Dutasteride (By mouth)
doo-TAS-ter-ide
Drug classes
Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy Agent (About this - PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Note: Women of childbearing potential should not use or handle dutasteride capsules. Dutasteride can cause birth defects in male fetuses.
Dutasteride is used alone or in combination with tamsulosin (Flomax®) to treat men who have symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland, which is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Benign enlargement of the prostate is a problem that can occur in men as they get older. The prostate gland is located below the bladder. As the prostate gland enlarges, certain muscles in the gland may become tight and get in the way of the tube that drains urine from the bladder. This can cause problems with urinating, such as a need to urinate often, a weak stream when urinating, or a feeling of not being able to empty the bladder completely.
Dutasteride blocks the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme changes testosterone to another hormonethat causes the prostate to grow. As a result, the size of the prostate is decreased. The effect of dutasteride lasts only as long as the medicine is taken. If it is stopped, the prostate begins to grow again.
This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.
How To Use
Liquid Filled Capsule
Your doctor will tell you how much medicine to use. Do not use more than directed.
Swallow the capsule whole. Do not crush, chew, or open it.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Some medicines can affect how dutasteride works. Tell your doctor if you are also using any of the following:
When Not To Use
This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to dutasteride or similar medicines, such as finasteride.
Warnings
Women who are pregnant should avoid touching or handling this medicine because it can harm an unborn male baby. If a pregnant woman gets this medicine on her skin, wash the area immediately with soap and water.
Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
This medicine may increase your risk of high-grade prostate cancer.
Do not donate blood for at least 6 months after you stop taking this medicine.
Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
Possible side effects
Summary
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Decrease or change in your sexual desire
Trouble having or keeping an erection
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Brand names include
Avodart
There may be other brand names for this medicine.
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