Flomax generic availability, cost, and dosage

In this article:

• Is there a generic for Flomax?
• What are the differences between brand-name and generic Flomax?
• How much is generic Flomax?
• Is Flomax (tamsulosin) covered by insurance?
• Generic alternatives to Flomax
• What's the best generic Flomax?

In this article

• Is there a generic for Flomax?
• What are the differences between brand-name and generic Flomax?
• How much is generic Flomax?
• Is Flomax (tamsulosin) covered by insurance?
• Generic alternatives to Flomax
• What's the best generic Flomax?

Flomax is the brand name for tamsulosin, a prescription drug approved to treat the symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. This drug relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder neck to treat symptoms like trouble urinating, frequent urination, and an increased need to urinate (urgency). Brand-name Flomax has been discontinued, but generic tamsulosin is available at most retail pharmacies. 

Is there a generic for Flomax?

A generic version of Flomax has been available since it was first approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2010. The name of the generic version of Flomax is tamsulosin. Once the generic was released onto the market, it became a popular option due to lower costs compared to the brand-name version. 

What are the differences between brand-name and generic Flomax?

Brand-name and generic Flomax contain the same active ingredient and should be equally effective for BPH symptoms. The generic version has undergone studies that have shown it to be bioequivalent, meaning it has the same effectiveness and potential side effects as the brand-name drug. It also gets released into the bloodstream at the same rate and works the same way in the body. 

While the generic version is approved by the FDA, manufacturers may still use different formulations. The differences in brand-name and generic Flomax may include:

• The color, shape, and size of the medication 
• The markings or engravings on the tablet or capsule
• Inactive ingredients, such as binders, fillers, and dyes

Studies have shown that the clinical outcomes of using a generic drug are similar to those of the brand-name drug. However, one of the main concerns with using a generic version is the potential for allergic reactions, often due to specific inactive ingredients that are not in the brand-name version. 

Pharmacies may switch which manufacturer they carry based on what’s in stock and what their wholesaler is offering at a better price. Therefore, the appearance of the generic capsule can change from one refill to the next. While the medication should work the same, some people prefer taking the version they’re used to. It’s possible to ask your pharmacy whether they can order from the same manufacturer for future refills.

How much is generic Flomax?

The cost of generic Flomax without insurance depends on various factors, such as the strength and quantity of the capsules, as well as the pharmacy it’s purchased from.

Prescription drug prices often change. These are the most accurate medication prices at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of Jan. 5, 2026. The listed price without insurance references the price of brand-name drugs (unless otherwise specified). The listed SingleCare price references the price of generic drugs if available. 

Is Flomax (tamsulosin) covered by insurance?

Generic Flomax (tamsulosin) is generally covered by insurance plans, including commercial insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid plans. The generic can often be found on a preferred tier of insurance formularies, which means it usually comes with a lower copay than brand-name medications.  

Coverage can still vary from plan to plan, especially for higher doses or extended refills. Medicare Part D plans typically cover tamsulosin for BPH without requiring step therapy, but commercial plans may have quantity limits.

Generic alternatives to Flomax

If generic Flomax isn’t the right choice for whatever reason, whether because of side effects, cost, or availability, your healthcare provider may recommend one of several other generic Flomax alternatives  that work similarly for BPH, for example:

• Uroxatral (alfuzosin) 
• Rapaflo (silodosin) 
• Hytrin (terazosin) 
• Cardura (doxazosin) 
• Jalyn (dutasteride-tamsulosin) 
• Avodart (dutasteride) 
• Proscar (finasteride) 

Some medications may also have off-label uses, or uses beyond their FDA-approved indications. For example, alpha blockers like doxazosin and terazosin may also be used to treat high blood pressure (hypertension) or other bladder problems not caused by BPH. In addition, finasteride and dutasteride may sometimes be used off-label in certain androgen-related conditions.-

If you’re switching from Flomax to another BPH medication, the switch is usually straightforward. Most healthcare providers may recommend stopping Flomax and starting the new medication the next day, usually at the lowest starting dose. Since some alternatives can lower blood pressure more than others, a healthcare provider might recommend taking the first doses of the new drug at bedtime to watch for dizziness or lightheadedness.

What’s the best generic Flomax? 

Various manufacturers produce generic Flomax, which may explain the differences in appearance in the capsules. Although they might slightly differ in appearance, there should be no significant difference in effectiveness. Most patients do well with generic tamsulosin, no matter who the manufacturer is, and there is no strong clinical evidence that suggests otherwise.

Manufacturers of generic Flomax may include:

• Teva Pharmaceuticals
• Sandoz 
• Zydus Pharmaceuticals
• Impax Laboratories
• Aurobindo Pharma
• Ascent Pharmaceuticals
• Macleods Pharma
• ScieGen Pharmaceuticals
• Alkem Labs
• Synthon
• Chartwell Pharmaceuticals

Some people may report differences in capsule coatings, dyes, or mild digestive side effects between manufacturers. However, these differences usually come from the inactive ingredients, not the active drug itself. If someone reacts to a specific generic version, they can ask their pharmacy or healthcare provider about trying a different manufacturer.