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Dutasteride
What is it? Overview Usage Side Effects and Warnings
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Dutasteride Overview

Written by FoundHealth.

(doo TAS teer ide)

U.S. Brand Names

Avodart®

Canadian Brand Names

Avodart®

Mexican Brand Names

Avodart

Pharmacologic Category

5 Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor

Reasons not to take this medicine

• Do not give this medicine to a child. Talk with healthcare provider.

• 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.

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.

• It increases hair regrowth and slows hair loss.

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? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)

• 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 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.

• Follow up with healthcare provider.

How should I store this medicine?

• Store at room temperature.

• Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.

General statements

• If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.

• 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.

• Most medicines can be thrown away in household trash after mixing with coffee grounds or kitty litter and sealing in a plastic bag.

• 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).

• Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or in Canada to Health Canada's Canada Vigilance Program at 1-866-234-2345.

• Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.

Created: 2005-04-07 16:36:42.0

Modified: 2010-03-09 08:27:01.0

Lexi-PALS TM © (1977)-(2007) Lexi-Comp, Inc. All rights reserved.

 
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