NPA Backs Tamsulosin Switch, UK

Main Category: Prostate / Prostate Cancer
Also Included In: Urology / Nephrology
Article Date: 23 Jan 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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The NPA supports the proposed POM to P switch of tamsulosin, for the treatment of lower of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) - which causes lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS).

Michelle Styles, NPA Senior Pharmacist said: "BPH affects the quality of life of about one third of men over 50. We welcome the ability for our members to supply, when appropriate, a safe and effective medicine that relieves the symptoms of lower benign prostatic hyperplasia."

Michelle Styles added: "Currently many men with LUTS will either live with the symptoms or buy herbal products, without advice from a healthcare professional. By allowing men to access this medicine from pharmacies they will be able to receive advice from a pharmacist and have the opportunity to discuss treatment options with a healthcare professional."

Notes

The pharmacist will be involved with each supply of tamsulosin ensuring that the patient is screened for appropriateness of treatment. The patient will be asked to visit their GP for confirmation of the diagnosis.

For each subsequent request of tamsulosin from the pharmacy the patient will be rescreened and this will include questions on side effects and symptom relief. On every occasion the pharmacist will encourage the patient to visit their GP, if they have not done so already, explain the reasons for visiting the GP and reinforce all the messages and information previously given.

National Pharmacy Association