Dutasteride capsules
What are dutasteride capsules?
DUTASTERIDE (Avodart™) can reduce the size of the prostate gland in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The prostate is a part of the male reproductive system that produces a milky fluid for sperm. Over the age of 50 most men develop an enlarged prostate. As the prostate gets bigger it can restrict the flow of urine. Dutasteride can help to reduce symptoms caused by BPH such as a weak or interrupted urine flow; a feeling that the bladder is not completely empty; a need to pass urine more often, especially at night; an urgent feeling that you must pass urine right away; a delay or hesitation when you start to urinate. Dutasteride also reduces the risk of the need for BPH-related surgery. While some men have fewer problems and symptoms after 3 months of treatment, at least 6 months is usually necessary to see if dutasteride will work for you. Dutasteride is not for use in women. Generic dutasteride capsules are not yet available.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
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if you are female (dutasteride is not for use in women)
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liver disease
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prostate cancer
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an unusual or allergic reaction to dutasteride, finasteride (Proscar®, Propecia®), other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
How should I take this medicine?
Take dutasteride capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules whole with a drink of water. Do not chew or open the capsules because the contents may irritate your lips, mouth, or throat. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.
Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What if I miss a dose?
If you miss a dose, you can take it later that day. If you do not remember until the next day, take only that day's dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Try taking the dose at the same time every day to help you remember to take your dose.
What drug(s) may interact with dutasteride?
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amiodarone
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cimetidine
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clarithromycin, erythromycin, or troleandomycin
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diltiazem, nicardipine, or verapamil
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isoniazid
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male hormones (example: testosterone)
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quinine
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saw palmetto
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some antidepressants (examples: fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, nefazodone)
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some antifungal medicines (examples: ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole)
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some medicines for HIV infection (examples: delavirdine, efavirenz, indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
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soy isoflavones supplements
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zafirlukast
Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines.
What should I watch for while taking dutasteride?
Do not donate blood until at least 6 months after your final dose of dutasteride. This will prevent giving dutasteride to a pregnant female through a blood transfusion.
Contact your prescriber or health care professional if there is no improvement in your symptoms. You may need to take dutasteride for 6 to 12 months to get the best results.
Dutasteride is not for use in females. Females who are pregnant or may get pregnant must not handle dutasteride capsules. If a woman who is pregnant gets enough dutasteride into her body after swallowing it or through her skin after handling it, the medication could harm the unborn baby, particularly if the baby is male. If a pregnant woman comes into contact with dutasteride capsules she should check with her health care professional.
Dutasteride may interfere with PSA laboratory tests for prostate cancer. If you are scheduled to have a lab test for prostate cancer, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking dutasteride.
What side effects may I notice from taking dutasteride?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
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allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
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changes in breast like lumps, pain or fluids leaking from the nipple
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pain in the testicles
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
Where can I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open.
Avodart™ is a soft gelatin capsule that may become soft and leak or may stick to other capsules if kept at high temperatures. Store capsules at room temperature at or below 25 degrees C (77 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
If your capsules are cracked or leaking, do not use them, and contact your pharmacist.