Do you also experience difficulty urinating as you get older, having to get up frequently at night to urinate, or feeling like you haven't completely emptied your bladder? The main reason for this problem that many men experience with age is an enlarged prostate. Medically, we call this 'Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia' or BPH. So, Dutasteride is a special medication that is given to treat this condition. Today, we will talk about this medication in simple terms, what it does, and what you need to be careful about while using it.
What exactly is this medicine called Dutasteride?
Simply put, Dutasteride is a medication that treats the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia - BPH). It works by gradually shrinking the size of your prostate gland. This reduces the pressure on your urethra and relieves the difficulty in urinating.
This medicine belongs to a group of medicines called '5-alpha reductase inhibitors' . Avodart is a well-known brand name for this medicine. However, your doctor may prescribe this medicine under other names. It may also sometimes be used for other conditions. If you have any questions about it, ask your doctor.
Things you should tell your doctor before taking medication
Before starting this medication, it is very important to give your doctor a complete description of your health condition. In particular, you should definitely tell him about the following things.
| Your situation | Why is notification important? |
|---|---|
| Liver disease | Dutasteride is cleared from the body by the liver. If your liver function is impaired, your dosage may need to be adjusted. |
| Prostate cancer | This medicine affects the PSA blood test, which is used to detect prostate cancer. Therefore, if you suspect or have a history of cancer, you should inform your doctor. |
| Allergies to Dutasteride, Finasteride or other medications/foods | If you have previously had an allergy to this type of medication or any other substance, it is essential to inform your doctor to prevent it from recurring. |
| If your wife is pregnant or trying to get pregnant | This is very important. This medicine can harm the development of a male child in the womb. So inform your doctor about this. |
| If your wife is breastfeeding | Please inform your doctor as you should be aware of the possibility of transmission of the medicine through bodily fluids. |
The correct way to use the medicine
The method of using this medicine is very simple.
- Swallow this with a glass of water .
- Do not break, crush, chew, or open the capsule and drink the contents . Swallow the capsule whole.
- You can take this before or after meals. That's no problem.
- Try to take it at the same time every day, as prescribed by your doctor.
- Never stop taking medication without your doctor's advice.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take a double dose for any reason.
What to do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Other medications that may interact with this medicine
It is very important to tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including medications for other conditions, vitamins, and even herbal products), as some medications can interact with Dutasteride and change its effects.
Be especially careful with these types of medications:
- Antiviral medications for HIV or AIDS
- Boceprevir
- Some medications for fungal infections (e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole)
- Some antibiotics (e.g. erythromycin, telithromycin)
- Cimetidine
- Diltiazem
- Verapamil
- Herbal products like saw palmetto
Important: This list is not complete. So tell your doctor about any medications, vitamins, or herbal products you are taking. Also, tell your doctor if you smoke or drink alcohol.
Things to be especially careful about when taking medication
1. About blood donation
Do not donate blood while you are taking Dutasteride and for 6 months after stopping the medication. This is because if the blood you donate is given to a pregnant woman, the medicine could pass into her body and harm the baby in the womb. Ask your doctor how long it will take to donate blood again after stopping the medication.
2. It takes time to get results.
It can take 6 to 12 months to see the best results from this medication. So don't stop taking it just because you don't feel much difference in the first few weeks. Be patient and continue using it.
3. Very dangerous for pregnant women!
This is very important. Pregnant or potentially pregnant women should not handle these capsules for any reason, nor should they come into contact with a broken or leaking capsule. The active ingredient can be absorbed through the skin and can seriously damage the developing male fetus. If you accidentally come into contact with it, immediately wash the affected area with soap and water and see a doctor.
4. Impact on PSA testing
This medicine may decrease the value of the PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) blood test, which is used to detect prostate cancer. Therefore, if you are going to have a PSA test, you should definitely tell your doctor at that time, "I am taking a medicine called Dutasteride."
Possible side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, Dutasteride can cause side effects in some people. Most of these are not serious.
| 🚨 Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. |
| Changes in the breasts | New lumps, redness, pain, or discharge from the nipple (this is a change that occurs in men) |
| 🙂 Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist. | |
| Breast pain or tenderness | Pain when touching the breast area. |
| Changes in sexual function | Decreased sexual desire, ejaculation problems, or difficulty getting an erection. (These often decrease as you get used to the medication.) |
How should the medicine be stored?
- Keep it out of the reach of children .
- Store at room temperature (between 15-30 degrees Celsius). Keep away from excessive heat and moisture.
- Keep the cap of the medicine bottle tightly closed.
- Discard expired medication without using it.
Take-Home Message
- Dutasteride is a medication used to treat urinary problems caused by an enlarged prostate (BPH).
- It may take 6 months or more to see the best results from this medication. Be patient.
- Avoid donating blood while taking the medication and for 6 months after stopping.
- Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should never touch these capsules.
- Inform your doctor about all other medications you are taking.
- If you notice any unusual symptoms, such as breast pain, lumps, or nipple discharge, tell your doctor immediately.
- If you have any problems or concerns, talk to your doctor.
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