What are the side effects of dutasteride? Safety guidelines that must be read before taking medication
Dutasteride soft capsules are mainly used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia, and their side effects mainly involve sexual function, allergic reactions, and special population risks.
1. Common adverse reactions
(1) Sexual dysfunction: including decreased libido (about 3.7%), erectile dysfunction (about 1.3%), and reduced ejaculation volume.
(2) Breast discomfort: Male breast development (0.4%), breast tenderness or nipple sensitivity.
2. Side effects that require immediate medical attention
(1) Allergic reactions: Skin rash, urticaria, facial/throat swelling, and other allergic symptoms.
(2) Depressive symptoms: newly emerging or worsening mood swings, suicidal thoughts.
(3) Testicular pain: Persistent or severe pain may indicate specific complications.
3. Special precautions
(1) Contraindications for pregnant women: Medications can cause fetal abnormalities through contact with semen, and strict contraception is necessary.
(2) Liver function monitoring: Long term medication users need to regularly check their liver function indicators.
(3) PSA test interference: PSA values will decrease by about 50% within 6 months of taking medication, and doctors need to re evaluate the baseline values.
4. Conventional usage
(1) Standard dose: Take 0.5mg orally at a fixed time daily, without considering meal times.
(2) Treatment requirements: Continuous use for at least 6 months is required to evaluate the efficacy, and long-term maintenance treatment can prevent disease progression.
5. Medication precautions
(1) Usage: Swallow the whole pill, do not crush or chew.
(2) Omission treatment: If missed once, there is no need to take a replacement dose, and continue to take the next dose according to the original plan.
(3) Efficacy monitoring: PSA levels and liver function indicators should be regularly checked before medication and during treatment.
(4) Effective time: Symptom improvement usually takes 2-4 weeks, and complete effect may take 6-12 months.
Disclaimer：《What are the side effects of dutasteride? Safety guidelines that must be read before taking medication》Edited and sorted by Seagull Pharmacy's editors. Please contact us in time if there is any infringement. In addition, the suggestions for drug usage, dosage and disease mentioned in the article are only for medical staff's reference, and can not be used as any basis for medication！