Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Dutasteride as follows:
- This medication can induce some nausea and vomiting, when taken on empty stomach. Taking the medication with a glass of water and some food or snack can help avoid these unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. Starting the medication at a low dose and gradually changing the dose to help optimum control of the symptoms, can help better control of the unpleasant gastrointestinal symptoms. If the nausea and vomiting become bothersome, report it to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered.
- Reduced conversion of testosterone to DHT, secondary to Dutasteride use, can result in increased concentrations of testosterone in the body. A part of this male sex hormone, testosterone, can get converted to female sex hormone, estrogen, in the body. Increased estrogen levels in men with active sexual life can result in decreased sexual interest, difficulty attaining and maintaining erection, issues with ejaculation, impotence, and difficulty having an orgasm. Increased estrogen levels in men taking Dutasteride can also lead to growth of breast tissue, resulting in breast enlargement and growth of lumps or masses in the breast tissue. These masses can sometimes be painful, resulting in breast tenderness and occasionally even present some discharge. Report any of these findings while taking Dutasteride, to your physician immediately, for further investigation and advice.
- Maintain strict compliance with regards to dosage and frequency, to derive the benefit of the medication. Do not change the dose on this medication without consulting your doctor.
