Over-the-Counter Tamsulosin for Men with Urinary Symptoms: A Simulated Self-Selection Study.

Introduction: We determined whether consumers who self-select to use tamsulosin for urinary symptoms can make appropriate decisions without health care provider guidance in a simulated over-the-counter setting.

Methods: In a simulated retail setting eligible participants (18 years old or older) reviewed a mock-up of Flomax® over-the-counter packaging and determined whether it was right for them to use tamsulosin capsules (0.4 mg).

An Actual Use Study of Tamsulosin in Men with Bothersome Urinary Symptoms in a Simulated Over-the-Counter Setting.

Introduction: We assessed the ability of men with bothersome urinary symptoms to use an over-the-counter tamsulosin (0.4 mg) product concordant with the information in the proposed drug facts label in a simulated over-the-counter setting.

Methods: Eligibility for this 24-week study was determined by a phone interview.

Tamsulosin dispensation patterns in the United States: a real-world, longitudinal, population claims database analysis.

Background: Tamsulosin remains the single most popular uroselective alpha adrenoceptor antagonist approved for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) attributable to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Over the last 3 decades, the utilization of tamsulosin has extended to conditions beyond its original indication. To identify potential changes to prescribing patterns and the extent of tamsulosin use for conditions beyond its original indication, we evaluated tamsulosin dispensing patterns in the United States using a large, multi-payer claims database.

Characteristics of men with untreated LUTS interested in over-the-counter tamsulosin.

Introduction: Treatment for lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is often delayed, as it is considered a natural progression of aging. We described baseline demographic and clinical characteristics of men currently not using prescription medications for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) but interested in self-directed use of over-the-counter (OTC) tamsulosin and who had participated in OTC tamsulosin-simulated studies.

Materials And Methods: Pooled baseline data from four OTC tamsulosin-simulated studies were analyzed for men who were currently not using BPH prescription medication and who believed that OTC tamsulosin was appropriate for use or were interested in purchasing it.

Is Dipstick Urinalysis Screening Beneficial in Men with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms?

Introduction: Dipstick urinalysis is a widely used screening tool in the evaluation of men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) suggestive of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). As limited data support the use of dipstick urinalysis, we have used data from three recently published studies to assess clinical outcomes in those who had dipstick urinalysis findings for blood, glucose, and/or leukocytes.

Methods: We analyzed data from three observational studies involving men interested in using over-the-counter tamsulosin: a self-selection study (SSS) and two actual-use studies of 8-week (AUS8) and 24-week (AUS24) durations.

Management of Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms in a Simulated, Over-the-Counter Setting: An Exploratory Study of Tamsulosin.

Background: Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) attributed to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) are common in men, considerably affecting quality of life.

Aims: The self-directed use of over-the-counter (OTC) tamsulosin (0.4 mg) and potential safety risks were evaluated in an open-label, uncontrolled, exploratory, 8-week OTC-simulated study.

Feasibility of an Alternative Option for the Management of Male Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms.

Purpose: We determine if men with self-reported lower urinary tract symptoms can make a correct decision to use an over-the-counter alpha-1 blocker. Furthermore, we assess the frequency of medically significant conditions presenting with urinary symptoms in these consumers.

Materials And Methods: Subjects reviewed a mock-up of an over-the-counter product for male lower urinary tract symptoms (part 1).