- Prescribing Advice for GPs - https://www.prescriber.org.uk -

Flomax replaced by Flomaxtra

The manufacturer of Flomax and Flomaxtra, both of which contain Tamsulosin have taken the decision to discontinue Flomax and encourage replacement of this treatment with Flomaxtra.

The patent of Flomax is due to expire shortly and with the emergence of an almost identical product this move was not unexpected. According to information released by the makers this new version is as effective as Flomax and 15% less expensive.

Action: Prescribers have no alternative to change prescribing to Flomaxtra tablets from Flomax capsules unless a change of drug is also desired. The 15% cost saving is likely to benefit in the short term until a generic version of Flomax becomes available, at this time consideration should be given to changing prescriptions back.