Compare Proscar vs. Flomax
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.
Improves prostate symptoms and lowers your urge to urinate.
Proscar (finasteride) reduces prostate size and relieves symptoms of enlarged prostate, but can cause a loss of sexual desire or arousal when you first start taking this medication.
Makes it easier to urinate.
Flomax (tamsulosin) is a good treatment for an enlarged prostate if medical treatment is needed, but it can reduce your sex drive and takes time to kick in.
●●●●●
3.4/ 5 average rating with 85 reviewsforFlomax
Upsides
- In studies, Proscar (finasteride) improved prostate symptoms during the first year of taking it. This effect continued for another 5 years. Proscar (finasteride) also lowered the need for prostate-related surgery.
- Improves symptoms, making it easier to urinate.
- Can be used alone or in combination with doxazosin (Cardura) to further help improve symptoms.
- Proscar (finasteride) is generally well tolerated. Side effects usually have been mild and temporary.
- Available as a generic.
- Flomax (tamsulosin) works just as well as similar medications but with fewer and less severe side effects.
- Helps make urinating easier.
- Available in generic.
- Also available in a combination form with another medication to treat severe symptoms of enlarged prostate.
- Simple once daily dosing.
Downsides
- You need to take Proscar (finasteride) for at least 6 months before your prostate gets small enough for symptoms to improve.
- You cannot donate blood while using this drug nor for 1 month after stopping.
- This drug may increase the risk of a type of prostate cancer.
- Proscar (finasteride) may lower sperm counts in men, but they remained within the normal range and this side effect was reversible once Proscar (finasteride) was stopped.
- Although uncommon, some people had sexual side effects that included problems with erection, orgasm, and low sex drive.
- Flomax (tamsulosin) only treats the symptoms of enlarged prostate. It doesn't make the prostate smaller or stop it from getting bigger.
- Has to be taken at the same time every day.
- It can take up to one month to see the full effects of Flomax (tamsulosin).
- Can reduce sex drive.
- Flomax (tamsulosin) can't be stopped suddenly, so you'll need to talk to your doctor about how to stop taking it safely.
Used for
- Enlarged prostate (BPH)
- Improve urine flow due to nerve issues, radiation therapy, and bladder outlet blockage
- Promote kidney stone passage
Dosage forms
- Pill
- Pill
Price
Lowest price
$10.63
Find instant savings near youLowest price
$10.77
Find instant savings near youWant to save even more money?
Sign up now for a 30-day trial and save up to 95% at CVS, Kroger, Albertsons, and other pharmacies.
Learn more
Reviews
Not enough review data.Leave a review
85 reviews so far
58%
saidit'sworth it
41%
saiditworked well
19%
saidit'sa big hassle
Have you used Flomax (tamsulosin)?
Leave a reviewSide effects
10possible side effects
- Erectile dysfunction19%
- Decreased sex drive10%
- Low blood pressure upon changes in posture9%
- Dizziness7%
- Abnormal ejaculation7%
- Weakness5%
- Abnormal sexual function3%
- Headache2%
- Drowsiness2%
- Enlarged male breasts2%
15possible side effects
- Headache19%
- Dizziness15%
- Runny nose/ nasal congestion13%
- Infection9%
- Weakness8%
- Abnormal ejaculation8%
- Back pain7%
- Sore Throat6%
- Diarrhea6%
- Chest pain4%
- Drowsiness3%
- Cough increased3%
- Nausea3%
- Insomnia2%
- Sinus infection2%
Risks and risk factors
- Risk during pregnancy and use in children
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels
- Proscar (finasteride) use for 6 months or longer
- Prostate cancer
- Men aged 55 years or older
- Taking 5 mg/day
- Evaluation for other diseases of the male urinary tract system and the reproductive organs
- Blood donation
- Low blood pressure
- Taking medications for high blood pressure
- Rash
- History of "sulfa" allergies
- Floppy iris syndrome
- Cataract or glaucoma surgery
- Heat stroke
- Alcohol use
- Heavy exercise
- Hot weather
- Sexual problems and prolonged erections
- Drug interactions