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Key takeaways
Tamsulosin, the generic version of Flomax, is widely available and offers the same effectiveness and benefits for treating benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms at a lower cost.
Both brand-name and generic versions of Flomax must meet the same U.S. FDA quality and safety standards, although they may differ in appearance and inactive ingredients.
Generic tamsulosin is significantly more affordable than brand-name Flomax, with price variations depending on dosage, quantity, and pharmacy, and further savings available through prescription discount cards.
Transitioning from brand-name Flomax to generic tamsulosin is generally straightforward, involving no need to taper off the medication, but consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Flomax, also known by its generic name tamsulosin, is an oral medication prescribed to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It may help alleviate symptoms like urinary difficulty, frequent urges to urinate, weak urine stream, and nighttime urination. The active ingredient tamsulosin belongs to alpha-blockers, which block specific receptors to relax the smooth muscles in the bladder, neck, and prostate gland.
With its FDA approval in 1997, Flomax has become a widely prescribed medication in the United States, particularly for older men more susceptible to BPH. Tamsulosin, the lower-cost generic version of Flomax, offers the same benefits and effectiveness in treating the symptoms of BPH. With millions of men affected by BPH, Flomax and its generic alternative continue to be a useful medication for improving the quality of life for countless individuals.
Read on to learn more about the Flomax generic, how it differs from the brand-name version, and what to remember when taking it.
Is there a generic for Flomax?
Yes, a generic version of Flomax is available. It is called tamsulosin and has been approved for use in the United States since 2010 when the brand name’s original patent expired. Sanofi manufactures brand-name Flomax capsules, while various pharmaceutical companies, including Sun Pharmaceuticals, Impax Laboratories, and Teva Pharmaceuticals, manufacture generic Flomax capsules. Tamsulosin offers patients an affordable option for treating prostate problems while maintaining the same level of effectiveness as Flomax.
What are the differences between brand name and generic Flomax?
Brand-name and generic Flomax contain the same active ingredient, tamsulosin hydrochloride, as an oral capsule. Both versions are required to meet the same quality and safety standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
In addition, before a generic drug can be approved for use, it must demonstrate bioequivalence to its brand-name counterpart, which means they have the same clinical effect and safety profile. Still, there may be slight differences in other aspects of the brand-name and generic versions, such as their appearances and costs.
Appearance
Brand-name and generic Flomax are available as oral capsules. However, they may differ in color, size, and shape of the capsules. The outer appearance of the medication might change depending on the manufacturer. Read the label or consult a pharmacist to verify the medication is correct.
Inactive ingredients
The brand-name and generic versions may also differ in their formulation of inactive ingredients. While brand-name and generic Flomax contain tamsulosin, they may contain inactive ingredients used for various reasons, such as drug stability and absorption. Inactive ingredients don’t change the effectiveness of the drug. However, they may change the appearance of the drug and, in rare cases, cause allergic or hypersensitivity reactions in some people.
Cost
Generic tamsulosin is generally more affordable than brand-name Flomax. Generic drug manufacturers don’t have to invest in the same research and development costs as brand-name drug companies. Therefore, lower costs can be passed on to the consumer, making generic prescription medications more accessible.
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How much is generic Flomax?
Just like any other medication, the price of generic Flomax can vary depending on the dosage, quantity, and pharmacy. When comparing the prices between brand-name Flomax and its generic counterpart, the generic is usually more cost-effective. However, prices can vary depending on location and insurance coverage. In addition, lower doses or different quantities may result in different price points.
Typically, the cost for brand-name 0.4 mg Flomax oral capsules is almost $1,000 for a supply of 90 capsules, depending on the pharmacy you visit. In contrast, the generic may be significantly lower.
Aside from the inherent cost savings of choosing generic drugs, individuals can further reduce their expenses by taking advantage of prescription discount cards, like the one offered by SingleCare. By using prescription discount cards, individuals can save even more on their medication costs, regardless of whether they choose brand-name Flomax or its generic alternative, tamsulosin.
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| Brand-name Flomax | Flomax generic (tamsulosin) | |
| Average cost without insurance | $283 for 30, 0.4 mg capsules of Flomax | $108 for 30, 0.4 mg capsules of tamsulosin |
| SingleCare’s lowest price | $20 for 30, 0.4 mg capsules of Flomax | $7 for for 30, 0.4 mg capsules of tamsulosin |
| Free coupons | Flomax coupons | Tamsulosin coupons |
These prices are subject to change, and you may find different prices based on your location and pharmacy. It could be beneficial to shop around at multiple pharmacies and compare prices to find the best deal, especially if your insurance coverage is limited or unavailable for prescription drugs.
What are the off-label uses for Flomax?
Flomax is currently FDA-approved to treat the symptoms of BPH in men. However, some off-label Flomax uses may help relieve other conditions.
Ureteral stones
Doctors or healthcare providers may sometimes recommend Flomax to help pass kidney stones. Flomax can ease the pain and speed up the process by relaxing the urinary tract muscles. This way, stones can pass through more easily, reducing the risk of complications and the need for surgery.
Prostatitis
Prostatitis, a swelling or infection of the prostate gland, may also be treated with Flomax. With this off-label use, Flomax may help alleviate urinary symptoms associated with prostatitis, such as difficulty in urination, weak stream, and frequent urination urges. By relaxing the muscles around the prostate and bladder, Flomax may help improve urine flow, reduce discomfort, and promote healing in people with chronic prostatitis.
Female voiding dysfunction
Although Flomax is mainly used for treating male patients, it may sometimes be prescribed off-label to treat female patients with voiding dysfunction. This off-label use may help alleviate symptoms of urinary hesitancy, weak stream, and a feeling of incomplete bladder emptying in women. By relaxing the smooth muscles of the urinary tract, Flomax may improve urinary symptoms and the quality of life in women with voiding dysfunction.
How to switch from Flomax to tamsulosin
Transitioning from the brand name to the generic is generally straightforward. In many cases, a healthcare provider will recommend the generic version in the first place. However, if you’re taking the brand-name version, you may need to switch due to cost or hypersensitivity to inactive ingredients.
Transition process
It’s always recommended to consult a healthcare provider before a medication switch to ensure the treatment is safe and effective. A healthcare provider can help determine the appropriate dosage and identify potential risks of switching medications. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- When making the switch, there is usually no need to taper off Flomax as both medications have the same active ingredient and effects on the body.
- Begin taking tamsulosin when you would typically take Flomax to maintain consistency in your medication regimen and avoid disrupting the treatment.
- As Flomax and tamsulosin have similar side effects, continue monitoring any changes in symptoms during the transition. If you experience persistent or serious side effects, contact your healthcare provider.
Practical tips for switching
- Pharmacists can often dispense tamsulosin even if you have a prescription for Flomax, as both medications are considered equivalent in their clinical effects and safety profile.
- Sometimes, your healthcare provider might recommend continuing with Flomax instead of switching to tamsulosin, possibly due to the potential risk of adverse reactions or other health concerns. Always follow their advice and consult them before making changes to your medication routine.
- Record your symptoms and any severe side effects during the transition. This information can help your healthcare provider monitor your response to tamsulosin and make necessary adjustments if required.
- Be mindful if there’s a shortage of your medication. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacy if you don’t have enough medication during the transition process.
Switching from Flomax to tamsulosin can be a smooth process with guidance from your healthcare provider. Remember to monitor your overall condition and consult your healthcare provider for any concerns during the transition.