Hall of Fame Baseball Legend Mike Schmidt Speaks Out for the First Time About Common Health Problem in Older Men

BRIDGEWATER, N.J. (Map) - BRIDGEWATER, N.J., June 19 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Hall of Fame third baseman and Philadelphia Phillies legend Mike Schmidt and Minor League Baseball(TM) (MiLB) have teamed up to launch BPH Game Plan Starts with U: Catch the Whole Game campaign, a program in the U.S. to raise awareness of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH), commonly known as enlarged prostate, and to encourage men to speak with their doctors about managing their symptoms.

Mike Schmidt is one of the millions of men in the United States affected by the symptoms of BPH. BPH is a progressive but manageable condition in which the prostate becomes enlarged causing frequent and urgent urination, the need to urinate at night, weak urinary stream and the feeling of incomplete bladder emptying(1). About half of all men 50+(2) and as many as 90 percent of men 70+ are affected by symptoms of BPH(3).

"I knew once I turned 50 that there would be changes in my body, but I was not prepared for the frequent and urgent needs to use the bathroom. These bathroom breaks got in the way of life's normal moments," explains Schmidt. "When my doctor diagnosed me with BPH, I was relieved to learn that it was a common condition. I was also relieved to know BPH is not cancer. Together, we developed a game plan to manage my symptoms with Uroxatral(R) (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets).

Best known for leading the Philadelphia Phillies to a World Series victory in 1980, Schmidt began experiencing the frequent and urgent need to use the bathroom nine years ago. At his family's urging, Schmidt made an appointment to see his doctor, who told him the constant bathroom breaks weren't just signs of getting older -- they were caused by an enlarged prostate or BPH.

"While this may be an uncomfortable subject, opening a dialogue with your doctor about urinary symptoms is an important first step to effectively manage an enlarged prostate," said Kevin McVary, M.D., Professor of Urology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. "If you're experiencing urinary symptoms associated with BPH, it's important to talk to your physician about the right treatment option to manage your symptoms."

Through the BPH Game Plan Starts with U: Catch the Whole Game campaign, Schmidt is traveling to Minor League Baseball(TM) games across the U.S. to share his personal experience with BPH and urge men to talk to their doctors and sign up for free prostate screenings at their local hospitals. For more information on BPH and local events with Mike Schmidt, visit www.TalkAboutBPH.com. This Web site also provides tips about how to start a dialogue with your physician, as well as a symptom assessment tool, information on BPH and treatment options.

BPH Game Plan Starts with U is supported by sanofi-aventis.

About Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

BPH is defined as a progressive condition in which prostate cells grow more rapidly than normal and cause the prostate to become enlarged. Approximately 4 out of 5 men will develop BPH in their lifetime. Symptoms of BPH vary, but the most common involve changes or problems with urination that disrupt a man's personal and professional life with interruptions on a daily basis(4). Symptoms of BPH include frequent and urgent urination, the need to urinate at night, weak urinary stream and feeling of incomplete bladder emptying. If left untreated, men could be at risk for sexual dysfunction(4), acute urinary retention, bladder infections, bladder stones, and even kidney damage. It's important to know that BPH is not prostate cancer. Although some of the symptoms of BPH and prostate cancer are similar, having BPH does not seem to increase the chances of developing prostate cancer.

About Minor League Baseball(TM):

Minor League Baseball is the governing body for all professional baseball teams in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean that are affiliated with Major League Baseball through their farm systems. The Minor League Baseball Office is located in downtown St. Petersburg, Fla. With 176 teams in the United States, Canada and Mexico, fans are coming out in unprecedented numbers to this one-of-kind experience that can only be found at Minor League Baseball ballparks. From the electricity in the stands to the excitement on the field, Minor League Baseball has provided affordable family-friendly entertainment to people of all ages since its founding in 1901. In 2007, nearly 43 million baseball fans went through the turnstiles to see the future stars of the sport hone their skills at Minor League Baseball ballparks. The industry has set an all-time single-season attendance record for four straight seasons. With Minor League Baseball, "It's Fun to be a Fan!"

For more information about Minor League Baseball, visit http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com.

About UROXATRAL

Uroxatral(R) (alfuzosin HCl 10 mg extended-release tablets) is an alpha1- blocker for the treatment of the signs and symptoms of BPH.

UROXATRAL is not indicated for the treatment of hypertension.

Important Safety Information

Do not take UROXATRAL if you have liver problems or if you are taking antifungal drugs like ketoconazole or itraconazole, or HIV drugs like ritonavir.

UROXATRAL can cause a sudden drop in blood pressure, especially when starting treatment. This may lead to fainting, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do any dangerous activity until you know how UROXATRAL will affect you. This is especially important if you already have a problem with low blood pressure or take medicines to treat high blood pressure.

Before taking UROXATRAL, tell your doctor if you have kidney problems.

Also, tell your doctor if you or any family member(s) have or take medications for a rare heart condition known as congenital prolongation of the QT interval.

BPH and prostate cancer can cause the same symptoms. However, UROXATRAL is not a treatment for prostate cancer.

The most common side effects with UROXATRAL are dizziness, upper respiratory tract infection, headache, and tiredness.

Please see www.uroxatral.com for full prescribing information.

About sanofi-aventis:

Sanofi-aventis is one of the world leaders in the pharmaceutical industry, ranking number one in Europe. Backed by a world-class R&D organization, sanofi-aventis is developing leading positions in seven major therapeutic areas: cardiovascular, thrombosis, oncology, metabolic diseases, central nervous system, internal medicine and vaccines. Sanofi-aventis is listed in Paris (EURONEXT: SAN) and in New York (NYSE: SNY).

(1) Marshall In: Marshall. Contemporary Diagnosis and Management of Disease of the Prostate/p1/CA,A28-B14; p2/CB, B17-B19

(2) Patterson, Ryan F., and Larry Goldenberg. "Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)." 20 Common Problems in Urology. Comp. Joel Teichman. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2001. 185-189. p 186/CA/Line A24 - A27

(3) Kidney.niddk.nih.gov. Prostate Enlargement BPH. Available at: http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/prostateenlargement/ Last Accessed 3/22/07

(4) www.medscape.com/viewarticle/504557.Quality of Life in Sexually Active Men with Hyperplasia. Available at: http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/504557. Last Accessed 3/22/07; p2/CA/A39- 41; p2/CA/A14-A18