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BPH Frequently Asked Questions
What is the prostate?
Together with other structures, the prostate gland makes up the male sex organs.
A healthy prostate is about the size of a walnut and sits just below the bladder,
surrounding the urethra, the tube that carries urine and semen out of the penis.
The prostate secretes a milky fluid that provides nutrients to the sperm and is
discharged into the urethra at the time of semen emission. Read more about the prostate
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What is BPH, or enlarged prostate?
After the age of 40, the prostate may begin to enlarge. As its size increases, the
prostate squeezes the urethra, potentially stopping or slowing the flow of urine
and semen. Most of the symptoms
associated with BPH are related to obstruction of the urethra and loss of
bladder function.
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Is BPH a sign of cancer?
No. While it is possible to have both BPH and prostate cancer, having BPH does not
increase your risk of having prostate cancer. However, because early symptoms of
both conditions are similar, it is important to see your doctor if you are experiencing
any symptoms associated with a urinary condition. Read more about the signs and symptoms of BPH
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Is BPH a serious disease?
If your symptoms are
not bothering you, BPH may not be a serious disease for you at this time. However,
BPH can lead to serious problems. It is important to speak to your doctor about
the potential for your BPH to progress. Take the BPH Symptom Quiz
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What tests will my doctor order?
Multiple tests are available to help your doctor diagnose your condition. Discuss
each test with your doctor, including any concerns you may have and what he or she
expects to learn from the results.
- Digital rectal exam (DRE). This is usually the first test your doctor will
order. During the DRE, the doctor inserts a gloved and lubricated finger into the
rectum to feel the size of the prostate.
- Urinalysis. The urine test is used to rule out the presence of infection
or conditions that may produce symptoms similar to those of BPH.
- Blood test. Your doctor may order a blood test to measure your prostate-specific
antigen (PSA) level and rule out prostate cancer as a cause of your symptoms.
- Imaging tests. Ultrasound may be performed to estimate the size of your prostate
and may also detect a prostate stone, kidney stone, obstruction or tumor.
- Urinary flow test. Also known as a urinary flow study. You may be asked to
urinate into a special device that monitors the strength and amount of your urinary
flow. A reduced urine flow may indicate BPH.
- Cystoscopy. A cystoscope is a thin tube with a magnifying lens that is inserted
into the bladder through the urethra.
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Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal
drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have to take medications for
a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
Please see full Important Safety
Information
and full prescribing information below.
What treatments are available for BPH?
Several treatments are available. You should discuss all of your BPH treatment options
with your doctor.
- Watchful waiting. If your symptoms are not bothering you, your doctor may
suggest monitoring your disease and postponing treatment.
- Medicines. Multiple medications, including UROXATRAL, are available to relieve your BPH symptoms with or
without reduction in the size of the prostate.
- Nonsurgical procedures. Several minimally invasive thermal therapies are
available that allow your doctor to access your prostate through your urethra and
reduce the size of the prostate or decrease obstruction of the urethra.
- Surgical treatment. BPH surgery may be used to remove part or all of the
prostate.
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*Some restrictions may apply
Important Safety Information
Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal
drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.
UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment.
This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate
machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect
you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure
or take medicines to treat high blood pressure. There may be an increased risk of
low blood pressure and fainting when taking UROXATRAL in combination with blood
pressure medication or nitrates, or erectile dysfunction medication.
If considering cataract surgery (clouding of the eyes), tell your eye surgeon that
you are currently taking UROXATRAL or have previously been treated with an alpha-blocker.
Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.
Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for
a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.
BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a
treatment for prostate cancer.
The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract
infection, headache, and tiredness.
Click here for information on drug anti-counterfeiting.