Flomax for Women
Posted over a year ago
I am a 59 year old female and my urologist prescribed Flomax because I was not able to fully emty my bladder. I have read that this medication is only for men. Why would my doctor do this?
Rnbren1125 - I am a 33yr old woman with MS - My urologist recently put me on Flomax due to not being able to empty my bladder. However, I also take Baclofen - which helps a lot with emptying my bladder. I'm now working with a physical therapist to strengthen pelvic muscles to improve urinary function. I do not like Flomax. I've had a lot of insomnia, dizziness when changing positions (sudden drop in pressures) and because I'm hoping to have a child - will be getting off them med soon. Flomax is NOT approved by the FDA for women, however some studies have shown that it can improve the flow of urine from the bladder to urethra. That's why your doctor prescribed it for you. Check into baclofen - if that might be an option for you. Good Luck
Joi - I am a 68 year old female with kidney stones. The urologist gave me Flomax to help the stones pass but I am hesitant about taking it because it specifically states that Flomax is NOT to be taken by females. Did you take it and if so what was your reaction? Thanks I need feedback before trying this because I don't want to create additional problems for myself.
Joyce
jychayes@yahoo.com
Jennb23 - I am a 25 yr old female who was just prescribed Flomax for interstitial cystitis which causes a weak urine stream among other issues. i have only taken it for less then a week and havent had too many issues (knock on wood) i take it at bedtime to avoid the fainting side effect. my pcp said he does not like me being on it, but my urologist thinks it will help. the pharmacist said its not commonly prescribed to women, but it wont harm me. my dr said she will take me off of it when i decide to try to have kids.
Okf321 - I am a 38 year old female taking flomax for urinary retention (unable to empty bladder, trouble starting stream, stream stops after just a few seconds). Flomax has changed my life. I was trying to 'go' 20 times a day, and getting very frustrated. I now go only 6 or 7 times a day, with no trouble starting to go, and I am able to empty all the way without any problem.
The reason the drug information says it is not approved for women is because when the drug was originally approved by the fda, no one had any idea this could be used in women. So, they only went through the approval process for use in men. To get it approved for use in women now would be too much work and money for the pharmaceutical company, for as few women as need it. There are no male hormones or anything specifically for men in it, they just didn't realize women would benefit from it at the time.
Esm - Please help. I have been taking flomax for over 4 years for urinary retention. I has been covered by my prescription plan. They just denied coverage (after 4 years) claiming it is experimental drug for use in women. Is there any literature or information I can present to insurance company to appeal this decision. The medication definitely works from me (62yr old female) and I am very upset at their denial of coverage.
Laualex13 - I have recently been diagnosed with having components of IC. The pain and discomfort I have can be debilitating. I hate taking meds and really freak out when I have to decide to take them. The urologist gave me Flomax, because my problem is not going too often, but the opposite. I try to go and have a weak stream and do not totally empty my bladder. I am afraid of side effects with Flomax, can anyone tell me any they have experienced?
Terri1234 - I am a 44 year old female and was put on Flomax for urinary retention and it has also helped me so much. I take it at night every night and really I haven't noticed any side effects. Once I was dizzy when I got up too quickly but hey, when it was a decision between using a cath or taking this and it works for me there is no question as to what I'd choose over and over again. I was also diagnosed with ic.
Peealot - Female, trouble emptying bladder. Go 40 to 50 times a day. 10 times during sleep time. Started Elavil 10mg at night to help sleep..s/e of medication urinary retention, it helps with night time urination, down to 4 to 6 times a night. Flomax 0.4 mg started two days ago in the am. No bothersome side effects. Have not noticed that much of a difference yet. Maybe flow is a little better. Too soon to notice, I guess, I hope. How long did it take for results??? I hope this works. I need help with this.
Peealot - Today is day 3 of Flomax 0.4 mg and today was the first day that I have notice some difference. I have not been running to the bathroom every five minutes. Yeah! Maybe gone 6 times today so far. Usually I would be up to about 40 times by now. This is great news. Things are looking brighter....Last night (I am on Elavil 10 mg at night for sleep, but s/e urinary retention and is also prescribed to decrease night time urination). I slept 4 hours straight (longer, but I counting bathroom time to bathroom time) without getting up to run to the Bath room. So an actual four hours in between urinating is great for me. I did get up for a total of 5 times last night during sleep, but it is less than my usual 10...
Ebw - I have a cystocele and hard to empty my bladder at times therefor making me go every 1-2 hrs. at night. would this help me to take this medication?
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