Rapaflo, Flomax and related drugs. Serious side-effects that are permanent.

Posted , 10 users are following.

Hi All,

Have been on Rapaflo since mid-August when I ended up in the ER with acute urinary retention and was awarded a Foley for a solid week. I am now self-cathing (CIC) with good results. However, in my research, I discovered that these medications cause "Floppy Iris Syndrome" in almost every patient after only a few doses, and it is irreversible and permanent. What this means is that if you ever have to have cataract surgery, it becomes much more difficult for the surgeon (by the way, you must tell them about your history with the drug). They have to put a retainer ring in the eye during surgery to keep the iris from being vacuumed up during the procedure. In 10% of these cases, even if the surgery is successful, the patient ends up with a misshapen pupil that may be out of round, or elongated, etc. It is a distinct cosmetic blemish which is, once again, permanent. I am getting off this drug immediately even though my opthalmologist says the "horse is out of the barn". Maybe the Uros don't really understand this, or maybe they simply think it's not worth mentioning, however I think it is criminal to prescribe this stuff without full disclosure.

 

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  • Posted

    Been on Flomax for about 2 years  and my recent vision been going downhill fast.  During recent visits to both URO and GP, they acted concerned that I havn't seen opthamologist but didn't say why.  This may explain.

    • Posted

      Hello Vibes,

      I haven't heard about direct effects on vision, but you never know. Definitely worth a visit to the opthalmologist if you're having problems.

      Good luck!

  • Posted

    I was offered Flowmax at first presentation to my uro, had pre-researched, mentioned IFIS and that my mother had had cataracts and that I was worried it'd at least slightly muck cataract surgery for me if I ever went on it, he said yes don't have it then, and it wasn't mentioned again.  A retired colleague who is on it who I see only once a year, saw him last week, believes his flowmax has caused slight deterioration in his eyesight, I didn't press him for details as I was having to shout across two other people, one of whom was saying at this instant how he doesn't like Finasteride he's on - but didn't say why (although did say he does like the radical regrowth of hair on his bald spot, that it has caused - it often does that, I believe).  It's my fault they were talking about prostate stuff, had mentioned my issues and resolution via Holep earlier this year.  I managed never to take either of those meds as I'd read also that Finasteride in some cases - not sure if it's many - causes ED, or reduced libido in others, that can in some instances be irreversible once you're off it.  I'm quite glad I went direct to surgery. 

    • Posted

      Hi Paul, Glad your research was better than mine and that you managed to avoid this problem. I had read about it but the chart of side effects did not mention this was permanent and that it affected just about 100% of those who took it, even for a brief time.

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