Uses
This product is used in men to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia-BPH). Dutasteride works by reducing the size of the enlarged prostate. Tamsulosin is known as an alpha-blocker and works by relaxing muscles in the bladder and prostate. This product helps to relieve symptoms of BPH such as difficulty in beginning the flow of urine, weak stream, and the need to urinate often or urgently (including during the middle of the night).
Dutasteride is not approved for prevention of prostate cancer. It may slightly increase the risk of developing a very serious form of prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks.
This medication should not be used by women or children.
How To Use
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily, 30 minutes after the same meal each day. Swallow this medication whole. Do not crush, chew, or open the capsules.
This medication may cause a sudden drop in your blood pressure, which could lead to dizziness or fainting. This risk is higher when you first start taking this drug or if you restart treatment after you stop taking it. During these times, avoid situations where you may be injured if you faint.
Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication.
It may take up to 4 weeks to notice an improvement in symptoms. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve after 4 weeks or if they worsen.
Side Effects
Dizziness, lightheadedness, drowsiness, runny/stuffy nose, sexual problems (such as decreased sexual interest/ability, ejaculation problems, decrease in the amount of semen/sperm), testicle pain/swelling, increased breast size, or breast tenderness may occur. Sexual problems have continued in some men even after stopping treatment. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:
Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Precautions
Before taking this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to dutasteride or tamsulosin; or to finasteride; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- low blood pressure
- certain eye problems (cataracts, glaucoma)
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery (including cataract/glaucoma eye surgery), tell your doctor or dentist if you are taking or have ever taken this medication, and about all the other products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially dizziness and low blood pressure when getting up from a sitting or lying position. These side effects can increase the risk of falling.
Do not donate blood while you are taking this medication and for at least 6 months after you stop taking it. This will prevent the possibility of your blood being given to a pregnant woman.
This medication should not be used in women, especially during pregnancy or breast-feeding. It may harm an unborn baby or breast-feeding baby. Consult your doctor for more details.
Drug Interactions
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include:
- other alpha blocker drugs (such as prazosin, terazosin)
If you are also taking a drug to treat erectile dysfunction-ED or pulmonary hypertension (such as sildenafil, tadalafil), your blood pressure may get too low which can lead to dizziness or fainting. Your doctor may need to adjust your medications to minimize this risk.
Other medications can affect the removal of this product from your body, which may affect how this product works. Examples include adagrasib, azole antifungals (such as itraconazole, ketoconazole), clarithromycin, cobicistat, HIV protease inhibitors (such as lopinavir), mifepristone, ribociclib, ritonavir, among others.
Overdose
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Alberta residents can call PADIS (Poison and Drug Information Service) 24 hours a day at 1-800-332-1414. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe dizziness, fainting.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as prostate exams, prostate-specific antigen-PSA) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you have questions about missing a dose or you don't have more medication, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
The capsules may soften and leak if stored at high temperatures. If your capsules change color/shape or leak, do not use them. If your skin comes in contact with the deformed or leaking capsules, wash the area right away with soap and water. Contact your pharmacist for more information.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
