Tamsulosin Hcl Drug Details (Generic)
Therapeutic Class:
Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor antagonists (alpha-blockers)
Forms:
Oral capsule
Administration:
By mouth
Therapeutic Uses:
To treat the symptoms of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
Controlled Status:
Not a controlled substance
Tamsulosin (Flomax) Drug Class
Tamsulosin (tam-soo-loe-sin) belongs to a group of medications called alpha-blockers.
Tamsulosin (Flomax) Age Range
Tamsulosin is approved for use in adult men. This medication is not indicated or approved for use in women and children.
Flomax Drug Details (Brand)
Therapeutic Class:
Alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blocker
Forms:
Capsule
Administration:
By mouth
Therapeutic Uses:
Benign prostatic hyperplasia BPH
Controlled Status:
Not a controlled substance
What is Flomax (tamsulosin)
Flomax (floh maks) belongs to a group of medications called alpha-1 adrenergic receptor blockers. It is a prescription oral capsule that is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, which is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland in men.
There may be other uses of Flomax - your pharmacist or health care provider can give you more information.
Who can take Flomax (tamsulosin)
Flomax is FDA-approved to treat BPH in adult men over the age of 18 years.
Tamsulosin Hcl Uses (Generic)
Tamsulosin (Flomax) Uses
Tamsulosin is used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH. It is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland that causes symptoms such as hesitation, dribbling, weak urine stream, incomplete bladder emptying, painful urination, urinary frequency, urgency, and incontinence.
There may be other uses of tamsulosin—your pharmacist or doctor can give you further drug information.
Tamsulosin (Flomax) Mechanism of Action
Tamsulosin works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder to promote easier flow of urine and relieve difficulty urinating.
Tamsulosin (Flomax) Doses
Flomax (tamsulosin) comes as a 0.4-mg oral capsule. The medicine should be taken once daily, half an hour after the same meal each day.
Flomax Uses (Brand)
What is Flomax (tamsulosin) used for?
Flomax is a prescription alpha-blocker used to treat the signs and symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland in men. Symptoms of BPH can include difficulty urinating (frequency, urgency, dribbling, hesitation, weak stream, pain with urination, and incomplete emptying of the bladder).
How does Flomax (tamsulosin) work?
Flomax selectively relaxes the muscles of the prostate and urinary bladder, making it easier for urine to flow. This can help improve urination in men with BPH.
What are Flomax (tamsulosin) doses?
Flomax is available as a 0.4-mg capsule. The usual dose is 0.4 mg Flomax once a day. If you fail to respond to Flomax 0.4 mg, your doctor may increase the dose to 0.8 mg daily after 2-4 weeks. The maximum daily dose of Flomax is 0.8 mg per day.
Tamsulosin Hcl Directions (Generic)
How To Use Tamsulosin (Flomax)
Take the tamsulosin capsule by mouth once daily, 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Swallow the capsule whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew it.
Read the prescription label and package insert carefully. Take tamsulosin exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not change the dose or dosing frequency without your doctor’s approval.
Your doctor will start you on tamsulosin 0.4 mg daily. They may increase the dose to 0.8 mg daily, if needed, after 2-4 weeks.
Tamsulosin can control lower urinary tract symptoms related to benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) as long as you continue taking the medicine. It will not, however, shrink the prostate gland or cure your BPH. Continue tamsulosin therapy even if your symptoms are well controlled. Do not discontinue treatment without consulting your healthcare provider.
Missed dose: If you miss a dose of tamsulosin, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next dose according to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double or extra doses to make up for a missed dose. If you miss several days of your tamsulosin dose, call your healthcare provider, especially if you are on a higher dose (0.8 mg daily). You may need to restart tamsulosin at a lower dose again (0.4 mg daily).
Storage: Store tamsulosin at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in its original container, tightly closed. Do not store medications in the bathroom where they can be exposed to moisture and heat. Keep all medications safely out of reach of children and pets.
Unused medicine: Unused or expired tamsulosin should be disposed of in a way that children, other people, and pets cannot get to them. Do not throw tamsulosin in the trash or flush it down the toilet. The best way to dispose of expired or unneeded tamsulosin is through a drug take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal.
