is dutasteride a peptide FAQ

No, only males can take this medication. If a female, child, or adolescent comes into contact with the inside of the medication, they must wash their hands immediately. This is because the skin can absorb the active ingredient.

People take this medication long-term. Some people notice an immediate improvement in their symptoms, but for others, it may take a few months to see results.

If a person forgets to take a dose of dutasteride, they can take it as soon as they remember on that same day. If they do not remember until the next day, they should not take two doses on the same day.

If you or someone else has taken too much dutasteride, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take dutasteride.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a hormone that makes the prostate grow larger than usual. Dutasteride works by blocking an enzyme that turns testosterone into DHT. This helps to reduce the size of the prostate, which makes it easier to pee. It may take 3 to 6 months before you notice an improvement in your symptoms.

Your healthcare provider may recommend limiting or avoiding grapefruit while taking dutasteride. Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice might increase your risk of side effects from dutasteride. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect dutasteride. You may take dutasteride with or without food.

While less common, the most serious side effects of dutasteride are described below, along with what to do if they happen. Severe Allergic Reactions. Dutasteride may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking dutasteride and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

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Do not take dutasteride unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed. Do not share dutasteride with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Keep dutasteride out of the reach of children. Do not chew, crush, or open dutasteride capsules. Dutasteride may affect semen. You may have less semen than usual, and the number and activity of sperm may be reduced. These changes may continue after dutasteride is stopped. It is unknown if these changes could affect your fertility (the ability to father a pregnancy). If you have any concerns or questions about this, talk to your healthcare provider before starting dutasteride. People who are or may be pregnant should not touch dutasteride capsules. Dutasteride can be absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby. If skin contact occurs, wash the area right away with soap and water. Do not donate blood while taking dutasteride or for at least 6 months after your last dose. This medicine stays in the blood for up to 6 months and could harm an unborn baby if someone who is pregnant receives donated blood that contains dutasteride. Dutasteride is commonly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), which is non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. In some cases, BPH can occur at the same time as prostate cancer. Your healthcare provider may recommend getting tested for prostate cancer before you start dutasteride and getting regular screenings thereafter. Dutasteride can lower the levels of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood. You should still get PSA tests to check for prostate cancer as advised by your healthcare provider. Dutasteride does not help prevent prostate cancer.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if dutasteride is right for you. In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following. Liver Problems. It is not known if dutasteride is safe to take if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take this medicine. Other Medicines and Supplements. Dutasteride may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking dutasteride, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details. Pregnancy. Dutasteride may cause harm to an unborn baby if the medicine is taken or touched by someone who is pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop taking dutasteride right away and contact your healthcare provider. Breastfeeding. It is not known if dutasteride passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking dutasteride.

The most common side effects of dutasteride are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

Dutasteride is available as Avodart and generic dutasteride in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.

Dutasteride is commonly used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition in which the prostate gland is enlarged but not cancerous. When the prostate is enlarged, it pinches the urethra. This may lead to problems with your bladder muscles and urination (peeing). Dutasteride is used to improve the symptoms of BPH. It helps to lower the risk of an emergency in which you suddenly cannot urinate even though your bladder is full. It also helps to lower the chance of needing surgery for BPH. Dutasteride may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

Dutasteride should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F to 77 F (20 C to 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. If dutasteride is stored at high temperatures, the capsule may leak or change in color. To be safe, do not take or touch dutasteride capsules that are leaking, discolored, or damaged.