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.
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 get better after 4 weeks
or if they get worse.
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.
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 breastfeeding. It may harm an unborn baby or
breastfeeding baby. Consult your doctor for more details.
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.
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 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: severe
dizziness, fainting.
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.
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.
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.