How to use
Dutasteride is taken orally, once a day, with a full glass of water. Swallow the capsules whole, without chewing, crushing or breaking them. This medication can be taken with or without food. Follow the instructions of your doctor exactly, evenif they differ from the normally recommended dosage.

Dutasteride is recommended for use by men only.

Overdose
There are no known symptoms of a Dutasteride overdose.

If you think you have taken too much of this medication, contact your local poison control center or the emergency medical services.

Notes

Do not share this medication with others, since they may have a problem that is not effectively treated by this Dutasteride.

Using Dutasteride does not protect you against sexually transmitted diseases (e.g. HIV, Hepatitis B, gonorrhea, syphilis).

Missed dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember during the same day. However, if you don't remember until the next day, skip the dose you missed and take only the next regularly scheduled dose. Do not attempt to double up on Dutasteride to make up for missed medication.

Storage
Store Dutasteride at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) and away from light and moisture. Brief storage between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

If stored at high temperatures, the Dutasteride capsules may soften and leak. If this happens, do not use the broken capsules and avoid skin contact with their content. If your skin does accidentally comes into contact with the leaking capsules, you should wash the affected area with water and soap immediately.

Important note

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.

* Illustrations are for graphic purposes only and the ordered medication may differ in appearance.

Precautions

Before using Dutasteride, inform your doctor of your medical history, especially of:

• Any allergies
• Penis conditions such as fibrosis and scarring (e.g. Peyronie's disease)
• History of painful or prolonged erections (priapism)
• Sickle cell anemia
• Blood system cancers (such as leukemia or myeloma)
• Eye problems (retina diseases)
• Kidney or liver diseases
• Bleeding disorders
• Active stomach ulcers
• Heart diseases
• Strokes
• Very high or low blood pressure

If you suffer or have suffered from any of the conditions above, you may not be able to take Dutasteride or you may need a dosage adjustment.

This medication is intended for use by men only. Elderly people may be more sensitive to the side effects of Dutasteride, so caution is advised when this medication is used by anyone in this age group.

Dutasteride is classed as Pregnancy Category X by the FDA. This means that it is certain to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Even though Dutasteride is not intended for use by women, pregnant women or those who may become pregnant must not handle Dutasteride capsules. This medication can be absorbed through the skin and may cause birth defects in an unborn baby.

Drug Interactions

Before taking Dutasteride, tell you doctor if you are currently also taking any of the following medicines: 

• A protease inhibitor such as Amprenavir (Agenerase), Indinavir (Crixivan), Nelfinavir (Viracept), Ritonavir (Norvir) or Saquinavir (Invirase, Fortovase)
• Itraconazole (Sporanox) or Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
• Verapamil (Calan, Calan SR, Covera-HS, Isoptin, Isoptin SR, Verelan, Verelan PM)
• Diltiazem (Cardizem, Cardizem CD, Cardizem SR, Cartia XT, Dilacor XR, Tiazac, others)
• Cimetidine (Tagamet, Tagamet HB, others)
• Erythromycin (E-Mycin, Ery-Tab, Eryc, E.E.S., others)

Other medications than those listed above may interact with Dutasteride. Before taking Dutasteride, you should inform your doctor of all other prescription and non-prescription medication you use, including vitamins, dietary supplements, herbal pills and medication prescribed by other doctors. Do not start or stop any medication without discussing it with your doctor first.

Infrequently, the use of Dutasteride may cause the following side effects:

• Decreased amount of ejaculate
• Impotence (trouble achieving or maintaining an erection)
• Decreased interest in sex
• Tenderness or enlargement of the breasts

The above side effects should disappear with time, but if they persist or worsen you should notify your physician immediately.

In very rare cases, you may suffer an allergic reaction to Dutasteride. Seem immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

• Rash
• Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat)
• Dizziness
• Trouble breathing 

Other side effects than the ones listed above may occur. Notify your doctor straightaway if you experience any other side effects than the ones mentioned.