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Dutasteride; Tamsulosin Capsules

Dutasteride and tamsulosin treats the symptoms of an enlarged prostate by decreasing the size of your prostate. The prostate is a gland below your bladder and in front of your rectum. This medication comes in a capsule form. Take it about 30 minutes after the same meal each day as directed.

What is this medication?

DUTASTERIDE; TAMSULOSIN (doo TAS teer ide; tam SOO loe sin) treats the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia). It works by decreasing the size of the prostate. It also relaxes the muscles in the prostate and bladder, which makes it easier to urinate. It is a combination of a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor and an alpha blocker.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Jalyn

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Advanced kidney disease
  • Advanced liver disease
  • Low blood pressure
  • Prostate cancer
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to dutasteride, tamsulosin, sulfa medications, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth about 30 minutes after the same meal every day. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the capsules whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, chew, or open capsules. Do not use or touch this medication if your capsules are deformed, discolored, or leaking. Do not take your medication more often than directed. Do not stop taking your medication unless your care team tells you to.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. This medication is not approved for use in children.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. If you stop taking your medication for several days or more, ask your care team what dose you should start back on.

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What may interact with this medication?

  • Alpha blockers, such as alfuzosin, doxazosin, phentolamine, phenoxybenzamine, prazosin, or terazosin
  • Boceprevir
  • Certain antivirals for HIV
  • Certain medications for erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil, tadalafil, or vardenafil
  • Certain medications for fungal infections, such as ketoconazole, itraconazole, or voriconazole
  • Certain medications for infection, such as erythromycin or telithromycin
  • Cimetidine
  • Diltiazem
  • Medications for blood pressure
  • Paroxetine
  • Supplements, such as saw palmetto
  • Terbinafine
  • Verapamil
  • Warfarin

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. You will need blood work done before you start this medication and regularly while you are taking it. This medication can interfere with PSA laboratory tests for prostate cancer. If you are scheduled to have a blood test for prostate cancer, tell your care team that you are taking this medication. Check your blood pressure as directed. Know what your blood pressure should be and when to contact your care team.

This medication can cause serious birth defects. If you are pregnant or may get pregnant, do not handle this medication. If you are pregnant and come into contact with a broken, crushed, or leaking capsule, immediately wash the exposed area of skin with soap and water and contact your care team.

Do not donate blood while you are taking this medication or for 6 months after stopping it. Donated blood may contain enough of this medication to cause serious birth defects in someone who is pregnant.

This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.

Contact your care team right away if you have an erection that lasts longer than 4 hours or if it becomes painful. This may be a sign of a serious problem and must be treated right away to prevent permanent damage.

If you are going to need cataract surgery, tell your care team that you have taken this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Breast tissue changes, new lumps, redness, pain, or discharge from the nipple
  • Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
  • Prolonged or painful erection

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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Breast pain or tenderness
  • Change in sex drive or performance
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Runny or stuffy nose

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Keep the container tightly closed. Avoid exposure to extreme heat. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of this medication safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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