NOTE: This medication guide is a summary and may not contain all possible drug information on tamsulosin. The information contained here may not be up-to-date. This sheet is for information purposes only. If you have questions about tamsulosin, talk to your doctor for medical advice.
Discounted prices for tamsulosin (Flomax)
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Flomax Directions (Brand)
How should I take Flomax (tamsulosin)?
Take Flomax drug as directed by your physician and/or pharmacist. This medicine is taken orally (by mouth) with water, 30 minutes after the same meal every day. You should swallow the capsule whole. Do not break, chew, crush, or open Flomax capsules.
Follow the instructions on your prescription label for the correct Flomax dosage and frequency. Take your medicine regularly at around the same time every day. Do not take more or less medication or take it more frequently or less frequently than prescribed.
Flomax will control your symptoms, but it will not cure your condition. Continue taking the medicine even if your symptoms are better. Do not stop taking Flomax without checking with your doctor first.
Missed dose: If you forget to take a dose of Flomax, take the medicine as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take an extra dose to make up for a missed dose.
If you interrupt Flomax treatment for several days or longer, talk to your doctor before restarting the medication. You will need to start at a lower dose if you previously took more than one capsule of Flomax in a day.
Storage: Store Flomax at room temperature (between 15-30° C or 59-86° F) away from moisture, heat, and direct light in a tightly closed container. Keep all medications out of reach of children and pets.
Unused medicine: Throw away any expired or unused Flomax. Do not flush the medicine down the toilet. The best way to dispose of the medicine is through a medication take-back program. Learn more about proper medication disposal.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary and may not contain all possible Flomax information. It is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have questions about the Flomax drug, ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information to ensure proper medical care is provided.
Discounted prices for Flomax (tamsulosin)
start at $8.37.
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Tamsulosin Hcl Side Effects (Generic)
Tamsulosin (Flomax) Side Effects
Common side effects of tamsulosin are listed below. Call your doctor for medical advice if these side effects are severe or continue after a few days.
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep)
- Diarrhea
- Back pain
- Weakness
- Facial pain or pressure
- Runny nose or stuffy nose
- Signs of infection (fever, chills, cough, sore throat)
- Blurred vision
- Abnormal ejaculation
Less commonly, tamsulosin can cause serious adverse reactions, including allergic reactions. Call your doctor right away or seek emergency medical attention if you develop:
- Severe skin reaction (rash, hives, itching)
- Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, tongue, throat, hands, or feet
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Priapism (a painful or prolonged erection that lasts several hours)
The above list may not include all the potential side effects of tamsulosin. Contact your health care provider if your side effects are unusual or severe or they do not get better over time. You can also report unusual side effects to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Tamsulosin (Flomax) Overdose: In case of an overdose of tamsulosin, call your doctor immediately. You can also call the National Poison Control Center at 1-800-222-1222. Call 911 if a person has collapsed, stopped breathing, stopped responding, or had a seizure. Symptoms of a tamsulosin overdose may include lightheadedness, blurred vision, fainting, headache, and stomach upset.
Source: FDA
Flomax Side Effects (Brand)
What are Flomax (tamsulosin) side effects?
Possible side effects of Flomax are listed below. Contact your doctor if these side effects are severe or do not improve with time.
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Problems with ejaculation
- Weakness
- Insomnia (trouble falling asleep or staying asleep)
- Diarrhea
- Back pain
- Blurred vision
- Pain or pressure in the face
- Sore throat, cough, fever, chills
Flomax can cause certain serious adverse effects. Call your doctor right away if you experience:
- Rash, hives, itching
- Swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, tongue, throat, hands, feet
- A painful erection that lasts for hours
The above list may not include all the potential side effects of Flomax. Talk to your doctor if you have severe side effects or the side effects do not improve over time. You can also report an unusual or allergic reaction to the Food and Drug Administration at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Flomax Overdose: Call your doctor and get medical attention immediately in case of a known or suspected overdose. If the person can’t be awakened, has had a seizure, or has trouble breathing, call 911 or take them to the nearest emergency room. Symptoms of a Flomax overdose may include headache, dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, and stomach upset.
