Dutasteride .5 mg Capsule, Liquid Filled, 30-count
🆔 Identity & classification
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🏷️ RxNorm drug class
This medicine belongs to the 5-alpha Reductase Inhibitor class.
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🏭 Manufacturer & labeler
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🩺 Clinical
Dutasteride is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH; enlargement of the prostate gland). Dutasteride is in a class of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. It works by blocking the production of a natural substance that enlarges the prostate.
Read the full MedlinePlus article ↗- It takes time — don't expect overnight results. Most men start noticing improvement in urinary symptoms over several months, and the full benefit on prostate size can take up to 6...
- How long does it take for dutasteride to actually work?
- It's a real possibility, and your doctor should know if it becomes a problem. The most common sexual side effects are trouble getting or keeping an erection, lower sex drive, and c...
- Will this medication affect my sex life?
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🧪 Inactive Ingredients / Excipients
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14 inactive ingredients listed in the exact product block matched to this NDC.
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ingredient classCode="IACT" elements from the exact product block matched by this NDC. Label-section narrative from DailyMed / the openFDA label index is shown separately when available.Inactive ingredient FAQ
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💲 Pricing
A drug doesn't have one price. Each row is a different public payment system, and none is what you'd pay at the counter — that depends on your insurance. The ⓘ on each row explains what it measures.
| Price system | Per ea | Per package |
|---|---|---|
| Retail pharmacies payNADAC · weekly | $0.161 | $4.82 / 30 capsules |
| Medicaid paysCMS SDUD · 12 mo | $0.3900 | $11.70 / 30 capsules |
| Medicare drug plans payPart D · Q2 2026 | $0.3715 | $11.15 / 30 capsules |
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🔁 Therapeutic equivalents
| Product | Labeler | Pack | NADAC/unit | TE | Status | Price vs. this |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dutasteride .5 mg 31722-0131-30 | Camber | 30 capsules | $0.161 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Dutasteride .5 mgthis 42806-0549-30 | Epic | 30 capsules | $0.161 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Dutasteride .5 mg 59651-0021-30 | Aurobindo | 30 capsules | $0.161 | AB | Availability likely | — |
| Dutasteride .5 mg 64380-0763-04 | Strides | 30 capsules | $0.172 | AB | Availability likely | +7% |
| Dutasteride .5 mg 65162-0750-03 | Amneal | 30 capsules | $0.196 | AB | FDA listed | +22% |
| Dutasteride .5 mg 25000-0011-03 | MARKSANS | 30 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Dutasteride .5 mg 50090-4010-00 | A-S | 30 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Dutasteride .5 mg 50090-7305-00 | A-S | 30 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Dutasteride .5 mg 50090-7852-00 | A-S | 30 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Dutasteride .5 mg 63629-1222-01 | Bryant | 90 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Dutasteride .5 mg 63629-1223-01 | Bryant | 30 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Dutasteride .5 mg 63629-8207-01 | Bryant | 30 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Dutasteride .5 mg 68071-3732-06 | NuCare | 60 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Dutasteride .5 mg 68071-3757-06 | NuCare | 60 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Dutasteride .5 mg 68071-3857-09 | NuCare | 90 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Dutasteride .5 mg 68071-4821-09 | NuCare | 90 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Dutasteride .5 mg 71205-0039-30 | Proficient | 30 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Dutasteride .5 mg 71205-0278-30 | Proficient | 30 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Dutasteride .5 mg 72162-1296-03 | Bryant | 30 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Dutasteride .5 mg 72865-0140-30 | XLCare | 30 capsules | — | AB | FDA listed | — |
| Avodart .5 mg 80725-0712-04 | Waylis | 90 capsules | — | AB | Discontinued | — |
| Dutasteride .5 mg 84091-0100-90 | Banyan | 90 capsules | — | — | FDA listed | — |
Where does this data come from?
⏳ Availability & generic status
This product is an FDA-approved generic. Other versions of the same drug are listed under Therapeutic equivalents, least expensive first.
