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Introduction About DUTARD 0.5 TABLET
DUTARD 0.5 TABLET contains Dutasteride which belongs to the group of medicines called 5-Alpha reductase inhibitors. It is used to manage the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) among adult men.
BPH (also known enlarged prostate) is a non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland caused due to increased production of a stress hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in aging men. Symptoms of BPH includes urinary problems such as difficulty in passing urine, urinary incontinence (unintentional passing of urine), frequent urination at night, sexual dysfunction, or painful ejaculation.
DUTARD 0.5 TABLET is highly used in combination with other medicines (such as tamsulosin or silodosin) to achieve better results. During management with DUTARD 0.5 TABLET, your doctor will regularly monitor your serum PSA levels (prostate specific antigen) to rule out risk of unwanted side effects.
Before taking DUTARD 0.5 TABLET inform your doctor if you any liver or kidney problems. Women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant should not come in contact with DUTARD 0.5 TABLET as it may cause serious harm to the growing fetus.
Men taking DUTARD 0.5 TABLET should use condom to manage seminal exposure of DUTARD 0.5 TABLET to their partners who are in childbearing age group.
They must also avoid donating their blood while on therapy with DUTARD 0.5 TABLET and until at least 6 months after stopping the therapy to manage the exposure of dutasteride to a pregnant female transfusion recipient.
The most common side effects of taking DUTARD 0.5 TABLET are low sex drive, impotence, difficulty in reaching orgasm, low sperm count and problems in ejaculation. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects trouble you.
Uses Of DUTARD 0.5 TABLET
It is used in adult men to manage the signs and symptoms of:
- benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate)
How DUTARD 0.5 TABLET Works
DUTARD 0.5 TABLET is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It blocks the activity of certain enzymes (Type II 5α-reductase) in the body that is responsible for converting normal male hormones (testosterone) into stress hormones (dihydrotestosterone) which causes abnormal prostate enlargement. As a result, it shrinks the size of an enlarged prostate and reduces the signs and symptoms of BPH.
How to use DUTARD 0.5 TABLET
Take DUTARD 0.5 TABLET as directed by your physician. Swallow the medicine with a glass of water. Do not crush or chew the medicine. DUTARD 0.5 TABLET can be taken with or without meals.
Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and disease condition. Do not stop taking DUTARD 0.5 TABLET without consulting your doctor.
Side Effects Of DUTARD 0.5 TABLET
Common
- impotence (difficulty in maintain erection)
- decreased sex desire
- difficulty in ejaculating sperms
- low sperm count
- breast enlargement in men (gynecomastia)
- dizziness
Uncommon
- shortness of breath, extreme tiredness and swelling in your ankles and legs
- hair loss (usually from the body) or hair growth
Rare
Stop taking DUTARD 0.5 TABLET and consult your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following side effects:
- severe allergic reactions (such as skin rash with redness and lumps, swelling of the face, eyelids, lips, mouth, and tongue causing difficulty in breathing or swallowing)
- signs of prostate cancer (difficulty in urinating, decreased force in the urine flow, blood in the urine, blood in the semen, pain in the bone, sudden weight loss and erectile dysfunction)
- signs of breast cancer (breast enlargement with pain, lump formation in breasts, discharge from nipples)
How To Manage Side Effects
Dizziness Or Drowsiness
Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any tools or machines completely while you are feeling dizzy. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your dizziness. Consult your doctor if your dizziness worsens.
Warning & Precautions
Pregnancy
Consult your doctorDUTARD 0.5 TABLET is not intended for use in women. Also, women who are pregnant or can become pregnant should not handle the broken/leaked medicine or be exposed to the semen of men taking DUTARD 0.5 TABLET, as it may cause serious abnormalities in the growing baby. Contact your doctor for advice if a pregnant woman gets accidentally exposed to DUTARD 0.5 TABLET.
Breastfeeding
Consult your doctorDUTARD 0.5 TABLET is not intended for use in women.