NOTE: Flomax is a prescription drug intended to be used only by the respective owners. Never share your prescription medication with others or use someone else’s medicine.
Source: FDA
Tamsulosin Hcl Warnings (Generic)
Tamsulosin (Flomax) Risks, Warnings, and Complications
Tamsulosin can cause or worsen health problems in certain people. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other treatment options for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) if you are at increased risk of adverse reactions from taking tamsulosin. Some of the risks of tamsulosin use include:
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Precautions Before Starting Tamsulosin (Flomax)
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to tamsulosin, any of the active or inactive ingredients in tamsulosin capsules, sulfa drugs, other alpha-blockers, or any other drugs. Your pharmacy can give you a list of ingredients.
Give your doctor and pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products. This can help avoid possible interactions between tamsulosin and your other medicines.
Give your doctor a complete medical history. Tamsulosin may not be safe for people with certain medical conditions such as low blood pressure, kidney disease, liver disease, or prostate cancer.
Tamsulosin is not intended for use by women, especially women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. If a pregnant woman accidentally takes tamsulosin, contact a healthcare provider.
Precautions During Use of Tamsulosin (Flomax)
Keep all your medical and lab appointments while on tamsulosin. Your doctor may adjust your dose based on how the medication affects your BPH symptoms. They will also monitor you for serious side effects.
Tamsulosin can make you feel dizzy and lightheaded and cause blurred vision, confusion, and reduced mental alertness. Do not drive a motor vehicle, operate heavy machinery, or do other hazardous activities until you know how this medicine affects you.
Avoid drinking alcohol while on tamsulosin. Alcohol can make tamsulosin-related dizziness worse.
Tamsulosin affects blood pressure and can cause lightheadedness and dizziness when changing positions (for example, when going from a lying or sitting position to standing). To prevent falls, place your feet on the ground for a few minutes when getting out of bed. Tell your healthcare provider if you experience severe dizziness or fainting after taking tamsulosin.
Tell all your healthcare providers you are taking tamsulosin, especially before any eye surgery.
Tamsulosin (Flomax) Drug Interactions
Certain other drugs and tamsulosin interact, and this can increase the risk of severe side effects. Your doctor may change your dose, switch you to a different medication, and/or monitor you closely for adverse effects if there are known interactions between tamsulosin and your other medications. Known interactions with tamsulosin include:
- Antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole and terbinafine
- Certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin
- Some antidepressants, for example, paroxetine
- Medications used to prevent stomach acid production, such as cimetidine
- PDE5 inhibitors used to treat erectile dysfunction (impotence) and pulmonary arterial hypertension (high blood pressure in the lungs), for example, sildenafil and tadalafil
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners) such as warfarin
- Other alpha blockers
This list may not include all the drugs that interact with or affect tamsulosin. Give your healthcare professional a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medications.
Flomax Warnings (Brand)
What are the risks of taking Flomax (tamsulosin)?
Flomax can cause serious health problems, especially in certain high-risk patients.
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What should I tell my doctor before starting Flomax (tamsulosin)?
Tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to tamsulosin, sulfa drugs, or other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of active and inactive ingredients in Flomax.
Tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions. Flomax may not be suitable for people with certain medical conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, or prostate cancer.
Be sure to give your doctor a complete list of medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, nutritional supplements, vitamins, and herbal products. This can help avoid serious drug interactions.
Flomax is only approved for use in men. Women should not take Flomax, especially if they are pregnant or breastfeeding. If a pregnant woman takes Flomax, she should call her doctor.
What precautions should I take while on Flomax (tamsulosin)?
Keep all appointments with your doctor while on Flomax. Your doctor may start you on a low dose of the medication and increase the dose based on your response. They may also order lab work.
Flomax can make you drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do anything that requires your full attention before knowing how this medicine affects you. You should avoid standing for long or becoming overheated while exercising in hot weather. Remember, drinking alcohol can make drowsiness from prescription medications worse.
Tell your healthcare providers you are on Flomax before undergoing any surgery. Be sure to tell your eye surgeon you are on Flomax before undergoing an eye surgery such as cataract surgery. Also, tell your dentist you are on Flomax before undergoing dental surgery.
What are Flomax (tamsulosin) interactions?
