Hello doctor, I have been on Tamsulosin for enlarged prostate for five and a half years. 18 months ago, I started getting some side effects. I am now getting another side effect, a blocked nose which I am struggling to get rid of. I know all the other prostate medications have the same side effects. I want to stop taking the Tamsulosin but know if I do, I will end up in the hospital not being able to pee and being with a catheter. As I am on Tamsulosin for life, what do you advise?
Hello. I understand your concerns. Stuffy nose is one of the major side effects of Tamsulosin (Flamox). And, all alpha-blockers could cause the same issue. The medications that could resolve your problem could make the prostate worse. So, I suggest that you change the Tamsulosin into Proscar ( Finasteride) 5 mg after consulting your physician. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him or her and start taking the medicines with their consent. It is very effective but takes time to show effect (up to six months). Also, I would like to know exactly the dose of Tamsulosin. You take as it may be a large dose. I would like to know how severe are your prostate symptoms: do you have difficulty in urinating, weak stream or residual urine? Please send me the report of the urodynamic study. I recommend that you follow up in order to discuss all your concerns. For more information consult a general medicine physician online -->