Combination therapy in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia
Abstract
Background: The purpose of observational program of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) because of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) (LUTS/BPH) was to acquire additional pharmaco-epidemiological data on the safety and efficacy of combination therapy with finasteride and tamsulosin.
Methods: Observational program of men with BPH was conducted in urological outpatient clinics in Slovenia from April 2004 until November 2005. In open-label, non-interventional program 1173 patients were observed, who had been treated because of LUTS/BPH with combination therapy with finasteride and tamsulosin, in the framework of common treatment. At baseline and after six months of treatment for each patient the International Prostatic Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire and assessment of quality of life (QL) were filled in. In addition, urinary flow rate and prostate volume were determined. Adverse effects of drugs were reported spontaneously. For statistical analysis the Student’s t-test was performed.
Results: Combination therapy with finasteride and tamsulosin was well tolerated. 89 (7.6 %) patients discontinued with medication because of lack of efficacy or because of adverse effects of drugs. Symptom score, assessment of quality of patients’ lives and volume of prostates were significantly lower (p < 0.0001), while urinary flow rate was significantly higher (p < 0.0001) after six months of treatment with finasteride and tamsulosin.
Conclusions: Combination therapy of patients with LUTS/BPH with finasteride and tamsulosin is effective and safe.
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References
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