Taking Flomax with some other medications can affect how the medication works. Drug interactions can also increase the risk of serious side effects. Your physician may choose a different BPH medication for you, change the dose or frequency of one or both medicines, and/or closely monitor you for side effects if there are known interactions between Flomax and your other medications.
Using Flomax with the following medications is not recommended:
- Boceprevir
There can also be interactions between Flomax and medications such as:
- Other alpha-blockers like alfuzosin (Uroxatral), terazosin (Hytrin), prazosin (Minipress), and doxazosin (Cardura).
- Anticoagulants or blood thinners like warfarin (Coumadin)
- Cimetidine (Tagamet)
- Medications for erectile dysfunction (ED) such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra).
This list may not describe all possible Flomax interactions. Give your healthcare provider a complete list of your medications, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, vitamins and dietary supplements, and natural products. Also, tell your health care provider if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription drugs.
Tamsulosin Hcl Pros & Cons (Generic)
Tamsulosin (Flomax) Pros and Cons
- Tamsulosin is a first-choice medication for treating symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland.
- You only need to take this medicine once daily by mouth.
- There is a lower-cost generic available.
- Tamsulosin affects blood pressure less than some of the other medications used to treat symptoms of BPH, such as terazosin.
- Tamsulosin only treats the symptoms of BPH. It does not decrease the size of the prostate gland or cure the condition.
- You need to take tamsulosin 30 minutes after the same meal each day.
- This drug may not be safe for people with an allergy to sulfa drugs.
- Tamsulosin can cause sexual side effects such as abnormal ejaculation or decreased interest in sex (low libido).
Flomax Pros & Cons (Brand)
What are the pros and cons of Flomax (tamsulosin)?
- Flomax can improve urination with fewer side effects compared to similar medications.
- You only have to take this medicine once a day.
- A low-cost generic version is available. You can also get the brand-name drug at low prices with a BuzzRx Flomax coupon.
- Flomax relieves symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia but does not cure the condition.
- It can cause orthostatic hypotension (a sudden drop in blood pressure if you stand up too quickly from sitting or lying down).
- Flomax can have sexual side effects.
Tamsulosin Hcl Pharmacist Tips (Generic)
Tamsulosin (Flomax) Tips from Pharmacists
Take the tamsulosin capsule 30 minutes after the same meal each day.
Swallow the tamsulosin capsule whole. Do not cut, crush, or chew it.
If you miss a dose of Flomax (tamsulosin), take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the forgotten dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double or extra doses to make up for a forgotten dose. If you forget to take tamsulosin for several days in a row, call your doctor. You may need to restart at a lower dose again.
Tamsulosin can cause dizziness when going from a lying or sitting position to standing. Get out of bed slowly to prevent falls.
Tamsulosin can cause dizziness and blurred vision. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how the medication affects you.
Tamsulosin can cause complications during eye surgery. Tell the eye surgeon you are on this medicine before any scheduled surgical procedure on your eyes.
Flomax Pharmacist Tips (Brand)
Flomax (tamsulosin) tips from pharmacists
Take your Flomax capsule 30 minutes after the same meal every day. This can help prevent the medication from getting absorbed too quickly and causing side effects.
Make sure you swallow the Flomax capsule whole. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsule.
Flomax can cause low blood pressure, especially if you stand up quickly from a sitting or lying position. Stand up slowly from sitting or standing while on Flomax treatment.
Dizziness and drowsiness are possible side effects of Flomax. Do not drive or do anything that requires focus until you know how it affects you.
Tamsulosin Hcl Rx Savings Tips (Generic)
Tamsulosin (Flomax) Rx Savings Tips
Tamsulosin is a generic medication and is available at significantly lower prices than the brand name. Brand name Flomax and generic tamsulosin contain the same medicine and are equally effective and safe. Like with most medications, the generic version offers better value. A BuzzRx tamsulosin coupon can result in big savings on the generic and brand name forms of the drug. With a BuzzRx discount card, savings card, or discount coupons, the medication could cost you a fraction of retail prices. Tamsulosin may be under $10.00 for 90 capsules of the 0.4 mg dose at Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, CVS Pharmacy, and other participating pharmacies with a BuzzRx discount card or free coupon. For the biggest discounts on tamsulosin, give the checkout clerk your BuzzRx tamsulosin discount coupon when you drop off your prescriptions.