Driving and Using Machines
Use with CautionDUTARD 0.5 TABLET is unlikely to affect your ability for driving or handling heavy tools or machines.
Alcohol
Consult your doctorAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking DUTARD 0.5 TABLET as it may make you dizzier.
Kidney
Use with CautionDUTARD 0.5 TABLET should be used with caution in patients with kidney problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
Liver
Consult your doctorDUTARD 0.5 TABLET is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver diseases. It should be used with caution in patients with any other liver problems. Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
Allergy
ContraindicatedDo not take DUTARD 0.5 TABLET if you are allergic to dutasteride or to any other 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (such as finasteride).
Use In Pediatrics
ContraindicatedDUTARD 0.5 TABLET is not recommended for use in children and adolescents (below 18 years). Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
Use In Geriatrics
Use with CautionDUTARD 0.5 TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years or above). Therefore, consult your doctor before taking it.
Others
DUTARD 0.5 TABLET is not recommended for use if you:
- have prostate cancer
- wish to donate blood
Before taking DUTARD 0.5 TABLET, inform your physician if you:
- are going to have blood test for PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)
Interactions
A. Drug-Drug interactions:
Before taking DUTARD 0.5 TABLET, inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines such as:
- medicines used to manage heart problems (Ex. verapamil or diltiazem)
- medicines used to manage HIV infection (Ex. ritonavir or indinavir)
- medicines used to manage fungal infections (Ex. itraconazole or ketoconazole)
- nefazodone (a medicine used to manage depression)
- other medicines used in the management of enlarged prostate such as alpha blockers (Ex. prazosin, terazosin and doxazosin)
Overdosage:
If you or anyone else accidentally took more DUTARD 0.5 TABLET, consult your doctor immediately or visit the nearby hospital.
Synopsis
| Drug | : | Dutasteride |
| Pharmacological Category | : | 5-Alpha reductase inhibitors |
| Therapeutic Indication | : | Benign prostatic hyperplasia |
| Dosage Forms | : | Tablet, Capsule, Softgels |
More Information
- Keep DUTARD 0.5 TABLET out of reach of children
- Store DUTARD 0.5 TABLET at room temperature
FAQs About DUTARD 0.5 TABLET
Q: What is the use of DUTARD 0.5 TABLET?
A: DUTARD 0.5 TABLET is used to manage the signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in adult men. It helps in the shrinkage of an enlarged prostate and reduce the unpleasant symptoms associated with BPH.
Q: Can DUTARD 0.5 TABLET helps to urinate easily?
A: DUTARD 0.5 TABLET shrinks the size of an abnormally enlarged prostate which obstructs urine flow in patients with BPH. As a result, it improves urine flow and reduces pain or discomfort while passing urine.
Q: Can DUTARD 0.5 TABLET help to dissolve kidney stones?
A: No. DUTARD 0.5 TABLET is only used to manage benign prostatic hyperplasia. It cannot dissolve kidney stones. However, consult your doctor before taking it.
Q: Can the use of DUTARD 0.5 TABLET reduce hair fall?
A: DUTARD 0.5 TABLET is intended to manage benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is not recommended for use in reducing hair fall. However, consult your doctor before taking it.
Q: Can the use of DUTARD 0.5 TABLET affect my sexual life?
A: DUTARD 0.5 TABLET may cause problems in sperm release (ejaculation) or decrease in sex drive. These side effects are usually temporary and disappears once therapy has been stopped. However, consult your doctor if they trouble you.
Q: Can the use of DUTARD 0.5 TABLET cause prostate cancer?
A: DUTARD 0.5 TABLET may increase the risk of prostate cancer over prolonged use. Therefore, take DUTARD 0.5 TABLET only as advised by your physician. During management with DUTARD 0.5 TABLET, your doctor will regularly monitor your serum PSA levels (prostate specific antigen) to rule out risk of unwanted side effects.
Q: I wish to father a child. Can I use DUTARD 0.5 TABLET?
