DUTASTERIDE - ORAL
PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (due-TAST-er-ide)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Avodart
GENERIC NAME(S): dutasteride
Uses
USES: This medication is 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 to relieve symptoms of BPH such as difficulty in beginning the flow of urine, weak stream, and the need to urinate frequently or urgently (including during the middle of the night). It may also reduce the need for surgery to treat BPH. Dutasteride is not approved for prevention of prostate cancer. It may slightly increase the risk of developing a very serious form of prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks. This medication should not be used by women or children.
How to use DUTASTERIDE - ORAL
HOW TO USE: Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the medication whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication. It may take 3 to 6 months to notice an improvement in symptoms. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.
Side Effects
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Faq for DUTASTERIDE - ORAL
Dutasteride is an oral medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. It is primarily used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlarged prostate in men.
Dutasteride works by blocking the activity of 5-alpha-reductase enzymes, which are responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By lowering DHT levels, dutasteride helps to shrink the enlarged prostate and improve urinary symptoms associated with BPH.
Dutasteride may take several months to show significant improvements in BPH symptoms. It is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed by your doctor, even if you do not notice immediate effects.
Common side effects of dutasteride may include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, breast tenderness or enlargement, and decreased semen volume. These symptoms are usually reversible and improve after discontinuing the medication.
Dutasteride is not typically prescribed for women, especially those who are or may become pregnant. It can cause serious harm to a developing fetus and should be strictly avoided during pregnancy.
Dutasteride has not been approved by the FDA for the treatment of hair loss, although some studies suggest its potential efficacy. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before using dutasteride for any off-label purposes.
It is important to inform your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking before starting dutasteride. Some medications, such as alpha-blockers used for blood pressure control, may interact with dutasteride and increase the risk of side effects.
The duration of dutasteride treatment depends on the individual patient's condition. Your doctor will determine the appropriate length of treatment, and discontinuing the medication without medical advice may lead to a return of symptoms.
Dutasteride has been shown to reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer in some studies. However, it is not recommended as a primary preventive measure and should only be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Disclaimer
IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.
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