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Brand $31.06 | Generic $9.95 |
VIEW DISCOUNTS Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions. Select the strength and quantity of your medication for the most accurate pricing. |
Flomax Rx Savings Tips (Brand)
Flomax (tamsulosin) Rx savings tips
Flomax is available as a generic medication tamsulosin, which can be significantly cheaper than the brand name version. Brand name Flomax and generic tamsulosin contain the same medicine and are equally effective and safe. Like with most medications, the generic medicine offers better value. However, a BuzzRx Flomax coupon can result in big discounts on the brand-name drug. With a BuzzRx savings card, discount card, or discount coupons, the medication could cost you a fraction of retail Flomax prices. Brand name Flomax may be under $270 for 30 capsules at participating pharmacies in our network such as Walgreens Pharmacy, Rite Aid Pharmacy, CVS Pharmacy, or your preferred pharmacy with a BuzzRx discount card or savings card.
Lowest Price for Flomax (tamsulosin) | |
Brand $279.55 | Generic $8.37 |
VIEW DISCOUNTS Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions. Select the strength and quantity of your medication for the most accurate pricing. |
Tamsulosin Hcl Common Questions (Generic)
Common Questions about Tamsulosin (Flomax)
How much does tamsulosin shrink the prostate?Tamsulosin does not shrink the prostate. It works by relaxing the muscles of the prostate and bladder to relieve symptoms of an enlarged prostate. |
What is the best time of day to take tamsulosin?You can take tamsulosin at any time of the day. However, you should take the medicine 30 minutes after the same meal every day. Some people find that taking tamsulosin at night helps to prevent nighttime urine production and nighttime awakenings to urinate. |
Does tamsulosin work immediately?Studies show that tamsulosin starts working from the first dose to relieve lower urinary tract symptoms. However, it can take 1-3 months to get the full benefits of this medicine. |
Can I take 2 tamsulosin a day?The usual dose of tamsulosin is 0.4 mg, one capsule once daily. Your healthcare provider may increase the dose to 0.8 mg daily if needed. In this case, you can take 2 tamsulosin 0.4 mg capsules together (for a total dose of 0.8 mg daily). |
Can I have sex while on tamsulosin?Yes, you can have sexual intercourse while on tamsulosin. This medicine can, however, cause decreased interest in sex (low libido) and ejaculation problems. Seek emergency medical attention if you develop a painful or prolonged erection that lasts more than 4 hours. This is called priapism, and it is a medical emergency. |
What is the price of tamsulosin without insurance?Without insurance, tamsulosin can be as high as $321.38, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $9.95 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not. |
What is the price of tamsulosin with insurance?Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on tamsulosin—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins. You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for tamsulosin. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
Flomax Common Questions (Brand)
Common Questions about Flomax (tamsulosin)
Does Flomax make you pee more?Flomax relaxes the muscles of the prostate and bladder to improve urination. This can increase the flow of urine and make you feel like you are peeing more. |
What is the best time of day to take Flomax?Take your Flomax 30 minutes after breakfast, if you can. This can make it easier to urinate throughout the day. You can also take the capsule 30 minutes after lunch or dinner. Take your medicine at around the same time every day. |
Why do you have to wait 30 minutes after you eat to take Flomax?Taking Flomax on an empty stomach allows more of the medication to be absorbed quickly. However, this can cause more side effects, such as a drop in blood pressure when you stand up from sitting or lying. |
How long does it take for Flomax to start working?It can take 2-6 weeks for you to notice the full benefits of Flomax. If you do not respond to the 0.4 mg dose of Flomax, your doctor may increase the dose to 0.8 mg daily after 2-4 weeks. |
Do I have to take Flomax forever?Flomax is used for the long-term treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. If you stop taking the medication for several days or longer, talk to your doctor before restarting it. |
What is the price of Flomax without insurance?Without insurance, Flomax can be as high as $116.32 (generic), but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $8.37 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
What is the price of Flomax with insurance?Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on Flomax—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins. You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for Flomax. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medication, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not. |
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