Managing Side Effects of UroLift: Should You Stop the Medication?

The side effects of Urelife are too strong. Should I stop taking the medication on my own?

I was recently diagnosed with chronic prostatitis.
After undergoing urination and blood tests, most of the indices were normal, and I am currently classified as having non-bacterial chronic prostatitis.
My doctor prescribed Uroflow (4 mg) to be taken once a day, which significantly improved my frequent urination and lower back pain.
However, on the fourth day of taking the medication, I experienced severe side effects.
Initially, it was just a runny nose leading to nasal congestion, which later subsided, but I then developed a sore throat, specifically in the hard palate area.
This has caused intense pain when drinking water, eating, and swallowing saliva.
I have been on the medication for nine days now, and there are no signs of relief from this pain, which is causing me considerable distress.
I am unsure whether I should continue taking Uroflow or not.
The purpose of taking this medication was to improve my frequent urination and enhance my quality of life, but while it alleviated some symptoms, it also brought about throat pain as a side effect.

I would like to ask the doctor what I should do:
1.
Should I stop the medication immediately and wait for my follow-up appointment (which is scheduled in five days), or should I go to the emergency room? Will stopping the medication lead to drug resistance?
2.
Or should I continue taking it, considering this might be a normal reaction that my body will eventually adapt to?
I would greatly appreciate any valuable advice from the doctors.
Thank you.

TSAO, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2018/05/10

Dr. Liu Mingyue reply Urology

Please cherish our online medical resources.
When asking the same question, please specify only one physician or nutritionist.
It is recommended to consult the urology department at the hospital.
Wishing you good health.

Reply Date: 2018/05/10

More Info

Managing side effects from medications like UroLift (Urief) can be challenging, especially when you're dealing with chronic prostatitis and the associated symptoms of urinary frequency and discomfort. It’s great to hear that you’ve experienced some improvement in your symptoms, but it’s concerning that you’re now facing significant side effects, particularly throat pain.

Firstly, it’s important to understand that while medications can provide relief from symptoms, they can also lead to unwanted side effects. In your case, the nasal congestion and subsequent throat pain you’re experiencing could be related to the medication, although it’s not a commonly reported side effect of Urief. Throat pain, especially if localized to the roof of the mouth, could also be due to other factors such as an allergic reaction, irritation from dry air, or even an unrelated viral infection.

1. Should You Stop the Medication?
Given that you are experiencing persistent throat pain that is affecting your ability to eat and drink, it would be prudent to consult with your healthcare provider sooner than your scheduled appointment in five days. If the pain is severe and impacting your quality of life, visiting an urgent care or emergency room may be warranted. Stopping the medication abruptly is generally not associated with developing drug resistance, especially with medications like Urief, which are not typically used long-term. However, it’s always best to discuss any changes in medication with your doctor.

2. Is This a Normal Side Effect?
While some side effects can diminish over time as your body adjusts to the medication, persistent throat pain is not typical and should not be ignored. It’s crucial to differentiate between common side effects that may resolve and those that could indicate a more serious reaction. If your throat pain continues or worsens, it’s essential to seek medical advice.

3. Managing Side Effects
If you decide to continue with the medication, consider some supportive measures to alleviate throat discomfort. Staying hydrated, using throat lozenges, and possibly gargling with warm salt water may provide some relief. However, these should not replace professional medical advice.

4. Follow-Up Care
When you do see your doctor, be sure to discuss all your symptoms in detail, including the timeline of when they started and how they have progressed. Your doctor may consider adjusting your medication or exploring alternative treatments that can help manage your chronic prostatitis without causing significant side effects.

In summary, while Urief has provided some benefits in managing your urinary symptoms, the throat pain you are experiencing is concerning and should be addressed promptly. It’s important to communicate openly with your healthcare provider about your symptoms and any side effects you encounter. They can help determine the best course of action, whether that involves continuing the medication with monitoring, switching to a different treatment, or addressing the throat pain directly. Your health and comfort should always be the priority.

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