A: Before taking DUTARD 0.5 TABLET, inform your doctor if you are planning to have a baby, because it can be found in the semen of men taking it. Both pregnant women and women of child-bearing potential must not be exposed to this medicine either through direct handling or through semen, because it may harm to the unborn baby. Men taking DUTARD 0.5 TABLET should use condom during sexual intercourse to manage seminal exposure of DUTARD 0.5 TABLET to their partners. They must also avoid donating their blood while on therapy with DUTARD 0.5 TABLET and until at least 6 months after stopping the therapy to manage the exposure of dutasteride to a pregnant female transfusion recipient.
Q: Can DUTARD 0.5 TABLET cause infertility?
A: DUTARD 0.5 TABLET does not make you infertile. However, it can reduce sex drive or can cause few problems in ejaculation. These side effects are usually temporary and disappears once therapy is stopped. However, consult your doctor if they trouble you. Also, take DUTARD 0.5 TABLET only for the stipulated duration mentioned by your doctor to avoid the risk of side effects.
Q: Can the use of DUTARD 0.5 TABLET make me feel dizzy?
A: DUTARD 0.5 TABLET may make you feel dizzy or faint especially while changing position. Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any tools or machines completely while you are feeling dizzy. Do not consume excessive alcohol, as it could aggravate your dizziness. Consult your doctor if your dizziness worsens.
Q: Who should not take DUTARD 0.5 TABLET?
A: Do not take DUTARD 0.5 TABLET if you have prostate cancer. It is not recommended for use in children and adolescents aged below 18 years. It should be used with caution in elderly patients. Women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant should not come in contact with DUTARD 0.5 TABLET as it may cause serious harm to the growing fetus. Before taking DUTARD 0.5 TABLET inform your doctor if you any liver or kidney problems.
Q: What is the best time to take DUTARD 0.5 TABLET?
A: Take DUTARD 0.5 TABLET regularly at the same time each day. It can be taken in the morning or at night with or without meals as instructed by your doctor.
Q: What are the side effects of DUTARD 0.5 TABLET?
A: The most common side effects of taking DUTARD 0.5 TABLET are low sex drive, impotence, difficulty in reaching orgasm, low sperm count and problems in ejaculation. Consult your doctor if any of these side effects trouble you.
Q: How long will it take for DUTARD 0.5 TABLET to show the results?
A: It may take around 4 weeks for DUTARD 0.5 TABLET to show results. However, this period may vary from patient-to-patient depending upon their disease condition. Therefore, continue to take this medicine as advised by your doctor.
Q: What to do if I forgot to take a dose of DUTARD 0.5 TABLET?
A: If you have missed a dose of DUTARD 0.5 TABLET, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one regularly. Do not take a double dose of DUTARD 0.5 TABLET to compensate the missed ones.
Q: Can I stop taking DUTARD 0.5 TABLET once my symptoms subside?
A: Do not stop taking DUTARD 0.5 TABLET without consulting your doctor. Make sure to take this medicine for the stipulated duration recommended by your doctor to achieve maximum results.
References
1. KD Tripathi. Hormones and related drugs: Androgens and Drugs for Erectile Dysfunction. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. 7th edition. 2013. Page - 303.
2. Roehrborn CG, Marks LS, Fenter T, Freedman S, Tuttle J, Gittleman M, Morrill B, Wolford ET. Efficacy and safety of dutasteride in the four-year treatment of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Urology. April 2004. [Accessed on 6th December 2022] https://www.goldjournal.net/article/S0090-4295(04)00068-8/fulltext
3. Cyndea Pharma S.L.Galenicum Health S.L. Accord Healthcare Limited. Pharmadox Healthcare Ltd. Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC). [Revised in October 2019] [Accessed on 6th December 2022] https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.8917.pdf
4. GlaxoSmithKline Pharmaceuticals Inc. U.S. Food & Drug Administration. [Revised in June 2011] [Accessed on 6th December 2022] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/021319s023s025lbl.pdf
Useful Diagnostic Tests
- Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) blood test
- Prostate magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
- Urine flow study
- Digital rectal examination
- Cystoscopy
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