Index
It is a medication used in men to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia-BPH).
It works by reducing the size of the enlarged prostate. This helps relieve the symptoms of BPH, such as difficulty starting the flow of urine, weak current, and the need to urinate frequently or urgently (even during the middle of the night).
It can also reduce the need for surgery to treat BPH.
How to use Dutasteride?
This medication is given orally, with or without food, as directed by your doctor, usually once a day. Swallow the entire medication, without crushing or chewing the capsules.
To see results your intake should be constant, however you should consult your doctor. It may take 3 to 6 months to notice an improvement in symptoms. Tell your doctor if you have no improvement or have adverse symptoms. It is advisable to take it every day at the same time every day.
Side effects
Sexual problems can occur that include:
- Decrease in the amount of semen.
- Decrease in interest or sexual ability.
- Increase in breast size.
- Pain and swelling in the testicles.
Sexual problems have persisted in some men even after stopping treatment. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very serious allergic reaction to this medication is rare. However, seek medical attention immediately if you notice any symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as:
- Eruption.
- Itch.
- Swelling (especially on the face, tongue or throat)
- Intense dizziness
- Difficulty breathing.
Contraindications
Do not donate blood while you are taking this medication and for at least 6 months after you stop taking it. This will prevent the possibility of your blood being given to a pregnant woman.
Because this medication can be absorbed through the skin and harm an unborn baby, pregnant or pregnant women should not take this medication.
This medicine should not be used in women, especially during the period of lactation. It can harm an unborn or breast-feeding baby. Check with your doctor for more details.
Touching the contents of the capsules can harm the fetus. If a woman who is pregnant or who might become pregnant accidentally touches leaky capsules, you should wash the area with soap and water immediately and call your doctor.
Precautions
Before taking Dutasteride
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it, or to finasteride , or if you have any other allergies.
Dutasteride is not approved for the prevention of prostate cancer. It may slightly increase the risk of developing a very aggressive prostate cancer.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to dutasteride, finasteride (Propecia, Proscar), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in dutasteride capsules.
Alert your doctor what prescription and non-prescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following:
- Antifungals such as ketoconazole (Nizoral), cimetidine (Tagamet), ciprofloxacin(Cipro), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac), ritonavir (Norvir), troleandomycin (TAO), and verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan).
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease or prostate cancer.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and herbal products). Tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Talk to your doctor about drinking grapefruit juice while taking this medication.
Interactions
The effects of some medications can change if you take other medications or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk of serious side effects or your medications may not work properly.
These drug interactions are possible, but they do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or control interactions by changing the way you use your medications or by close monitoring.
To help your doctor and pharmacist provide the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription, over-the-counter and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product.
While using this product, do not start, stop or change the dosage of any other medication you are using without your doctor’s approval. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share the list with your doctor and pharmacist to reduce the risk of serious medication problems.