Where does this data come from?
🗺️ Medicaid utilization & spend
💊 Medicaid utilization by pack size
📊 Medicare Part D spend CMS · PART D · 2026 (Q1)
🔬 Reported adverse events (FAERS)
Top reported reactions
Age at onset
Reporter sex
Serious outcomes
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📦 Packaging — all sizes for this product
| Package NDC | Description | Per unit | Per pack | Marketing start | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 42806-0549-09 | 90 CAPSULE, LIQUID FILLED in 1 BOTTLE (42806-549-09) | $0.1606 / ea | $14.45 | 2017-11-28 | Active |
| 42806-0549-30 You're viewing this | 30 CAPSULE, LIQUID FILLED in 1 BOTTLE (42806-549-30) | $0.1606 / ea | $4.82 | 2017-11-28 | Active |
You're viewing the smallest of 2 pack sizes for this product.
This pack effectively ties for the lowest per-ea cost of the 2 priced pack sizes ($0.1606 NADAC).
This pack accounts for about 8.4% of this product's recent Medicaid fills; most go to the 90 capsules pack. See all packs ↓
Pack size FAQ
What quantity is in NDC 42806-0549-30?
What is the difference between NDC 42806-0549-30 and NDC 42806-0549-09?
What NDC number is used to bill for this package of Dutasteride .5 mg Capsule, Liquid Filled?
Prices are the latest CMS NADAC pharmacy acquisition cost per NDC; per-pack figures are per-unit × pack quantity, shown only when the pack is denominated in the same measure NADAC prices.
📄 Full prescribing information FDA SPL
🎯 Indications and Usage ▾
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Dutasteride capsules 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 capsules 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 capsules is not approved for the prevention of prostate cancer.
(1.3)
1.1Monotherapy Dutasteride capsules are indicated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate to: improve symptoms, reduce the risk of acute urinary retention (AUR), and reduce the risk of the need for BPH-related surgery.
1.2Combination with Alpha-adrenergic Antagonist Dutasteride capsules in combination with the alpha-adrenergic antagonist, tamsulosin, is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic BPH in men with an enlarged prostate.
1.3Limitations of Use Dutasteride capsules are not approved for the prevention of prostate cancer.
⏱️ Dosage and Administration ▾
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 capsules 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 )
2.1Monotherapy The recommended dose of dutasteride is 1 capsule (0.5 mg) taken once daily.
2.2Combination with Alpha-adrenergic Antagonist The recommended dose of dutasteride is 1 capsule (0.5 mg) taken once daily and tamsulosin 0.4 mg taken once daily.
💊 Dosage Forms and Strengths ▾
3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS 0.5-mg, opaque, yellow, oblong shape capsules imprinted with “PC23” in red ink. 0.5-mg capsules ( 3 )
⛔ Contraindications ▾
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Dutasteride capsules are 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 capsules or other 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors. ( 4 )
⚠️ Warnings and Cautions ▾
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Dutasteride capsules reduce serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration by approximately 50%. However, any confirmed increase in PSA while on dutasteride capsules 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 capsules may increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer.
( 5.2 , 6.1 ) Prior to initiating treatment with dutasteride capsules, 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 capsules.
(5.5)
5.1Effects 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.
5.2Increased 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.
5.3Evaluation 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.
5.4Transdermal 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) ].
Dut…
🤒 Adverse Reactions ▾
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥1% of subjects treated with dutasteride capsules and more commonly than in subjects treated with placebo, are impotence, decreased libido, ejaculation disorders, and breast disorders. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Epic Pharma, LLC at 1-888-374-2791 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
6.1Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared with rates in the clinical trial of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. From clinical trials with Dutasteride as monotherapy or in combination with tamsulosin: The most common adverse reactions reported in subjects receiving dutasteride were impotence, decreased libido, breast disorders (including breast enlargement and tenderness), and ejaculation disorders.
