5-ALPHA REDUCTASE INHIBITORS

GENERIC AND BRAND NAMES

DUTASTERIDE
Avodart
Duagen
Jalyn

FINASTERIDE
Propecia
Proscar

BASIC INFORMATION

Habit forming? No

Prescription needed? Yes

Available as generic? Yes, for some

Drug class: Dihydrotestosterone inhibitor

USES

• Treats symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) in men with enlarged prostate.

• Treatment of male pattern hair loss in men.

DOSAGE & USAGE INFORMATION

How to take:

Tablet or capsule—Swallow with liquid. May take with or without food. If you can’t swallow whole, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

When to take:

Once a day or as directed on prescription.

If you forget a dose:

Take as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, wait for that dose (don’t double this dose) and resume regular schedule.

What drug does:

Inhibits the enzyme needed for the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone is required for the development of benign prostatic hypertrophy.

Time lapse before drug works:

• May require up to 6 months for full therapeutic effect for BPH.

• For treatment of hair loss, may not see any benefit for 3 months or more.

Don’t take with:

Any other medicine or dietary supplement without consulting your doctor or pharmacist, especially nonprescription decongestants.

OVERDOSE

SYMPTOMS:
Effects unknown.
WHAT TO DO:
If person uses much larger amount than prescribed or if accidentally swallowed, call poison control center 1-800-222-1222 for instructions or dial 911 (emergency) for help.

POSSIBLE ADVERSE REACTIONS OR SIDE EFFECTS

SYMPTOMS

WHAT TO DO

Life-threatening:

None expected.

Common:

None expected.

Infrequent:

Decreased volume of ejaculation, headache, dizziness.

Continue. Call doctor when convenient.

Rare:

Impotence, decreased libido, breast changes (enlargement, tenderness, lumps, pain, discharge from nipple), depressed mood, rash.

Continue. Call doctor when convenient.

WARNINGS & PRECAUTIONS

Don’t take if:

• You are allergic to dutasteride or finasteride. Allergic reactions are rare, but may occur.

• You are a female, are pregnant or a child.

Before you start, consult your doctor if:

• You have had prostate cancer or not had a blood test to check for prostate cancer.

• Your sexual partner is pregnant or may become pregnant.

• You have a liver disorder.

• You have reduced urinary flow.

• You have large residual urinary volume.

Over age 60:

No special problems expected.

Pregnancy:

• Not recommended for women.

• Pregnant women should not handle the crushed tablets.

• Ask your doctor if you should avoid exposure to mate’s semen if he takes these drugs.

• Risk category X (see here).

Breastfeeding; Lactation; Nursing Mothers:

These drugs are not recommended for women.

Infants & children up to age 18:

Not recommended for this age group.

Prolonged use:

Talk to your doctor about the need for follow-up medical examinations or laboratory studies to check the effectiveness of the treatment.

Skin & sunlight:

No special problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:

No special problems expected.

Discontinuing:

• Don’t discontinue without medical advice.

• Consult doctor if some adverse effects such as problems with libido, ejaculation and orgasm continue after stopping the drug.

Others:

• Advise any doctor, dentist or pharmacist whom you consult that you take this medicine.

• May affect results of some medical tests (especially prostate specific antigen [PSA] which is a test for prostate cancer).

• For those who respond well, the drug must be continued indefinitely.

• Taking these drugs may increase risk for a prostate cancer called high grade prostate cancer. Consult your doctor about your risks.

• Drug use may lead to male infertility and/or poor semen quality. Once drug is stopped, these effects improve or return to normal.

• Don’t donate blood until 6 months have passed after you stop taking the drug.

POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER DRUGS

GENERIC NAME OR DRUG CLASS	COMBINED EFFECT
Enzyme inhibitors*	Unknown effect with dutasteride. Consult doctor.

POSSIBLE INTERACTION WITH OTHER SUBSTANCES

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
Alcohol:	None expected.
Beverages: Grapefruit juice.	Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Cocaine:	Unknown. Avoid.
Foods: Grapefruit.	Ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Marijuana:	Seek medical advice.
Tobacco:	None expected.