INDICATIONS
Dutas prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Dutas is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. Dutas helps improve urinary flow and may also reduce your need for prostate surgery later on.
Dutas is sometimes given with another medication called tamsulosin (Flomax).Dutas may also be used for other purposes.
INSTRUCTIONS
Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take dutas with a full glass of water.
Dutas can be taken with or without food.
Do not chew, crush, or open a dutasteride capsule. Swallow the capsule whole. Dutas can irritate your lips, mouth, or throat if the capsule has been broken or opened before you swallow it. It may take up to 6 months of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Do not stop taking dutasteride without talking to your doctor.
STORAGE
Store dutasteride at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Dutas 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.
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
conivaptan (Vaprisol);imatinib (Gleevec);isoniazid (for treating tuberculosis);an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole), or telithromycin (Ketek);an antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), miconazole (Oravig), or voriconazole (Vfend);an antidepressant such as nefazodone;heart or blood pressure medication such as nicardipine (Cardene) or quinidine (Quin-G); or HIV/AIDS medicine such as atazanavir (Reyataz), delavirdine (Rescriptor), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), saquinavir (Invirase), or ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with dutasteride. Tell your doctor about all medications you use.
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.
Less serious side effects may include:
decreased libido (sex drive);
decreased amount of semen released during sex;
impotence (trouble getting or keeping an erection); or
breast tenderness or enlargement.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.