Dutasteride is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland in men known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
An enlarged prostate gland may cause problems such as difficulty in passing urine, slow or interrupted flow of urine, frequent urination, and dribbling after passing urine. This medicine decreases the risk of the inability to voluntarily pass urine by relaxing the muscles in the prostate gland and bladder to allow the urine to pass more easily.
Take Dutasteride exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, break, or open the capsule as Dutasteride may irritate your mouth or throat.
This medicine must be taken regularly for it to be effective. Continue taking Dutasteride even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have severe liver disease as Dutasteride may not be suitable for you.
This medicine is not indicated for use in women and children.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- urinary problems e.g. difficulty passing urine or extremely decreased urine output
- mild to moderate liver disease
Dutasteride can be absorbed through the skin. Pregnant women or women who may be pregnant must not handle and should avoid any contact with a leaking capsule of this medicine. Children or adolescents must also avoid contact with this medicine.
If accidental contact with a leaking capsule occurs, wash it immediately with soap and water. Tell your doctor right away.
You must use a condom or other effective birth control methods to prevent contact of this medicine with your partner.
Do not donate blood during Dutasteride therapy and for at least 6 months after the last dose of this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. prostate-specific antigen) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms for breast problems or changes (e.g. pain, lumps, nipple discharge) may also be needed.
Dutasteride may cause any of the following side effects: decreased libido, inability to have or maintain an erection, ejaculation problems, pain and swelling of testicles, and breast enlargement or tenderness.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience changes in your breast such as lump, pain, swelling or thickening, changes in the nipple, or dimpling of the breast skin.
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for high blood pressure or heart disease e.g. diltiazem, verapamil
- medicines to treat fungal infections e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. indinavir, ritonavir
- nefazodone (medicine to treat depression)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Dutasteride.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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