A solution to the problem of enlarged prostate: Let's learn about this medicine (Dutasteride; Tamsulosin)

A common health problem that men face as they age is an enlarged prostate gland. Maybe your father, uncle, or even you have had this condition. This can cause things like difficulty urinating, frequent urination, and a feeling that urine is not completely empty. So today we are going to talk about a combination of two medications that doctors often prescribe to treat this condition. They are Dutasteride and Tamsulosin.

What really happens with this medicine?

Simply put, this is a combination of two types of medicine. It's like answering two questions with one solution.

1. Dutasteride: This belongs to a class of drugs called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors . It works by gradually reducing the size of your prostate gland, which has been enlarged for a long time. Think of it like removing the dirt from a water pipe.

2. Tamsulosin: This is a drug in a class of drugs called alpha-blockers . It works by relaxing the muscles in the prostate and bladder. This causes the urethra to widen and urine to flow more easily. It's like opening a blocked urethra.

So, when these two medications are combined, as the prostate gland shrinks, the urethra also relaxes, providing a good solution to urinary incontinence.

Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine

Before your doctor prescribes this medicine, he or she will need to have a complete picture of your health. So, if you have any of the following conditions, be sure to tell your doctor.

• If you have advanced kidney disease.
• If you have advanced liver disease.
• If you have low blood pressure.
• If you have prostate cancer.
• If you have an allergic reaction to Dutasteride, Tamsulosin, sulfa drugs, or any other medicine, food, or preservative.
• If your wife is pregnant or trying to get pregnant. (This is very important, we will talk about it later).
• If your wife is breastfeeding the baby.

How should I use this medicine?

When using this medicine, you must follow these instructions exactly.

• Do not chew, crush, or break the pods and drink the contents. Swallow the pods whole.
• If your medicine capsules have changed shape, changed color, or are leaking any liquid, do not use them.
• Don't stop taking the medicine until the doctor tells you to.
• This medicine is not approved for use in children.

What if I overdose on medicine?

If you think you have taken too much medicine, immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.

What if I forget to take my medicine?

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. Never take a double dose. If you have missed a dose for several days, talk to your doctor before starting again.

What other things can interact with this medicine?

It is very important to tell your doctor about every medication, vitamin, and traditional medicine you are taking. Because some things can interact with this medication. That means the medication may change how well it works or increase side effects.

This list is not complete, so tell your doctor about everything you take.

Things to be especially careful about when taking medication

• PSA test: This medication may affect the results 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, be sure to remind your doctor that you are taking this medication.
• Warning for pregnant women: This is very important. Women who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should avoid handling these capsules at all costs. The active ingredients in the medicine can be absorbed through the skin and can harm an unborn baby. If a leaking capsule accidentally comes into contact with the skin of a pregnant woman, immediately wash the area thoroughly with soap and water and see a doctor.
• Blood donation: Do not donate blood while you are taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping the medicine. This is because if your blood is given to a pregnant woman, the ingredients in the medicine could harm her.
• Dizziness: You may feel dizzy or light-headed during the first few days of taking this medicine, when the dose is increased, or during hot weather. Therefore, avoid doing dangerous activities such as driving or operating machinery until your body gets used to the medicine. Do not get up suddenly from a sitting position. Sit for a while and then get up slowly.
• Cataract surgery: If you are planning to have cataract surgery, tell your eye surgeon that you are taking this medicine.
• Painful erection: If you experience painful erections that last more than 4 hours, it could be a serious condition. If this happens, go to a hospital's Emergency Department (ETU) immediately to prevent permanent damage.

What are the possible side effects?

Like any medicine, this one can cause side effects in some people. Some of them are serious, some of them are common.

Prostate, prostate, Dutasteride, Tamsulosin, BPH, men's health, urinary problems