Dutasteride capsules

What is this medicine?

DUTASTERIDE (doo TAS teer ide) is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. This is a condition that causes you to have an enlarged prostate. This medicine helps to control your symptoms, decrease urinary retention, and reduces your risk of needing surgery.

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush, chew or open this medicine. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• changes in breast like lumps, pain or fluids leaking from the nipple

• pain in the testicles

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• change in sex drive or performance

What may interact with this medicine?

• antiviral medicines for HIV or AIDS

• boceprevir

• certain medicines for fungal infections like ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole

• certain medicines for infection like erythromycin, telithromycin

• cimetidine

• diltiazem

• saw palmetto or other dietary supplements

• verapamil

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• liver disease

• prostate cancer

• an unusual or allergic reaction to dutasteride, finasteride, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Do not donate blood while you are taking this medicine. This will prevent giving this medicine to a pregnant female through a blood transfusion. Ask your doctor or health care professional when it is safe to donate blood after you stop taking this medicine.

Contact your doctor or health care professional if your symptoms do not start to get better. You may need to take this medicine for 6 to 12 months to get the best results.

Women who are pregnant or may get pregnant must not handle this medicine. The active ingredient could harm the unborn baby. If a pregnant woman or woman who may become pregnant comes into contact with a leaking capsule, she should wash the exposed area of skin with soap and water immediately and check with her doctor or health care professional.

This medicine can interfere with PSA laboratory tests for prostate cancer. If you are scheduled to have a lab test for prostate cancer, tell your doctor or health care professional that you are taking this medicine.