Why is this medication prescribed?

Dutasteride is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH; enlargement of the prostate gland), either by alone or in combination with another medicine (tamsulosin [Flomax]). In addition to treating BPH symptoms, dutasteride may lower the risk of acute urine retention, or the sudden inability to urinate. Additionally, dutasteride may lessen the need for prostate surgery. Dutasteride belongs to a group of drugs known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It functions by preventing the synthesis of a natural chemical that causes the prostate to expand.

How should this medicine be used?

Dutasteride is available as an oral pill. Typically, it is taken once daily, either with or without meals. Take dutasteride daily at approximately the same time. Pay close attention to the instructions on the label of your prescription and ask your pharmacist or doctor to explain anything you do not understand. Administer dutasteride as prescribed. Never take more or less of it, or take it more frequently than your doctor has instructed.

Do not open, chew, or crush the capsules; instead, swallow them whole.

After using dutasteride for three months, your symptoms might get better, but it might take six months or more to experience the full effects of the medication. Discuss your feelings with your doctor regarding your treatment.

Dutasteride won’t treat your illness; it will just manage your symptoms. Take dutasteride as prescribed even if you feel good. Dutasteride should not be stopped without first consulting your doctor.

Request a copy of the patient’s manufacturer’s information from your pharmacist or physician.

Other uses for this medicine

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information if you think this medicine could be recommended for something else.

What special precautions should I follow?

When taking dutasteride, it’s essential to follow certain precautions:

• If you have an allergy to any of the substances in dutasteride capsules, finasteride (Propecia, Proscar), dutasteride, or any other drug, let your doctor and pharmacist know. For an ingredient list, consult your physician or refer to the patient information provided by the manufacturer.
• Inform your physician and pharmacist about all of the vitamins, nutritional supplements, herbal items, prescription and over-the-counter drugs, and vitamins you now take or intend to take. Antifungals such ciprofloxacin (Cipro), cimetidine (Tagamet), ketoconazole (Nizoral), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac), ritonavir (Norvir), troleandomycin (TAO), and verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan) should all be mentioned. Your doctor might need to carefully monitor you for any negative effects or adjust the dosages of your medications.
• Inform your physician if you now have or have ever had prostate cancer or liver illness.
• You should be aware that only guys should use dutasteride. Dutasteride capsules should not be handled by women, particularly those who are pregnant or may become pregnant. The fetus could be harmed by touching the capsule contents. A pregnant or potentially pregnant woman should call her doctor and quickly wash the area with soap and water if she accidently comes into contact with leaky capsules.
• Donating blood is prohibited while taking dutasteride and for six months following the medication’s discontinuation.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and ask any questions you have about using dutasteride safely and effectively.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

If you plan to drink grapefruit juice while taking this medication, consult your doctor.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Take the missing dose as soon as you remember it if you recollect it that same day. On the other hand, if you forget until the following day, omit the missing dose and stick to your usual dosage plan. Never take two doses in a single day or double the dosage to make up for a forgotten dose.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Dutasteride, like any medication, can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Common side effects of dutasteride may include:

• Inability to have or maintain an erection
• Decrease in sex drive
• Problems with ejaculation

In some cases, duvelisib can also cause more serious side effects, such as:

• Changes in the breasts such as increased size, lumps, pain, or nipple discharge
• Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Peeling skin

The risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer, which spreads and grows more quickly than other types of prostate cancer, may increase if you use dutasteride. See your physician about the dangers associated with using dutasteride.

Other side effects are possible with dutasteride. If you have any odd side effects while taking this medicine, contact your doctor.

It’s important to discuss any concerns about side effects with your healthcare provider. They can provide guidance on managing side effects and determine if dutasteride is the right medication for you based on your individual medical history and needs.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Keep this medication out of children’s reach and in the sealed container it came in. Keep it out of the bathroom and at room temperature, away from sources of heat and moisture. When dutasteride capsules are kept in a heated environment, they can get distorted or discolored. Any capsules that are leaky, distorted, or discolored should be discarded.

It is important to dispose of unnecessary prescriptions in a specific manner so that children, dogs, and other people cannot ingest them. But this drug is not something you should flush down the toilet. The best way to get rid of your medication is to use a service called medicine take-back. To find out more about take-back initiatives in your area, speak with your pharmacist or get in touch with the recycling and trash department.

As many prescription containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and small children can readily open them, it is crucial to keep all medication out of sight and reach of children. Always lock the safety caps on medications to prevent poisoning in small children. Then, put the drug in a secure spot that is up high and out of their reach.

In case of emergency/overdose

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. In the event that the sufferer has passed out, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be coaxed awake, dial 911 right away.

What other information should I know?

Remember to keep all of your doctor’s and the laboratory’s appointments. To monitor how your body is reacting to dutasteride, your doctor may prescribe specific laboratory tests.

Notify the laboratory staff and your doctor that you are taking dutasteride prior to any test.

Don’t give your medication to anyone else. If you have any questions concerning filling your prescription, ask the pharmacist.

It is crucial that you maintain a written record of every medication you take, including over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription drugs, as well as any dietary supplements, vitamins, and minerals. This list should accompany you to all doctor appointments and hospital admissions. Additionally, having this information on hand is crucial in case of an emergency.