Dutasteride
PrescriptionBrand names: Dutasteride
About This Medication
11 DESCRIPTION Dutasteride is a synthetic 4-azasteroid compound that is a selective inhibitor of both the type 1 and type 2 isoforms of steroid 5 alpha-reductase, an intracellular enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT. Dutasteride is chemically designated as (5α,17β)-N-{2,5 bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl}-3-oxo-4-azaandrost-1-ene-17-carboxamide. The empirical formula of dutasteride is C 27 H 30 F 6 N 2 O 2 , representing a molecular weight of 528.5 with the following structural formula: Dutasteride is a white to pale yellow powder with a melting point of 242° to 250°C. It is soluble in ethanol (44 mg/mL), methanol (64 mg/mL), and polyethylene glycol 400 (3 mg/mL), but it is insoluble in water. Each dutasteride capsule, administered orally, contains 0.5 mg of dutasteride dissolved in a mixture of mono-di-glycerides of caprylic/capric acid and butylated hydroxytoluene. The inactive excipients in the capsule shell are ferric oxide (yellow), gelatin (from certified BSE-free bovine sources), glycerin, and titanium dioxide. The capsules are printed with edible black ink containing black iron oxide, hypromellose and propylene glycol.
Active Ingredients
| Ingredient | Strength |
|---|---|
| Dutasteride | - |
Indications & Usage
Dosage & Administration
Side Effects Overview
Warnings & Precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Dutasteride reduces serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration by approximately 50%. However, any confirmed increase in PSA while on dutasteride may signal the presence of prostate cancer and should be evaluated, even if those values are still within the normal range for untreated men. (5.1) Dutasteride may increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer. (5.2, 6.1) Prior to initiating treatment with dutasteride, consideration should be given to other urological conditions that may cause similar symptoms. (5.3) Women who are pregnant or may be pregnant should not handle dutasteride capsules due to potential risk to a male fetus. (5.4, 8.1) Patients should not donate blood until 6 months after their last dose of dutasteride. (5.5) 5.1 Effects on Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) and the Use of PSA in Prostate Cancer Detection In clinical trials, dutasteride reduced serum PSA concentration by approximately 50% within 3 to 6 months of treatment. This decrease was predictable over the entire range of PSA values in subjects with symptomatic BPH, although it may vary in individuals. Dutasteride may also cause decreases in serum PSA in the presence of prostate cancer. To interpret serial PSAs in men taking dutasteride, a new PSA baseline should be established at least 3 months after starting treatment and PSA monitored periodically thereafter. Any confirmed increase from the lowest PSA value while on dutasteride may signal the presence of prostate cancer and should be evaluated, even if PSA levels are still within the normal range for men not taking a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor. Noncompliance with dutasteride may also affect PSA test results. To interpret an isolated PSA value in a man treated with dutasteride for 3 months or more, the PSA value should be doubled for comparison with normal values in untreated men. The free-to-total PSA ratio (percent free PSA) remains constant, even under the influence of dutasteride. If clinicians elect to use percent free PSA as an aid in the detection of prostate cancer in men receiving dutasteride, no adjustment to its value appears necessary. Coadministration of dutasteride and tamsulosin resulted in similar changes to serum PSA as dutasteride monotherapy. 5.2 Increased Risk of High-grade Prostate Cancer In men aged 50 to 75 years with a prior negative biopsy for prostate cancer and a baseline PSA between 2.5 ng/mL and 10.0 ng/mL taking dutasteride in the 4-year Reduction by Dutasteride of Prostate Cancer Events (REDUCE) trial, there was an increased incidence of Gleason score 8-10 prostate cancer compared with men taking placebo (dutasteride 1.0% versus placebo 0.5%) [see Indications and Usage (1.3), Adverse Reactions (6.1)] . In a 7-year placebo-controlled clinical trial with another 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor (finasteride 5 mg, PROSCAR), similar results for Gleason score 8-10 prostate cancer were observed (finasteride 1.8% versus placebo 1.1%). 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors may increase the risk of development of high-grade prostate cancer. Whether the effect of 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors to reduce prostate volume or trial-related factors impacted the results of these trials has not been established. 5.3 Evaluation for Other Urological Diseases Prior to initiating treatment with dutasteride, consideration should be given to other urological conditions that may cause similar symptoms. In addition, BPH and prostate cancer may coexist. 