Flomax

Plaintiffs' Personal Injury Law Firm

Flomax is an alpha-blocker medication that was developed by Yamanouchi Pharmaceuticals and is marketed by Boehringer Ingelheim resulting in $1 billion in sales in the year 2007 alone. Alpha-blockers were originally used to treat high blood pressure, but Flomax is designed to specifically target the muscles in the prostrate gland.

Flomax works by relaxing the muscle that surrounds the prostrate gland and thereby eases the flow of urine. This has proved beneficial for men suffering from a condition known as BPH or benign prostatic hyperplasia. BPH commonly appears in men as they age and is characterized by difficulties in urination due to swelling of the prostrate gland.

However, the medicine in Flomax has caused some other serious side effects relating to low blood pressure. Severe dizziness and fainting have occurred in patients prescribed Flomax due to the sudden drop in blood pressure. Some of these patients have required hospitalization. Another common side effect associated with the use of Flomax is painful erections lasting four or more hours. This condition if left untreated can cause permanent impotence.

A recent Canadian study shows that men who were prescribed Flomax experienced some serious side effects during cataract surgery. One such complication is the loss of the eye lens and other complications during these surgeries have included retinal detachments and inflammation of the eye.

The FDA issued a warning letter in 2005 notifying Ophthalmologists, Urologists, and other healthcare professionals of the possibility of this adverse condition. Another warning by the FDA was issued this month after the Canadian study results were published. Doctors were advised to alter their procedures when operating on a patient that had been prescribed Flomax. After surgery, these patients that had developed IFIS were reporting more pain, longer healing times and less success with regard to vision clarity.

Another significant side effect of Flomax is the impairment of thinking and reactions. Patients are encouraged not to drive or do anything that requires the patient to be awake and alert. Allergic reactions to Flomax have also been reported by people who also seem to be allergic to sulfa drugs and include severe itching, hives, rashes and difficulty breathing.

If you or someone you love has suffered any of these serious adverse reactions from the use of Flomax, take a moment and fill out the "Quick Contact" form on the home page of this website. The professional team of lawyers and medical experts at Napoli Bern Ripka Law Firm will patiently evaluate your case to see if you are entitled to compensation.

Personal Injury

Medical Malpractice