The most common adverse reactions reported in subjects receiving combination therapy (dutasteride plus tamsulosin) were impotence, decreased libido, breast disorders (including breast enlargement and tenderness), ejaculation disorders, and dizziness. Ejaculation disorders occurred significantly more in subjects receiving combination therapy (11%) compared with those receiving dutasteride (2%) or tamsulosin (4%) as monotherapy. Trial withdrawal due to adverse reactions occurred in 4% of subjects receiving dutasteride, and 3% of subjects receiving placebo in placebo-controlled trials with dutasteride.
The most common adverse reaction leading to trial withdrawal was impotence (1%). In the clinical trial evaluating the combination therapy, trial withdrawal due to adverse reactions occurred in 6% of subjects receiving combination therapy (dutasteride plus tamsulosin) and 4% of subjects receiving dutasteride or tamsulosin as monotherapy. The most common adverse reaction in all treatment arms leading to trial withdrawal was erectile dysfunction (1% to 1.5%).
Monotherapy Over 4,300 male subjects with BPH were randomly assigned to receive placebo or 0.5-mg daily doses of dutasteride in 3 identical 2-year, placebo-controlled, double-blind, Phase 3 treatment trials, each followed by a 2-year open-label extension. During the double-blind treatment period, 2,167 male subjects were exposed to dutasteride, including 1,772 exposed for 1 year and 1,510 exposed for 2 years. When including the open-label extensions, 1,009 male subjects were exposed to dutasteride for 3 years and 812 were exposed for 4 years.
The population was aged 47 to 94 years (mean age: 66 years) and greater than 90% were white. Table 1 summarizes clinical adverse reactions reported in at least 1% of subjects receiving dutasteride and at a higher incidence than subjects receiving placebo. Table 1.
Adverse Reactions Reported in ≥1% of Subjects over a 24-Month Period and More Frequently in the Group Receiving Dutasteride Capsules than the Placebo Group (Randomized, Double-blind, Placebo-Controlled Trials Pooled) by Time of Onset Adverse Reaction Adverse Reaction Time of Onset Months 0-6 Months 7-12 Months 13-18 Months 19-24 Dutasteride capsules (n) (n = 2,167) (n = 1,901) (n = 1,725) (n = 1,605) Placebo (n) (n = 2,158) (n = 1,922) (n = 1,714) (n = 1,555) Impotencea Dutasteride capsules 4.7% 1.4% 1.0% 0.8% Placebo 1.7% 1.5% 0.5% 0.9% Decreased libido a Dutasteride capsules 3.0% 0.7% 0.3% 0.3% Placebo 1.4% 0.6% 0.2% 0.1% Ejaculation disorders a Dutasteride capsules 1.4% 0.5% 0.5% 0.1% Placebo 0.5% 0.3% 0.1% 0.0% Breast disorders b Dutasteride capsules 0.5% 0.8% 1.1% 0.6% Placebo 0.2% 0.3% 0.3% 0.1% a These sexual adverse reactions are associated with dutasteride treatment (including monotherapy and combination with tamsulosin).
These adverse reactions may persist after treatment discontinuation. The role of dutasteride in this persistence is unknown. b Includes breast tenderness and breast enlargement. Long-Term Treatme…
🔄 Drug Interactions ▾
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS Use with caution in patients taking potent, chronic cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A4 enzyme inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir). ( 7 )
7.1Cytochrome P450 3A Inhibitors Dutasteride is extensively metabolized in humans by the CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 isoenzymes. The effect of potent CYP3A4 inhibitors on dutasteride has not been studied. Because of the potential for drug-drug interactions, use caution when prescribing dutasteride capsules to patients taking potent, chronic CYP3A4 enzyme inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir) [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
7.2Alpha-adrenergic Antagonists The administration of dutasteride capsules in combination with tamsulosin or terazosin has no effect on the steady-state pharmacokinetics of either alpha-adrenergic antagonist. The effect of administration of tamsulosin or terazosin on dutasteride pharmacokinetic parameters has not been evaluated.
