Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Dutasteride 0.5 mg Capsule

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.

If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Dutasteride may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Dutasteride

Equivalent medicines (same active substance, strength and form)

Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What you need to know before you take it

e Dutasteride

Do not take Dutasteride: − if you are allergic (hypersensitive) to dutasteride, other 5-alpha reductase inhibitors or any ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6) − if you have a severe liver disease. Tell your doctor if you think any of these apply to you. This medicine is for men only. It must not be taken by women, children or adolescents. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking Dutasteride − In some clinical studies, more patients taking dutasteride and another medicine called an alpha-blocker, like tamsulosin experienced heart failure than patients taking only dutasteride or only an alpha-blocker. Heart failure means your heart does not pump blood as well as it should. − Make sure your doctor knows about liver problems. If you have had any illness affecting your liver, you may need some additional check-ups while you are taking Dutasteride.

Other medicines and Dutasteride Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. This includes any medicines you have bought without a prescription. Some medicines can react with Dutasteride and may make it more likely that you'll have side effects. These medicines include: − verapamil or diltiazem (for high blood pressure) − ritonavir or indinavir (for HIV) − itraconazole or ketaconazole (for fungal infections) − nefazodone (an antidepressant) − alpha-blockers (for enlarged prostate or high blood pressure). Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines. Your dose of Dutasteride may need to be reduced. Dutasteride with food and drink Dutasteride can be taken with or without food. Pregnancy and breast-feeding and fertility Women who are pregnant (or may be) must not handle leaking capsules. Dutasteride is absorbed through the skin and can affect the normal development of a male baby. This is a particular risk in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy. Use a condom during sexual intercourse. Dutasteride has been found in the semen of men taking Dutasteride. If your partner is or may be pregnant, you must avoid exposing her to your semen. Dutasteride has been shown to reduce sperm count, semen volume and sperm movement. Therefore male fertility may be reduced. Contact your doctor for advice if a pregnant woman has come into contact with dutasteride. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking any this medicine.

Dimension – 180 x 260 mm

Front Side

NON PRINTING COLOUR

Dutasteride 0.5 mg Capsules, Soft

Strides Pharma UK Ltd. 180 x 260 mm 1052637 (OneSource item code:1200013273)

Black

PC-ODF/2025/534 Record Number: 464215 Front & Back Printing. To be supplied in unfolded size. 60 GSM Paper. Printing clarity to be clear & sharp.

Pack Insert -1037312 (OneSource item code:1200012042)

1 3.0

11785

Dutasteride contains active ingredient dutasteride. It belongs to a group of medicines called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. Dutasteride is used to treat men with an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia) – non-cancerous growth of the prostate gland, caused by producing too much of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone. As the prostate grows, it can lead to urinary problems, such as difficulty in passing urine and a need to go to the toilet frequently. It can also cause the flow of the urine to be slower and less forceful. If left untreated, there is a risk that your urine flow will be completely blocked (acute urinary retention). This requires immediate medical treatment. In some situations surgery is necessary to remove or reduce the size of the prostate gland. Dutasteride lowers the production of dihydrotestosterone, which helps to shrink the prostate and relieve the symptoms. This will reduce the risk of acute urinary retention and the need for surgery. Dutasteride may also be used with another medicine called tamsulosin (used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate).

− Women, children and adolescents must not handle leaking Dutasteride capsules, because the active ingredient can be absorbed through the skin. Wash the affected area immediately with soap and water if there is any contact with the skin. − Use a condom during sexual intercourse. Dutasteride has been found in the semen of men taking Dutasteride. If your partner is or may be pregnant, you must avoid exposing her to your semen as dutasteride may affect the normal development of a male baby. Dutasteride has been shown to decrease sperm count, semen volume and sperm motility. This could reduce your fertility − Dutasteride affects a blood test for PSA (prostatespecific antigen), which is sometimes used to detect prostate cancer. Your doctor should be aware of this effect and can still use the test to detect prostate cancer. If you are having a blood test for PSA, tell your doctor that you are taking Dutasteride. Men taking Dutasteride should have their PSA tested regularly. − In a clinical study of men at increased risk of prostate cancer, men taking Dutasteride had a serious form of prostate cancer more often than men who did not take Dutasteride. The effect of Dutasteride on this serious form of prostate cancer is not clear. − Dutasteride may cause breast enlargement and tenderness. If this becomes troublesome, or if you notice breast lumps or nipple discharge you should talk to your doctor about these changes as these may be signs of a serious condition, such as breast cancer. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about taking Dutasteride.

Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor or pharmacist has told you. If you do not take it regularly the monitoring of your PSA levels may be affected. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. The recommended dose is one capsule (0.5 mg)taken once a day. Swallow the capsules whole with water. Do not chew or break open the capsule. Contact with the contents of the capsules may make your mouth or throat sore. Dutasteride is a long term treatment. Some men notice an early improvement in their symptoms. However, others may need to take Dutasteride for 6 months or more before it begins to have an effect. Keep taking Dutasteride for as long as your doctor tells you. If you take more Dutasteride then you should Contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice if you take too many Dutasteride capsules. If you forget to taking Dutasteride Do not take extra capsules to make up for a missed dose. Just take your next dose at the usual time.

How to take it

Dutasteride

Not known side effects The frequency cannot be estimated from the available data: − depressed mood − pain and swelling in your testicles

1200013273

Driving and using machines Dutasteride is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Mood changes and depression Depressed mood, depression and, less frequently, suicidal thoughts have been reported in patients taking another medicine from the same therapeutic class (5-alpha reductase inhibitor) by mouth. If any of these symptoms occur, contact your doctor for further medical advice as soon as possible.

Pack Insert -1037312 (OneSource item code:1200012042)

1 3.0

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Allergic reaction The signs of allergic reactions can include: − skin rash (which can be itchy) − hives (like a nettle rash) − swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, arms or legs. Contact your doctor immediately if you get any of these symptoms, and stop using Dutasteride. Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): − impotence (not able to achieve or maintain an erection) this may continue after you stop taking Dutasteride − decreased sex drive (libido) this may continue after you stop taking Dutasteride − difficulty with ejaculation, such as a decrease in the amount of semen released during sex, this may continue after you stop taking Dutasteride. − breast enlargement or tenderness (gynecomastia) − dizziness when taken with tamsulosin. Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): − heart failure (heart becomes less efficient at pumping blood around the body. You may have symptoms such as shortness of breath, extreme tiredness and swelling in your ankles and legs). − hair loss (usually from the body) or hair growth

How to store it

Dutasteride

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the blister, label and carton after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Do not store above 30°C. Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Dutasteride contains The active substance is dutasteride. Each soft capsule contains 0.5 mg dutasteride. The other ingredients are: − Inside the capsule: glycerol monocaprylocaprate, butylhydroxytoluene − Capsule shell: gelatin, glycerol, glycine, citric acid anhydrous, titanium dioxide, iron oxide (yellow) − Imprinting ink: propylene glycol, iron oxide red, polyvinyl acetate phthalate, macrogol 400, ammonium hydroxide What Dutasteride looks like and contents of the pack Dutasteride are Yellow to pale yellow coloured, oblong shaped soft gelatin capsules containing clear oily liquid, imprinted with 0.5. Dimension: 18.6 mm x 6.7 mm Dutasteride is available in blister packs containing 10, 30, 50, 60 and 90 soft gelatin capsules and HDPE bottle pack with polypropylene closure containing 30 and 90 soft gelatin capsules. Not all pack sizes may be marketed in your country. Marketing Authorisation Holder and Manufacturer: Marketing Authorisation Holder Strides Pharma UK Ltd. Unit 4, The Metro Centre, Dwight Road, Watford, WD18 9SS, United Kingdom. Manufacturer: Strides Pharma UK Ltd. Unit 4, The Metro Centre, Dwight Road, Watford, WD18 9SS, United Kingdom. The leaflet was last revised in 09/2025

11786

Dimension – 180 x 260 mm

Back Side

NON PRINTING COLOUR

Dutasteride 0.5 mg Capsules, Soft

Strides Pharma UK Ltd. 180 x 260 mm 1052637 (OneSource item code:1200013273)

Black

PC-ODF/2025/534 Record Number: 464215 Front & Back Printing. To be supplied in unfolded size. 60 GSM Paper. Printing clarity to be clear & sharp.

11786

If you stop taking Dutasteride Don't stop taking Dutasteride without talking to your doctor first. It may take up to 6 months or more for you to notice an effect. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet.You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

1052637

Frequently asked questions about Dutasteride 0.5 mg Capsule

How do I take Dutasteride 0.5 mg Capsule?

Dutasteride 0.5 mg Capsule comes as capsule containing 0.5mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Dutasteride 0.5 mg Capsule?

The active substance in Dutasteride 0.5 mg Capsule is dutasteride.

Are there equivalent medicines to Dutasteride 0.5 mg Capsule?

Medicines with the same active substance, strength and form include: Avodart 0.5mg soft capsules, Dutasteride 0.5 mg soft capsules. They are interchangeable only if your prescriber or pharmacist says so.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Dutasteride 0.5 mg Capsule, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.

Can I get Dutasteride 0.5 mg Capsule without a prescription?

Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Dutasteride (8 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.

💬 Ask about this leaflet

Ask anything about Dutasteride 0.5 mg Capsule. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.

Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.

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