Before taking dutasteride, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medication, or to a similar medicine called finasteride (Propecia, Proscar).
Dutasteride should never be taken by a woman or a child. Dutasteride can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should not be permitted to handle dutasteride capsules.
Although dutasteride is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Dutasteride capsules should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant.
If a woman accidentally comes into contact with this medication from a leaking capsule, wash the area with soap and water right away.
Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.
Dutasteride can be taken with or without food.
Swallow the dutasteride capsule whole. Do not chew, crush or break the capsule.
It is important to take dutasteride regularly to get the most benefit.
Do not stop taking dutasteride without first talking to your doctor. It may take as long as 3 to 6 months of treatment with dutasteride before you notice improvement in your BPH symptoms.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your prostate will need to be checked on a regular basis. Your PSA (prostate-specific antigen) may also be tested to help detect prostate cancer. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
Store dutasteride at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Dutasteride capsules may become soft and leaky, or they may stick together if they get too hot. Do not use any capsule that is cracked or leaking. Call your pharmacist for instructions on how to safely dispose of a leaking dutasteride capsule.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose,
skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Other, less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
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decreased libido (sex drive);
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decreased amount of semen released during sex;
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impotence (trouble getting or keeping an erection); or
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breast tenderness or enlargement.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Before taking dutasteride, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medication, or to a similar medicine called finasteride (Propecia, Proscar).
Dutasteride should never be taken by a woman or a child. Dutasteride can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should not be permitted to handle dutasteride capsules.
Although dutasteride is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Dutasteride capsules should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant.
If a woman accidentally comes into contact with this medication from a leaking capsule, wash the area with soap and water right away.
Do not donate blood while taking dutasteride and for at least 6 months after your treatment ends. Dutasteride can be carried in the blood and could cause birth defects if a pregnant women receives a transfusion with blood that contains dutasteride.
Do not donate blood while taking dutasteride and for at least 6 months after your treatment ends. Dutasteride can be carried in the blood and could cause birth defects if a pregnant women receives a transfusion with blood that contains dutasteride.
Before taking dutasteride, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
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HIV medicines such as indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Invirase), lopinavir/ritonavir (Kaletra), ritonavir (Norvir), or nelfinavir (Viracept).
If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use dutasteride, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
There may be other drugs not listed that can affect dutasteride. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.
Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of dutasteride is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.