7.3Calcium Channel Antagonists Coadministration of verapamil or diltiazem decreases dutasteride clearance and leads to increased exposure to dutasteride. The change in dutasteride exposure is not considered to be clinically significant. No dose adjustment is recommended [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
7.4Cholestyramine Administration of a single 5-mg dose of dutasteride capsules followed 1 hour later by 12 g of cholestyramine does not affect the relative bioavailability of dutasteride [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
7.5Digoxin Dutasteride capsules do not alter the steady-state pharmacokinetics of digoxin when administered concomitantly at a dose of 0.5 mg/day for 3 weeks [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
7.6Warfarin Concomitant administration of dutasteride capsules 0.5 mg/day for 3 weeks with warfarin does not alter the steady-state pharmacokinetics of the S- or R-warfarin isomers or alter the effect of warfarin on prothrombin time [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
👥 Use in Specific Populations ▾
8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Dutasteride is contraindicated for use in pregnancy because it may cause harm to the male fetus [see Contraindications (4) ]. Dutasteride is not indicated for use in women. Dutasteridem is a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor that prevents conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone necessary for normal development of male genitalia.
Abnormalities in the genitalia of male fetuses is an expected physiological consequence of inhibition of this conversion. These results are similar to observations in male infants with genetic 5 alpha-reductase deficiency. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
In animal reproduction studies, dutasteride inhibited normal development of external genitalia in male offspring when given to rats or rabbits during organogenesis at less than the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 0.5 mg daily, in the absence of maternal toxicity. At 15 times the MRHD, prolonged pregnancy, decreased reproductive organ weights, and delayed puberty in male offspring were observed in rats, with no-effect levels less than the MRHD of 0.5 mg daily. Increased placental weights in rabbits were also observed, with no-effect levels less than the MRHD of 0.5 mg daily (see Data).
Although dutasteride is secreted into human semen, the drug concentration in the human female partner is approximately 100 times less than concentrations producing abnormalities of male genitalia in animal studies (see Data). In monkeys dosed during organogenesis at blood concentrations comparable to or above levels to which a human female partner is estimated to be exposed, male offspring external genitalia was not adversely affected. No feminization occurred in male offspring of untreated female rats mated to treated male rats even though detectable blood levels of dutasteride were observed in the female rats [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ].
Data Human Data: The highest measured semen concentration of dutasteride in treated men was 14 ng/mL. Although dutasteride is detected in semen, assuming exposure of a 50-kg woman to 5 mL of semen and 100% absorption, the woman’s expected dutasteride blood concentration through semen would be about 0.0175 ng/mL. This concentration is approximately 100 times less than blood concentrations producing abnormalities of male genitalia in animal studies.
Dutasteride is highly protein bound in human semen (greater than 96%), which may reduce the amount of dutasteride available for vaginal absorption. Animal Data: In an embryo-fetal development study in rats, oral administration of dutasteride at 10 times less than the MRHD of 0.5 mg daily (based on average blood levels in men) resulted in feminization of male genitalia in the fetus (decreased anogenital distance at 0.05 mg/kg/day, with a lack of a no-effect level) in the absence of maternal toxicity. In addition, nipple development, hypospadias, and distended preputial glands occurred in fetuses of dams treated at doses of 2.5 mg/kg/day or greater (approximately 15 times the MRHD).
Reduced fetal body weight and associated delayed ossification in the presence of maternal toxicity (decreased body weight gain) were observed at maternal exposure approximately 15 times the MRHD (dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day or greater). An increase in stillborn pups was observed in dams treated at 30 mg/kg/day (approximately 111 times the MRHD), with a no-effect level of 12.5 mg/kg/day. In a rabbit embryo-fetal development study, doses 28 times the MRHD (doses of 30 mg/kg/day or greater), based on average blood levels in men, were administered orally on Gestation Days 7 to 29 (during organogenesis and the late period of external genitalia development).