5.4 Transdermal Exposure of Dutasteride in Pregnant Women—Risk to Male Fetus Dutasteride capsules should not be handled by women who are pregnant or may be pregnant. Dutasteride can be absorbed through the skin and could result in unintended fetal exposure and potential risk to a male fetus. If a pregnant woman comes in contact with leaking dutasteride capsules, the contact area should be washed immediately with soap and water [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1)] . Dutasteride can be absorbed through the skin based on animal studies [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.2)] . 5.5 Blood Donation Men being treated with dutasteride should not donate blood until at least 6 months have passed following their last dose. The purpose of this deferred period is to prevent administration of dutasteride to a pregnant female transfusion recipient. 5.6 Effect on Semen Characteristics The effects of dutasteride 0.5 mg/day on semen characteristics were evaluated in healthy men throughout 52 weeks of treatment and 24 weeks of post-treatment follow-up. At 52 weeks, compared with placebo, dutasteride treatment resulted in mean reduction in total sperm count, semen volume, and sperm motility; the effects on total sperm count were not reversible after 24 weeks of follow-up. Sperm concentration and sperm morphology were unaffected and mean values for all semen parameters remained within the normal range at all timepoints. The clinical significance of the effect of dutasteride on semen characteristics for an individual patient’s fertility is not known [see Use in Specific Populations (8.3)] .
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Dutasteride is contraindicated for use in: Pregnancy. Dutasteride use is contraindicated in women who are pregnant. In animal reproduction and developmental toxicity studies, dutasteride inhibited development of male fetus external genitalia. Therefore, dutasteride may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4), Use in Specific Populations (8.1)] . Patients with previously demonstrated clinically significant hypersensitivity (e.g., serious skin reactions, angioedema) to dutasteride or other 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)] . Pregnancy. Dutasteride use is contraindicated in women who are pregnant. (4, 5.4, 8.1) Patients with previously demonstrated, clinically significant hypersensitivity (e.g., serious skin reactions, angioedema) to dutasteride or other 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors. (4)
Frequently Asked Questions
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Dutasteride is a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate to: (1.1) improve symptoms, reduce the risk of acute urinary retention, and reduce the risk of the need for BPH-related surgery. Dutasteride in combination with the alpha-adrenergic antagonist, tamsulosin, is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic BPH in men with an enlarged prostate. (1.2) Limitations of Use: Dutasteride is not approved for the prevention …
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The capsules should be swallowed whole and not chewed or opened, as contact with the capsule contents may result in irritation of the oropharyngeal mucosa. Dutasteride may be administered with or without food. Monotherapy: 0.5 mg once daily. (2.1) Combination with tamsulosin: 0.5 mg once daily and tamsulosin 0.4 mg once daily. (2.2) Dosing considerations: Swallow whole. May take with or without food. (2) 2.1 Monotherapy The recommended dose of dutasteride is 1 capsule (0.5 mg) …
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Dutasteride reduces serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration by approximately 50%. However, any confirmed increase in PSA while on dutasteride may signal the presence of prostate cancer and should be evaluated, even if those values are still within the normal range for untreated men. (5.1) Dutasteride may increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer. (5.2, 6.1) Prior to initiating treatment with dutasteride, consideration should be given to other urological conditions that may cause similar symptoms. (5.3) Women …
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Dutasteride is contraindicated for use in: Pregnancy. Dutasteride use is contraindicated in women who are pregnant. In animal reproduction and developmental toxicity studies, dutasteride inhibited development of male fetus external genitalia. Therefore, dutasteride may cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4), Use in Specific Populations (8.1)] . Patients with previously demonstrated clinically significant hypersensitivity (e.g., serious skin reactions, angioedema) to dutasteride or other 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors [see Adverse Reactions (6.2)] . …
Dutasteride is a prescription medication. You will need a valid prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Similar Capsule Products
Browse all Capsule products →References & Data Sources
- • DailyMed — Dutasteride drug label (National Library of Medicine)
- • openFDA — Dutasteride label data (U.S. Food & Drug Administration)
- • RxNorm — RXCUI 351172 (NLM Normalized Drug Names)
- • NDC Directory — Dutasteride (FDA National Drug Code)
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Data sources: DailyMed (NLM), openFDA, MFDS