DUTASTERIDE - ORAL

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

SIDE EFFECTS: Sexual problems (such as decreased sexual interest/ability, decrease in the amount of semen/sperm), testicle pain/swelling, increased breast size, or breast tenderness may occur. Sexual problems have continued in some men even after stopping treatment. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before taking dutasteride, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to finasteride; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Do not donate blood while you are taking this medication and for at least 6 months after you stop taking it. This will prevent the possibility of your blood being given to a pregnant woman. This medication should not be used in women, especially during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It may harm an unborn or breast-feeding baby. Consult your doctor for more details.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: The effects of some drugs can change if you take other drugs or herbal products at the same time. This can increase your risk for serious side effects or may cause your medications not to work correctly. These drug interactions are possible, but do not always occur. Your doctor or pharmacist can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by close monitoring. To help your doctor and pharmacist give you the best care, be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products) before starting treatment with this product. While using this product, do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any other medicines you are using without your doctor's approval. Keep a list of all the products you use. Share the list with your doctor and pharmacist to reduce your risk for serious medication problems.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Images

DUTASTERIDE 0.5 MG CAPSULE

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DUTASTERIDE 0.5 MG CAPSULE

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AVODART 0.5 MG SOFTGEL

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GX CE2
AVODART 0.5 MG SOFTGEL

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GX CE2
DUTASTERIDE 0.5 MG CAPSULE

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DUTASTERIDE 0.5 MG CAPSULE

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DUTASTERIDE 0.5 MG CAPSULE

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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.