Histological evaluation of the genital papilla of fetuses revealed evidence of feminization of the male fetus as well as fused skull…
🤰 Pregnancy ▾
8.1Pregnancy Risk Summary Dutasteride is contraindicated for use in pregnancy because it may cause harm to the male fetus [see Contraindications (4) ]. Dutasteride is not indicated for use in women. Dutasteridem is a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor that prevents conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone necessary for normal development of male genitalia.
Abnormalities in the genitalia of male fetuses is an expected physiological consequence of inhibition of this conversion. These results are similar to observations in male infants with genetic 5 alpha-reductase deficiency. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively.
In animal reproduction studies, dutasteride inhibited normal development of external genitalia in male offspring when given to rats or rabbits during organogenesis at less than the maximum recommended human dose (MRHD) of 0.5 mg daily, in the absence of maternal toxicity. At 15 times the MRHD, prolonged pregnancy, decreased reproductive organ weights, and delayed puberty in male offspring were observed in rats, with no-effect levels less than the MRHD of 0.5 mg daily. Increased placental weights in rabbits were also observed, with no-effect levels less than the MRHD of 0.5 mg daily (see Data).
Although dutasteride is secreted into human semen, the drug concentration in the human female partner is approximately 100 times less than concentrations producing abnormalities of male genitalia in animal studies (see Data). In monkeys dosed during organogenesis at blood concentrations comparable to or above levels to which a human female partner is estimated to be exposed, male offspring external genitalia was not adversely affected. No feminization occurred in male offspring of untreated female rats mated to treated male rats even though detectable blood levels of dutasteride were observed in the female rats [see Nonclinical Toxicology (13.1) ].
Data Human Data: The highest measured semen concentration of dutasteride in treated men was 14 ng/mL. Although dutasteride is detected in semen, assuming exposure of a 50-kg woman to 5 mL of semen and 100% absorption, the woman’s expected dutasteride blood concentration through semen would be about 0.0175 ng/mL. This concentration is approximately 100 times less than blood concentrations producing abnormalities of male genitalia in animal studies.
Dutasteride is highly protein bound in human semen (greater than 96%), which may reduce the amount of dutasteride available for vaginal absorption. Animal Data: In an embryo-fetal development study in rats, oral administration of dutasteride at 10 times less than the MRHD of 0.5 mg daily (based on average blood levels in men) resulted in feminization of male genitalia in the fetus (decreased anogenital distance at 0.05 mg/kg/day, with a lack of a no-effect level) in the absence of maternal toxicity. In addition, nipple development, hypospadias, and distended preputial glands occurred in fetuses of dams treated at doses of 2.5 mg/kg/day or greater (approximately 15 times the MRHD).
Reduced fetal body weight and associated delayed ossification in the presence of maternal toxicity (decreased body weight gain) were observed at maternal exposure approximately 15 times the MRHD (dose of 2.5 mg/kg/day or greater). An increase in stillborn pups was observed in dams treated at 30 mg/kg/day (approximately 111 times the MRHD), with a no-effect level of 12.5 mg/kg/day. In a rabbit embryo-fetal development study, doses 28 times the MRHD (doses of 30 mg/kg/day or greater), based on average blood levels in men, were administered orally on Gestation Days 7 to 29 (during organogenesis and the late period of external genitalia development).
Histological evaluation of the genital papilla of fetuses revealed evidence of feminization of the male fetus as well as fused skull bones and increased placental…
🧒 Pediatric Use ▾
8.4Pediatric Use Dutasteride is not indicated for use in pediatric patients. Safety and effectiveness in pediatric patients have not been established.
🧓 Geriatric Use ▾
8.5Geriatric Use Of 2,167 male subjects treated with dutasteride capsules in 3 clinical trials, 60% were aged 65 years and older and 15% were aged 75 years and older. No overall differences in safety or efficacy were observed between these subjects and younger subjects. Other reported clinical experience has not identified differences in responses between the elderly and younger patients, but greater sensitivity of some older individuals cannot be ruled out [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ].
