Physician Support
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)		  
 

Viadur is indicated in the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer and not for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Bayer is not responsible for, and does not endorse, any of the information found on this page.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is the abnormal growth of benign (not cancerous) prostate cells.1 In BPH, the prostate grows larger and pushes against the urethra and bladder, blocking the normal flow of urine.2 More than half of the men in the U.S. between the ages of 60 and 70 have symptoms of BPH.3 Although this condition is seldom a threat to life, it may require treatment to relieve symptoms.

What are some problems BPH can lead to?

BPH can sometimes lead to bothersome problems with urination, such as frequent daytime and nighttime urination, dribbling, and difficulty starting and stopping urine flows.4 However, a completely blocked urethra is a medical emergency requiring immediate catheterization, a procedure in which a tube called a catheter is inserted through the penis into the bladder, to allow urine to escape. Other serious potential complications include bladder stones and bleeding.5

How do I choose a treatment?

Typically, the options to treat BPH depend on what the man prefers.6 As with other diseases of the prostate, the most important part of treatment is regularly meeting with your doctor and discussing your current symptoms.7 For instance, some men want immediate relief and are willing to undergo surgery or try a drug regimen to get relief.8 Some men also want to start taking drugs, even if their only symptom is an elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) level.9 PSA, a protein produced in prostate cells, is frequently present in elevated levels in men who have a prostate disease.10 Others are reluctant, often unwilling, to undergo surgery or to take pills daily for an extended period.

Call the doctor if:

PHYSICIANS- Feel free to add your personal comments here.

Doctor’s instructions:

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Viadur is indicated in the palliative treatment of advanced prostate cancer and not for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

References available at http://www.viadur.com

 

Important Safety Considerations
Viadur should not be used by patients who are allergic to the drug leuprolide. Viadur should not be used by women or children and was not studied in women or children. Viadur, like other similar medications, causes a temporary increase of testosterone in the blood during the first week of treatment. During this initial period, patients may experience worsening of symptoms or onset of new symptoms including bone pain, nervous system distribances, blood in the urine, difficulty urinating, and spinal cord compression. During treatment, the most common side effects reported throughout the body were hot flashes, lack of energy, breast enlargement, depression, and sweating. The most common side effects reported where the implant was inserted in the arm were bruising and burning.

See Your Healthcare Provider
Remember, your doctor or health care provider is the single best source of information regarding you and your health. Please consult your doctor if you have any questions about your health, your symptoms, or your medication.

This information does not take the place of your doctor’s advice or instructions but should help answer some of the questions you might have about prostate cancer therapies.
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Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals
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© Copyright 2007 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals. Viadur is a trademark of ALZA Corporation under license to Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals. DUROS® is a registered trademark of ALZA Corporation.

The information provided on Bayer products is only intended for the United States audience. Regulatory requirements, regulations, laws, and distribution of information about drug products may vary from country to country. Product names and indications (product uses) also may be different in different countries. The prescribing information provided here is based on United States labeling and may not be appropriate outside of the United States.