DUTASTERIDE,TAMSULOSIN
Background and Date of Approval
Dutasteride and tamsulosin is a combination medication used in men to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia. The FDA approved this medication initially in 1997.
Uses
Dutasteride, Tamsulosin helps to treat Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
How is it administered?
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease condition, severity, and other factors. Always take Dutasteride, Tamsulosin as prescribed by your doctor. Do not open, break, crush, or chew the tablet. Swallow it with a glass of water. Take the tablet after breakfast or after the first daily meal. Do not stop taking this tablet without medical advice from your doctor.
Side Effects
The side effects known to occur commonly during the treatment with Dutasteride, Tamsulosin are decreased sex drive, dizziness, breast enlargement or tenderness, difficulty with erection and ejaculation.
Warnings
It is not recommended for adolescents and children under the age of 18. You should not take Dutasteride, Tamsulosin if you are allergic to soya, peanuts, or any ingredients or if angioedema (swelling due to an allergic reaction) occurs after using some drugs. Inform your physician if you have a serious liver infection, suffer from dizziness, or already have malaise. At the same time, you urinate or after urinating (micturition syncope).
Precautions
If you are planning to undergo cataract or glaucoma surgery, please inform your doctor that you are taking or have recently taken Dutasteride, Tamsulosin. Caution should be paid if you have severely impaired renal function, as there is insufficient data from clinical studies about patients with severe renal impairment. In case of dizziness, it is necessary to sit down or lay down until the disappearance of these signs. Report to your physician if there is a drop in blood pressure on long-term use.
Word of Advice
This medicine is not indicated for female patients. Take Dutasteride and Tamsulosin after breakfast or with the first meal of the day. Inform your healthcare provider if you have kidney problems, liver disease, low blood pressure, prostate cancer, or allergies to sulfa drugs. Tell your doctor if you are planning to undergo cataract or glaucoma surgery. This medicine may cause difficulties with ejaculation. This medicine may cause eye problems during surgery. Your doctor will monitor your condition and assess the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Attend all scheduled appointments. 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. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
References
Mylan, Electronic medicines compendium (EMC), [Revised on April 2020] [ Accessed on 16th May 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.507.pdf GlaxoSmithKline, US Food and Drug Administration, [Revised on June 2011] [ Accessed on 16th May 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/022460s001lbl.pdf KD Tripathi, Essentials of Medical Pharmacology, Antiadrenergic Drugs and Drugs for Glaucoma, 7th edition, 2013, 142. Goodman & Gilman's, The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics, Androgens, 12th edition, 2011, 1203.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can women use Dutasteride, Tamsulosin?
Dutasteride, Tamsulosin is primarily prescribed for men with urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate. It is not typically prescribed for women.
Can Dutasteride, Tamsulosin cure an enlarged prostate?
Dutasteride, Tamsulosin does not cure an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). It helps to relieve symptoms associated with BPH by relaxing the prostate muscles and the bladder neck. Treatment with this medicine is typically long-term and aimed at managing symptoms.
Can Dutasteride, Tamsulosin cause sexual side effects?
Dutasteride, Tamsulosin can cause sexual side effects, although they are relatively uncommon. Some individuals may experience decreased libido (sex drive), difficulty achieving an erection (erectile dysfunction), or abnormal ejaculation. If you undergo any of these side effects while taking this medicine, discuss them with your healthcare provider.
What will happen if I stop taking Dutasteride, Tamsulosin suddenly?
Stopping your treatment may cause your condition to become worse. Do not stop taking Dutasteride, Tamsulosin without consulting your doctor.
Can Dutasteride, Tamsulosin be used for urinary incontinence?
Dutasteride, Tamsulosin are primarily indicated for urinary symptoms associated with an enlarged prostate (BPH) and may not be effective for urinary incontinence unrelated to BPH. The underlying cause of urinary incontinence must be determined, and alternative treatment options may be considered based on the specific diagnosis. Consult your doctor for more advice.
Can Dutasteride, Tamsulosin cause dizziness or lightheadedness?
Dutasteride, Tamsulosin can cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or fainting, especially when standing up quickly or during the initial stages of treatment. Getting up slowly from a lying position or seated minimizes these effects. If you experience persistent or severe dizziness, consult your healthcare provider.
Who should not take Dutasteride, Tamsulosin?
Dutasteride, Tamsulosin should not be taken by individuals allergic to them or their ingredients.