Mylan, Teva Pharma get approval for generic version of blockbuster prostate drug Flomax

Mylan starts shipping generic version of Flomax

PITTSBURGH — Two of the world’s largest generic drugmakers said Wednesday they started selling their own versions of Flomax, a drug that treats enlarged prostate, after getting approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

Flomax is used to treat men who have trouble urinating due to an enlarged prostate.

Mylan Inc. and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd. both announced the launch of their drugs on Wednesday. They are the second and third companies to start selling a generic version of Flomax, or tamsulosin hydrochloride. Impax Laboratories began selling an authorized generic in early March under an agreement with Boehringer Ingelheim, the company that developed the drug.

Boehringer Ingelheim is based in Germany and sells Flomax through a partnership with Astellas Pharma of Japan. Mylan said worldwide sales totaled $2.2 billion in 2009.

Mylan stock rose 12 cents to $21.48 in morning trading, while Teva stock shed 15 cents to $59.55.