Consumer Reports is out with a new study that shows older is sometimes better when it comes to pricey prescription drugs.

Flomax is one of the most widely-advertised prescription drugs, which could explain why it was one of the 20 most commonly prescribed drugs last year.

Flomax treats the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. But it's not the only drug that does this.

Consumer Reports' Best Buy Drugs report reviewed more than 60 medical studies and found that a generic called doxazosin "is as safe and effective" as Flomax.

And it costs a whole lot less. A month's supply of Flomax costs between $250 and $300. The same amount of doxazosin is only $5 to $10.

That means switching from Flomax to doxazosin could save the average patient about $3,000 a year.

Dr. John Santa, direct or Consumer Reports Health Center, says because of all the advertising, Flomax is now "overprescribed."

"When a pharmaceutical company spends more than $100 million to advertise a drug, many physicians and many consumers tend to think they should start out with the brand drug.

"We're trying to urge both doctors and consumers to rethink that and give the less expensive, but likely equally effective alternative a try first," he said.

For more information:

Say no to Flomax, save up to $3,000 a year