🆘 Overdosage ▾
10 OVERDOSAGE In volunteer trials, single doses of dutasteride up to 40 mg (80 times the therapeutic dose) for 7 days have been administered without significant safety concerns. In a clinical trial, daily doses of 5 mg (10 times the therapeutic dose) were administered to 60 subjects for 6 months with no additional adverse effects to those seen at therapeutic doses of 0.5 mg. There is no specific antidote for dutasteride.
Therefore, in cases of suspected overdosage, symptomatic and supportive treatment should be given as appropriate, taking the long half-life of dutasteride into consideration.
🧬 Clinical Pharmacology ▾
12 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY
12.1Mechanism of Action Dutasteride inhibits the conversion of testosterone to DHT. DHT is the androgen primarily responsible for the initial development and subsequent enlargement of the prostate gland. Testosterone is converted to DHT by the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase, which exists as 2 isoforms, type 1 and type 2.
The type 2 isoenzyme is primarily active in the reproductive tissues, while the type 1 isoenzyme is also responsible for testosterone conversion in the skin and liver. Dutasteride is a competitive and specific inhibitor of both type 1 and type 2 5 alpha-reductase isoenzymes, with which it forms a stable enzyme complex. Dissociation from this complex has been evaluated under in vitro and in vivo conditions and is extremely slow.
Dutasteride does not bind to the human androgen receptor.
12.2Pharmacodynamics Effect on 5 Alpha-Dihydrotestosterone and Testosterone The maximum effect of daily doses of dutasteride on the reduction of DHT is dose dependent and is observed within 1 to 2 weeks. After 1 and 2 weeks of daily dosing with dutasteride 0.5 mg, median serum DHT concentrations were reduced by 85% and 90%, respectively. In patients with BPH treated with dutasteride 0.5 mg/day for 4 years, the median decrease in serum DHT was 94% at 1 year, 93% at 2 years, and 95% at both 3 and 4 years.
The median increase in serum testosterone was 19% at both 1 and 2 years, 26% at 3 years, and 22% at 4 years, but the mean and median levels remained within the physiologic range. In patients with BPH treated with 5 mg/day of dutasteride or placebo for up to 12 weeks prior to transurethral resection of the prostate, mean DHT concentrations in prostatic tissue were significantly lower in the dutasteride group compared with placebo (784 and 5,793 pg/g, respectively, P <0.001). Mean prostatic tissue concentrations of testosterone were significantly higher in the dutasteride group compared with placebo (2,073 and 93 pg/g, respectively, P <0.001).
Adult males with genetically inherited type 2 5 alpha-reductase deficiency also have decreased DHT levels. These 5 alpha-reductase-deficient males have a small prostate gland throughout life and do not develop BPH. Except for the associated urogenital defects present at birth, no other clinical abnormalities related to 5 alpha-reductase deficiency have been observed in these individuals.
Effects on Other Hormones In healthy volunteers, 52 weeks of treatment with dutasteride 0.5 mg/day (n = 26) resulted in no clinically significant change compared with placebo (n = 23) in sex hormone-binding globulin, estradiol, luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, thyroxine (free T4), and dehydroepiandrosterone. Statistically significant, baseline-adjusted mean increases compared with placebo were observed for total testosterone at 8 weeks (97.1 ng/dL, P <0.003) and thyroid-stimulating hormone at 52 weeks (0.4 mcIU/mL, P <0.05).
The median percentage changes from baseline within the dutasteride group were 17.9% for testosterone at 8 weeks and 12.4% for thyroid-stimulating hormone at 52 weeks. After stopping dutasteride for 24 weeks, the mean levels of testosterone and thyroid-stimulating hormone had returned to baseline in the group of subjects with available data at the visit. In subjects with BPH treated with dutasteride in a large randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, there was a median percent increase in luteinizing hormone of 12% at 6 months and 19% at both 12 and 24 months.
