so encouraging... I will start taking it at night and see how I go. And you're so right... I'll swap my urinary symptoms for a stuffy nose.
I do appreciate you reaching out. Good luck with your journey - and that of your friend.
I had no problems taking tamsulosin for BPH. Drugs like this are a bandaid. The only real relief I got from my increasingly bothersome BPH symptoms was TURP surgery. My biggest regret is that I waited as long as I did to get that surgery. How do I spell relief? T - U - R - P !!!
Hey FastEddie, thank you... I hear you! I have a raft of questions to ask my doctor when we next meet up, and one of them will be about the likelihood of TURP in the future. I am glad it has worked for you so well: it certainly makes me feel less stressed about the future - thank you!
I am in my late 84th year . My prostate is 80cc - initially I was prescribed Flowmax . It did very little for my conditiion . I was switched to Dutasteride almost 5 years ago . I worked and continues to work .
Thank you for your message, Config, I really do appreciate it. I should have asked more questions after my cystoscopy but wasn't very focused. I do have a list of questions for my (very helpful) doctor when we next meet in January. I will take this medicine and see how it goes.
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