drug-information.ru

|Dutasteride

DUTASTERIDE (Systemic)†

Some commonly used brand names are:

In the U.S.—

• Avodart

† Not commercially available in Canada.

Category

• Benign prostatic hyperplasia therapy agent

Description

Dutasteride (du-TAS-tur-ide) is used to treat men who have symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland.

Dutasteride blocks an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which is necessary to change testosterone to another hormone that causes the prostate to grow. As a result, the size of the prostate is decreased. The effect of dutasteride on the prostate 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, in the following dosage forms:

• Oral
• Capsules (U.S.)

Before Using This Medicine

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking dutasteride must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For dutasteride, the following should be considered:

Allergies—Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to dutasteride or any other medicine that blocks 5-alpha-reductase, such as finasteride. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.

Pregnancy—Women who are or who may become pregnant should not take dutasteride or touch dutasteride capsules, because it can cause changes in the genitals (sex organs) of male fetuses.

Breast-feeding—It is not known whether dutasteride passes into breast milk. Dutasteride should not be used in women or women who are breast feeding.

Children—Dutasteride should not be used in children.

Older adults—This medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.

Other medicines—Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other medical problems—The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of dutasteride. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Cancer of the prostate—Your doctor will check you for prostate cancer before beginning treatment with this medicine.

• Liver disease—Dutasteride should be used with caution. Effects of this medicine may be increased.

• Problems with urination—Your doctor may want to choose another medicine for you or monitor your kidneys for blockage.

Proper Use of This Medicine

Dosing—Follow your doctor"s orders or the directions on the label . If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking dutasteride.

• For oral dosage form (capsules):
  • For benign prostatic hyperplasia:
    • Adults—0.5 milligram (mg) once a day. May take with or without food. Capsules should be swallowed whole. Dutasteride is not for use in women.
    • Children—Dutasteride is not for use in children.

Missed dose—If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage—To store this medicine:

• Keep out of the reach of children.
• Keep the medicine from freezing. Do not refrigerate.
• Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine longer than needed. Ask your health care professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use. Be sure that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.

Precautions While Using This Medicine

It is very important that your doctor check you at regular visits for any problems that may be caused by this medicine.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. It is very important that you take all of your medicine. Your doctor will discuss with you any changes in your medicine. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant should not handle or touch the capsules. Dutasteride can be absorbed through the skin and can cause a risk to the developing male baby. It is very important that pregnant women or women who could become pregnant use caution in handling dutasteride capsules or avoid handling them at all. If a woman does come into contact with this medicine, the affected area should be washed right away with soap and water, especially if the capsule is leaking.

Men who have taken dutasteride should not donate blood until 6 months has passed since their last dose. Dutasteride can remain in your blood for a long time, and can be passed on to a pregnant woman receiving a blood transfusion.

Side Effects of This Medicine

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Amount of semen in ejaculate may be decreased in some patients. This decrease does not interfere with normal sexual function.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.

Developed: 09/16/2003
Revised: 12/13/2004

The information contained in the Thomson Healthcare (Micromedex) products as delivered by Drugs.com is intended as an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatment. It is not a substitute for a medical exam, nor does it replace the need for services provided by medical professionals. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Only your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist can provide you with advice on what is safe and effective for you.

The use of the Thomson Healthcare products is at your sole risk. These products are provided "AS IS" and "as available" for use, without warranties of any kind, either express or implied. Thomson Healthcare and Drugs.com make no representation or warranty as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, usefulness or completeness of any of the information contained in the products. Additionally, THOMSON HEALTHCARE MAKES NO REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTIES AS TO THE OPINIONS OR OTHER SERVICE OR DATA YOU MAY ACCESS, DOWNLOAD OR USE AS A RESULT OF USE OF THE THOMSON HEALTHCARE PRODUCTS. ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR USE ARE HEREBY EXCLUDED. Thomson Healthcare does not assume any responsibility or risk for your use of the Thomson Healthcare products.