Learn more about usage, cautions, and possible side effects .
Chemical Name: DUTASTERIDE (doo-TAS-ter-ide)
This medicine is a 5 alpha-reductase enzyme inhibitor used for treating symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlargement of the prostate gland. It also helps to reduce the risk of urinary blockage and the need for prostate surgery. It may also be used along with other medicines (eg, tamsulosin).
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, diltiazem, ketoconazole, ritonavir, troleandomycin, or verapamil. DO NOT START OR STOP any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, including liver disease, prostate cancer, urinary tract disease, problems urinating, or allergies. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you are female. This medicine should not be used in CHILDREN; safety and effectiveness in children have not been confirmed. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.
Follow the directions for taking this medicine provided by your doctor. AN EXTRA PATIENT LEAFLET is available with this medicine. Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information. TAKE THIS MEDICINE by mouth with or without food. SWALLOW THIS MEDICINE WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. DO NOT TAKE capsules that are cracked or leaking. This medicine can irritate your lips, mouth, and throat. STORE THIS MEDICINE at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. TAKE THIS MEDICINE on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking this medicine at the same time each day will help you remember to take it. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE IF you are allergic to any ingredient in this medicine or to other 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors (eg, finasteride). LAB TESTS and medical exams, including rectal exams, may be performed while you take this medicine. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. This medicine may interfere with certain lab tests, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for the screening of prostate cancer. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking this medicine. THIS MEDICINE MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF CERTAIN BIRTH DEFECTS, including abnormal formation of the genitals in male fetuses. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant must NOT handle the capsules. This medicine is absorbed through the skin and could result in unintended fetal exposure. If a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant comes in contact with leaking capsules, the contact area should be washed immediately with soap and water. If contact occurs, tell your doctor at once. THIS MEDICINE STAYS IN THE BLOOD STREAM for 4 to 6 months after you stop taking it. Do not donate blood for at least 6 months after your last dose of this medicine to prevent exposure through a blood transfusion to a pregnant woman. THIS MEDICINE MAY DECREASE your volume of ejaculate. This does not appear to interfere with normal sexual function. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINES, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. FOR WOMEN: Taking this medicine while pregnant may cause harm to the fetus. Contact with this medicine may cause harm to the fetus. It is not known if this medicine is found in breast milk. This medicine is not approved for use in women.
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include breast enlargement and/or tenderness; decreased sex drive; decreased volume of ejaculate; or inability to have an erection. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; or unusual hoarseness. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your healthcare provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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