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What Are The Effects Of Changing Flomax To Alfuzosin?

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Posted on Thu, 18 Jun 2015
Question: Hello Dr Varshney,
Thanks for your e-mail. My doctor has changed Flomax to alfuzosin to avoid sexual side effects. The medicine you suggested instead of Proscar - My doctor says that has similar effects like Proscar which did not suit me. Cialis I am only taking as needed for sex. I am also taking saw palmetto and beta sitio sterol daily - I understand they can stop the growth of Prostate. Right now - things are ok. Any thoughts will be welcome.
XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (10 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It will help you.

Detailed Answer:
Hi Mr XXXX,
I am glad to see you back.
I appreciate that your doctor has shifted you to Alfuzosin, that has the same action of shrinking the prostate like Dutasteride.
Only issue that you might have on stopping Proscar is that , it might cause aggravation of the symptoms of prostate. The reason behind is that Proscar helps in controlling the symptoms while Alfuzosin has a better role in shrinking of prostate rather then controlling the symptoms.
However, it's not that every one who is being treated on Alfuzosin have the aggravation of symptoms. I am hopeful that it will suit you.
I also hope that you will regain your sexual life well very soon.
I hope it helps you.
Feel free to ask if you have any questions.
Good Luck.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (13 hours later)
My doctor said Alfuzosin replaces Flomax. He did not think it shrinks Prostate. Please clarify. My symptoms are ok because I am also taking saw palmetto/beta sito sterol along with Alfujosin.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Carry on

Detailed Answer:
Yes, your doctor is right, but the symptom controls are much better with Flomax, and Afluzosin in many studies have been shown to help in reduction of prostate size. So, if your symptoms are getting controlled with no side effects, it is the best drug in your case. Moreover you are taking palmetto/beta sito sterol along with Afluzosin, that is going to help you further.
I hope it helps.
Stay healthy.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (18 hours later)
When I tried Proscar, I did not take Cialis. Proscar created ED. Should I try proscar ( or something else that shrinks prostate) again and also take Cialis to reduce ED due to Proscar? I am concerned that my prostate will grow with time and then Alfuzosin etc will not work and I will have to go for surgery. Also is it worth while to try Proscar 5 mg every other day? Will it shrink prostate some what while giving less side effect?
Please give your thoughts. Thanks. XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (5 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Carry on the same.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I suppose you should carry on with this. You must know that the drugs which are used to shrink the size of prostate are effective maximum for a year following which the effect is almost negligible.
So, i would advice you to carry on the ongoing treatment as you are tolerating it well.
Good Luck.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (7 hours later)
Hi Dr Varshney, When you say the drugs to shrink the prostate are effective maximum for a year, what does that mean? For one year, they reduce prostate size and then don't reduce any further? Or Does the prostate start growing again inspite of taking the drugs after a year? Thanks. XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (42 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Studies say that.

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Various studies claim this observation that the drugs used for shrinking the size are effective for a year or so. After that the effect is almost negligible. However, it is not a rule. We see in clinical practice a varied response to the prostate even after 1 year. But the findings described by various studies are also seen.
Good Luck.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Anshul Varshney (8 minutes later)
I am sorry it is not clear to me. After one year the effect is negligible - what exactly does it mean? Suppose my prostate shrank by 20 percent in first year. After the first year does it go back to the base line at time zero or does it stay shrunk by 20 percent but not shrink any more. If it stays shrunk by 20 percent, then hasn't that solved my problem even if it does not shrink any more. Please clarify in detail. Thanks for your patience. XXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Anshul Varshney (4 hours later)
Brief Answer:
It won't shrink further.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.
The studies have found that after one year if treatment with the drugs that helps in shrinking prostate thr effect wean off and they further don't help much in shrinking the size further.
So as per your example if your prostate had shrunken 20% after one year, it won't shrink further probably. It's not that the already shrunken prostate will grow back due to the non efficacy of the drug.
Later the size may grow back due to the normal prostate hyperplasia that is ongoing.
What I have mentioned is not a rule so it's not that everyone will experience the same.
So you need not to worry at this point of time for that. I just told you for information.
I hope I am clear.
Do share my opinion with your doctor before you take any decision.
Good luck.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. Anshul Varshney

Internal Medicine Specialist

Practicing since :2009

Answered : 3071 Questions

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What Are The Effects Of Changing Flomax To Alfuzosin?

Brief Answer: It will help you. Detailed Answer: Hi Mr XXXX, I am glad to see you back. I appreciate that your doctor has shifted you to Alfuzosin, that has the same action of shrinking the prostate like Dutasteride. Only issue that you might have on stopping Proscar is that , it might cause aggravation of the symptoms of prostate. The reason behind is that Proscar helps in controlling the symptoms while Alfuzosin has a better role in shrinking of prostate rather then controlling the symptoms. However, it's not that every one who is being treated on Alfuzosin have the aggravation of symptoms. I am hopeful that it will suit you. I also hope that you will regain your sexual life well very soon. I hope it helps you. Feel free to ask if you have any questions. Good Luck.