Benign prostatic hyperplasia is treated with dutasteride alone or in combination with tamsulosin [Flomax] (BPH; enlargement of the prostate gland). Dutasteride is used to treat BPH symptoms and may lessen the possibility of getting acute urine retention (sudden inability to urinate). Dutasteride might also lessen the necessity of prostate surgery. 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, which include dutasteride, are a group of drugs. It functions by preventing the synthesis of an organic compound that makes the prostate grow.

Dutasteride is available as a pill to swallow. Typically, it is taken once day, with or without food. Take dutasteride every day at roughly the same time. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any instructions on your prescription label that you are unsure about following. As prescribed, use dutasteride. Never take it in larger or less amounts or more frequently than directed by your doctor.

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

After taking dutasteride for three months, your symptoms might get better, but it might take six months or longer for you to experience all of its benefits. Discuss your feelings regarding your treatment with your doctor.

Although it may manage your symptoms, dutasteride cannot treat your illness. Dutasteride should still be used even if you feel fine. Without consulting your doctor, do not discontinue taking dutasteride.

For a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient, ask your pharmacist or doctor.

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

Before taking dutasteride,

• If you have any allergies, including to dutasteride, finasteride (Propecia, Proscar), other drugs, or any of the chemicals in dutasteride capsules, notify your doctor right once. For a list of the ingredients, consult your doctor or look in the patient information provided by the manufacturer.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about all prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products that you are now taking or intend to use. Mention any of the following: ritonavir (Norvir), troleandomycin (TAO), ketoconazole (Nizoral), cimetidine (Tagamet), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac), and verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan). Your physician might need to adjust the dosage of your drugs or keep a close eye on you for side effects.
• Inform your physician if you currently have liver illness or have ever had prostate cancer.
• Dutasteride is only to be used in men, as you should be aware. Dutasteride capsules should not be handled by women, especially those who are or may become pregnant. The foetus could be harmed by touching the capsule contents. If a pregnant or potentially pregnant woman unintentionally contacts a capsule that is leaking, she should wash the area with soap and water very once and inform her doctor.
• You should be aware that you should avoid giving blood for six months after stopping dutasteride use as well as while you are taking it.

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

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it if you remember the missed dose on the same day. On the other hand, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular dosing plan if you don’t remember until the following day. Never increase the dose to make up for a missed one or take two doses in a single day.

Side effects from dutasteride are possible. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Not being able to get or keep an erection
• Reduction in sex desire
• Difficulties ejaculating

There could be some severe negative effects. Call your doctor right away if you develop any of these symptoms, or seek emergency medical assistance:

• Breast alterations include enlargement, lumps, discomfort, or nipple discharge
• Face, tongue, or throat swelling
• Breathing or swallowing challenges
• Sloughing skin

Dutasteride use could increase your risk of getting high-grade prostate cancer (a type of prostate cancer that spreads and grows more quickly than other types of prostate cancer). The dangers of taking dutasteride should be discussed with your doctor.

Further negative effects of dutasteride are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this medicine, contact your doctor right away.

You or your doctor can submit a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting programme online or by phone if you have a serious side event (1-800-332-1088).

Keep this medication tightly closed in the original container and out of the reach of children. Keep it away from excessive heat and moisture at room temperature (not in the bathroom). High temperatures can cause dutasteride capsules to distort or change colour. Any capsules that are broken, discoloured, or leaky should be thrown away.

Unused prescriptions must be disposed of carefully to prevent pets, kids, and other people from ingesting them. You should not, however, dispose of this medication in the toilet. Instead, utilising a medicine take-back programme is the easiest approach to get rid of your medication. To find out about take-back programmes in your area, speak with your pharmacist or the garbage/recycling department in your city. If you do not have access to a take-back programme, see the FDA’s Safe Disposal of Medications website at http://goo.gl/c4Rm4p for additional information.

Although many containers (such as weekly pill minders and those for eye drops, creams, patches, and inhalers) are not child-resistant and are simple for young children to open, it is crucial to keep all medications out of sight and out of reach of children. Always lock safety caps and promptly stash medication up and away from young children where it is out of their sight and reach to prevent poisoning. http://www.upandaway.org

Call the poison control hotline at 1-800-222-1222 in the event of an overdose. Moreover, information can be found online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. Call 911 right once if the person has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is having difficulty breathing, or cannot be roused.

Keep all of your appointments with your physician and the lab. To monitor your body’s response to dutasteride, your doctor will request specific lab tests.

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

No one else should take your medication. Any queries you may have regarding medication refills should be directed to your pharmacist.

You should keep a written record of every medication you take, including any over-the-counter (OTC) items, prescription drugs, and dietary supplements like vitamins and minerals. This list should be brought with you whenever you see a doctor or are admitted to the hospital. You should always have this information with you in case of emergencies.