Generic Flomax

Although the patent for Flomax expired in 2006, the FDA has not yet approved any generic versions of Flomax. This may be because of lawsuits or because there are other Flomax patents. It is possible that a generic version may not become available until 2009, when the next patent for Flomax expires.

 

Generic for Flomax: An Overview

Flomax® (tamsulosin hydrochloride) is a prescription medication that has been licensed as a treatment for an enlarged prostate. An enlarged prostate is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, benign prostatic hypertrophy, or BPH. Flomax is part of a class of drugs known as alpha blockers.
 
Flomax is manufactured by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. While the first patent for Flomax has already expired, generic versions of Flomax are not yet available.
 

When Will There Be a Generic Flomax?

The first patent for Flomax expired in 2006. This was the earliest date that a generic version of Flomax could have become available. However, the FDA has not yet approved any generic versions of the drug. There are many possible reasons why generic versions are not yet available, including lawsuits or other Flomax patents. Therefore, it is not known when a generic Flomax will become available. The next patent for Flomax expires in 2009. It is possible that a generic version may not become available until this time.
 

Is Tamsulosin a Generic Flomax?

No, it's not. Tamsulosin is the active ingredient in Flomax, but it is not a generic version of Flomax. Oftentimes, the active ingredient of a drug is referred to as the "generic name." The generic name is different than a generic version of a medicine. In order for there to be a generic version of a medicine, the original medicine must have gone off patent and another company (besides the original manufacturer) would make the product.
 
If you search the Internet for "generic Flomax," you may find a number of companies claiming to sell it. The fact is that these medicines may be fake, substandard, and potentially dangerous. There may be a generic Flomax available from another country, but there is really no way of knowing if you are getting genuine Flomax or not. You should not buy any generic Flomax until there is an approved generic available.
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;