Other Effects Plasma lipid panel and bone mineral density were evaluated following 52 weeks of dutasteride 0.5 mg once daily in healthy volunteers. There was no change in bone mineral density as measured by dual energy x-ray absorptiometry compared with either placebo or baseline. In addition, the plasma lipid profile (i.e., total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins, high density lipoproteins, and triglycerides) was unaffected by dutasteride.
No clinically significant changes in adre…
🧬 Mechanism of Action ▾
12.1Mechanism of Action Dutasteride inhibits the conversion of testosterone to DHT. DHT is the androgen primarily responsible for the initial development and subsequent enlargement of the prostate gland. Testosterone is converted to DHT by the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase, which exists as 2 isoforms, type 1 and type 2.
The type 2 isoenzyme is primarily active in the reproductive tissues, while the type 1 isoenzyme is also responsible for testosterone conversion in the skin and liver. Dutasteride is a competitive and specific inhibitor of both type 1 and type 2 5 alpha-reductase isoenzymes, with which it forms a stable enzyme complex. Dissociation from this complex has been evaluated under in vitro and in vivo conditions and is extremely slow.
Dutasteride does not bind to the human androgen receptor.
📦 How Supplied / Storage and Handling ▾
16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING Dutasteride Capsules 0.5 mg are opaque, yellow, oblong shape capsules imprinted with “PC23” in red ink, packaged in bottles of 30 (NDC 42806-549-30), 90 (NDC 42806-549-09) with child-resistant closures. Store at 25°C (77°F); excursions permitted to 15º to 30ºC (59º to 86ºF) [see USP Controlled Room Temperature]. Dutasteride is absorbed through the skin.
Dutasteride capsules should not be handled by women who are pregnant or who could become pregnant because of the potential for absorption of dutasteride and the subsequent potential risk to a developing male fetus [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] .
📋 Description ▾
11 DESCRIPTION Dutasteride capsules are 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 gelatin (from certified BSE-free bovine sources), glycerin, titanium dioxide, ferric oxide (yellow), and medium chain triglyceride.
The red edible ink contains ammonium hydroxide, isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, red iron oxide, shellac glaze and simethicone. structural-formula
💬 Information for Patients ▾
17 PATIENT COUNSELING INFORMATION Advise the patient to read the FDA-approved patient labeling (Patient Information). PSA Monitoring Inform patients that dutasteride capsules reduce serum PSA levels by approximately 50% within 3 to 6 months of therapy, although it may vary for each individual. For patients undergoing PSA screening, increases in PSA levels while on treatment with dutasteride capsules may signal the presence of prostate cancer and should be evaluated by a healthcare provider [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ].
Increased Risk of High-Grade Prostate Cancer Inform patients that there was an increase in high-grade prostate cancer in men treated with 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors (which are indicated for BPH treatment), including dutasteride capsules, compared with those treated with placebo in trials looking at the use of these drugs to reduce the risk of prostate cancer [see Indications and Usage (1.3) , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Transdermal Exposure of Dutasteride in Pregnant or Potentially Pregnant Women—Risk to Male Inform patients that dutasteride capsules should not be handled by women who are pregnant or may potentially be pregnant because of the potential for absorption of dutasteride and the subsequent potential risk to a developing male fetus.
Dutasteride can be absorbed through the skin and could result in unintended fetal exposure. If a pregnant or potentially pregnant woman comes in contact with leaking dutasteride capsules, the contact area should be washed immediately with soap and water [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ]. Effects on Semen Parameters Advise men that dutasteride may affect sperm characteristics but the effect on fertility is unknown [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) , Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ].
Blood Donation Inform men treated with dutasteride capsules that they should not donate blood until at least 6 months following their last dose to prevent pregnant women from receiving dutasteride through blood transfusion [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ]. Serum levels of dutasteride are detectable for 4 to 6 months after treatment ends [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Manufactured by: Humanwell PuraCap Pharmaceutical Wuhan, Hubei 430206, China Distributed by: Epic Pharma, LLC Laurelton, NY 11413 Rev.
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