| Usage |
Dutasteride is administered in capsule form, to be taken orally. Typically, it's taken once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day. Adhere closely to the instructions provided on your prescription label, and seek clarification from your healthcare provider or pharmacist for any unclear aspects. Ensure you take dutasteride precisely as prescribed; avoid exceeding or reducing the dosage, or taking it more frequently than advised by your doctor. Ingest the capsules intact; do not break, chew, or crush them.
While you may notice symptom improvement within 3 months of dutasteride use, the full benefits may take up to 6 months or longer to become apparent. Maintain an open dialogue with your doctor regarding your treatment experience. Dutasteride helps manage symptoms but does not provide a cure. It's crucial to continue dutasteride even if you feel well. Never discontinue dutasteride without consulting your doctor. For further information, ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's patient information.
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| Side Effects |
Dutasteride can lead to side effects. If any of these symptoms persist or become bothersome, inform your doctor promptly:
• Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
• Reduced sex drive
• Ejaculation issues
Certain side effects may be more severe. If you encounter any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor immediately or seek urgent medical attention:
• Breast changes, such as increased size, palpable lumps, pain, or nipple discharge
• Facial, tongue, or throat swelling
• Breathing difficulties or swallowing problems
• Skin peeling
It's important to note that taking dutasteride may raise the risk of developing high-grade prostate cancer, a more aggressive form of the disease. Discuss the potential risks associated with dutasteride with your doctor. Additionally, dutasteride may cause other side effects. If you experience any unusual problems while taking this medication, don't hesitate to contact your doctor.
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| Storage |
Ensure the safe storage and disposal of this medication:
• Keep it in its original container, tightly sealed, and away from children's access.
• Store it at room temperature, avoiding excessive heat and moisture (don't store it in the bathroom).
• Discard any capsules that appear deformed, discolored, or leaking.
• Dispose of unused medications in a manner that prevents accidental consumption by pets, children, or others. Please refrain from flushing it down the toilet when disposing of it.
• Opt for a medicine take-back program for safe disposal; consult your pharmacist or local garbage/recycling department for details on programs in your area.
It's vital to keep all medications out of children's sight and reach, as many containers (e.g., weekly pill organizers, eye drop vials, creams, patches, inhalers) may not be child-resistant and can be easily opened by young children. To prevent accidental poisoning, always secure safety caps and store medications in a safe, out-of-sight location.
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| Special Precautions |
Prior to initiating dutasteride treatment, take the following precautions:
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any allergies you have, especially to dutasteride, finasteride (Propecia, Proscar), other medications, or any components found in dutasteride capsules. Consult your doctor or review the manufacturer's patient information for a complete list of ingredients.
• Communicate your current prescription and non-prescription medications, as well as any vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are using or planning to use. Be sure to mention medications such as antifungals like ketoconazole (Nizoral), cimetidine (Tagamet), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac), ritonavir (Norvir), troleandomycin (TAO), and verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan). Your doctor may need to adjust your medication doses or closely monitor for potential side effects.
• Disclose any history of liver disease or prostate cancer to your doctor.
• It's essential to understand that dutasteride is intended exclusively for use by men. Women, especially those who are pregnant or may become pregnant, should not handle dutasteride capsules. Contact with the capsule contents may pose risks to a developing fetus. If a pregnant woman or someone at risk of pregnancy comes into contact with leaked capsules, immediate washing of the affected area with soap and water is crucial, followed by consulting a healthcare professional.
• Lastly, be aware that while taking dutasteride and for six months after discontinuation, you should refrain from donating blood.
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| Special Dietary |
Discuss the consumption of grapefruit juice with your doctor while you are on this medication.
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| Missed Dose |
If you recall missing a dose on the same day, promptly take it when you remember. However, if you only realize the missed dose on the following day, simply skip it and resume your usual dosing routine. Avoid taking two doses on the same day or doubling up to compensate for the missed one.
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| Overdose |
If an overdose occurs, contact the poison control helpline. If the individual has collapsed, experienced a seizure, is struggling to breathe, or remains unresponsive, dial emergency services immediately at 911.
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