Dutasteride is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland in men. This enlargement of the prostate gland is called Benign Prostate Hyperplasia (BPH).
The enlarged prostate gland may cause problems when you pass urine. This medicine helps to shrink the prostate so as to improve symptoms such as difficulty in passing urine, slow or interrupted flow of urine, frequent urination, and dribbling after passing urine.
Dutasteride may also be used to treat other conditions as decided by your doctor.
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.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of your treatment depending on your condition and effectiveness of the therapy.
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:
- prostate cancer
- urinary problems e.g. difficulty passing urine or decreased urine output
Dutasteride can be absorbed through the skin. Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant must not handle and should avoid any contact with this medicine. If contact with a leaking capsule occurs, wash the affected area immediately with soap and water.
You must use condom or other effective birth control methods to prevent contact of this medicine with your partner.
Do not donate blood during the treatment of Dutasteride and for at least 6 months after the last dose of this medicine.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to Dutasteride regularly. You may also need to have routine blood tests (e.g. prostate specific antigen). Your doctor will advise you about how often you will need to have these tests.
Dutasteride may cause any of the following side effects: decreased libido, inability to have or maintain an erection, ejaculation problems, 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 lumps, pain, or nipple discharge.
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
- medicine to treat depression e.g. nefazodone
- medicines to treat fungal infections e.g. itraconazole, ketoconazole
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. indinavir, ritonavir
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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