|
| Pronunciation |
|
 (doo
TAS teer
ide) |
|
|
| Brand Names |
|
| Avodart™ |
|
|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Antiandrogen |
|
|
| What key warnings should I know
about before taking this
medicine? |
|
|
Although approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), dutasteride
has not been released to the market by GlaxoSmithKline. The brand (trade) name
"Duogen", has been tentatively assigned, but confirmation is pending. For
further information, the manufacturer may be contacted at
888-825-5249. |
|
|
| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
Do not give this medicine to a child.
If you have an allergy to dutasteride or any other part of this
medicine.
Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
If you are female. |
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
This medicine is used to treat an enlarged prostate gland.
It may take 3 months to see the full
effect. |
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
Dutasteride decreases prostate growth by lowering testosterone
levels.
It may reduce the size of the prostate and help decrease the
symptoms. |
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
Take this medicine with or without food. Take with food if it causes
an upset stomach.
Swallow capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or
crush. |
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and
return to your regular schedule.
Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare
provider. |
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
Do not donate blood while using this medicine and for 6 months after
stopping.
Do not touch capsules if you are pregnant or of childbearing age.
If you have liver disease, talk with healthcare provider.
Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix
well with other medicines.
If you are a male and sexually active, protect your partner from
pregnancy during treatment and for 6 months after treatment ends. Use birth
control that you can trust. |
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
Breast enlargement.
Change in sexual ability or desire. This is usually
reversible. |
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the
same?
If taking for an enlarged prostate, have a rectal exam (to check
prostate gland) and blood work (PSA test). Talk with healthcare
provider. |
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center
immediately or dial 911.
Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest
tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of
face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Breast tenderness.
Any rash.
No improvement in condition or feeling
worse. |
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
Store at room temperature.
Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or
kitchen. |
|
|
| General statements |
|
|
Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products,
supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare
provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter, natural products, or
vitamins. |
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