- Indication
- Hypertension, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
- RAG rating
- n/a
- Document type
- Patient information
- Place
- Hertfordshire and West Essex ICB
- Output type
- Pharmacy / Prescribing
- Information leaflet
- Doxazosin-Prolonged-Release-Patient-Information-Leaflet.docx
Doxazosin Prolonged-Release Patient Information Leaflet
Prolonged-release doxazosin – Information for Patients
NHS guidance states that some medicines should not routinely be prescribed. This is because the medicines are:
· Not as safe as other medicines OR
· Not as good (effective) as other medicines OR
· More expensive than other medicines that do the same thing.
One of these medicines is prolonged-release doxazosin.
This document will explain why the changes are happening and where you can get more information and support.
What is doxazosin?
Doxazosin is a medicine that can be used to treat high blood pressure and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition where the prostate gland gets bigger.
There are two forms of doxazosin tablets, immediate-release and prolonged-release, and both are taken once a day. Prolonged-release doxazosin is also sometimes called modified-release and its most common trade name is Cardura XL®, although other brands are available.
Why will prolonged-release doxazosin not be prescribed anymore?
There is no good evidence of extra benefit for prolonged-release over immediate-release doxazosin tablets. Both forms lower blood pressure and help the symptoms of BPH.
Prolonged-release doxazosin is much more expensive than immediate-release but provides no more benefit to patients, so is not good value for money.
Immediate-release doxazosin will still be available on prescription.
What options are available instead of prolonged-release doxazosin?
Your prescription for prolonged-release doxazosin will be changed to the immediate-release doxazosin, which will still be available.
In some cases, your prescriber may review your blood pressure treatment, as there are other medicines that may be better if you have not had them before.
What do I do if my medicine has been changed and it’s causing me problems?
You are very unlikely to have any problems changing from prolonged-release to immediate-release doxazosin as the two forms contain the same medicine; however, if you do you should speak to your prescriber.
Where can I find more information and support?
- You can speak to your local pharmacist, GP practice team or the person who prescribed the medication to you.
- National and local charities can offer advice and support.
- The Patients Association can also offer support and advice: www.patients-association.org.uk/ or call 0800 345 7115.
- Healthwatch: www.healthwatch.co.uk
Find out more about the medicines that are being stopped or reduced: https://www.england.nhs.uk/publication/items-which-should-not-routinely-be-prescribed-in-primary-care-policy-guidance/