Temsunol D Tablets (Tamsulosin 0.4mg / Dutasteride 0.5mg)

Tamsulosin Uses

What is Tamsulosin and Dutasteride?

Tamsulosin and Dutasteride is a combination drug consisting of two active ingredients namely Tamsulosin and Dutasteride. This medication is sold under various trade names in the world, some of which are Jalyn and Veltam Plus (made by Intas Pharma).
Tamsulosin and Dutasteride medication is prescribed for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) also called benign enlargement of the prostate. It is characterized as the name suggest, by an enlarged prostate gland which compresses the urethral canal leading to partial or complete obstruction of the urethra. This impacts the normal flow of urine or sometimes completely stops the urine flow.
Dutasteride stops testosterone to be converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT can cause benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Tamsulosin, which is an alpha adrenergic blocker, helps in relaxing the muscles of prostate and bladder neck, thereby ensuring easier urination.

Important Information about Tamsulosin and Dutasteride

Tamsulosin and Dutasteride (Jalyn, Veltam Plus) is not recommended for people who are allergic to Tamsulosin and Dutasteride. Also, don’t take this medication if you are already taking similar medications like doxazosin, prazosin, terazosin, silodosin, or alfuzosin.
Tamsulosin and Dutasteride medication is strictly not recommended to be taken by women, children and teenagers. This medication can be absorbed through the skin and hence absolute precautions must be taken in handling it, especially for those whom it is not prescribed for (women, children or teenagers shouldn’t even handle it). Avoid blood donation while taking Tamsulosin and Dutasteride medication and for at least 6 months after you stop taking it. If a pregnant woman receives blood containing this drug, it can cause birth defects in her child.
Tamsulosin and Dutasteride may increase the chances of developing prostate cancer. Prior to prescribing you this medication, you will need to be tested properly for safe prescription.
Tamsulosin is known to affect pupils during cataract surgery. Inform your eye surgeon well in advance that you are taking this medication. Don’t stop if without your surgeon’s advice.
Certain drugs may interact with Tamsulosin. Let your doctor know about all medications which you use currently.

Before taking Tamsulosin and Dutasteride

Before taking Tamsulosin and Dutasteride medication (Jalyn, Veltam Plus), discuss about all the points mentioned above with your doctor. 
Notify your doctor beforehand if you have any of these conditions: low or high blood pressure, liver disease, severe kidney disease, a history of prostate cancer, or if you are allergic to sulfa drugs or to finasteride. Your doctor may assess if it is safe for you to take Tamsulosin and Dutasteride on top of that condition.

How should I take Tamsulosin and Dutasteride?

Take Tamsulosin and Dutasteride medication (Jalyn, Veltam Plus) strictly as advised by your doctor. Don’t alter the course of the medication in any way, either by amount or by duration. Your doctor may advise you to change the dose sometimes to ensure proper treatment. All medications come with a patient leaflet. Refer it for more details if you have any doubts, or call your doctor or pharmacist.
Tamsulosin and Dutasteride medication is usually taken once per day after about 30 minutes of having a meal. Ensure that you take this medication at the same time every day. Avoid crushing, chewing, or opening a Tamsulosin capsule and swallow it whole. Tamsulosin and Dutasteride medication lowers blood pressure and may lead to dizziness or fainting, especially in the initial period after starting it, or when you restart the medication after a long time. Notify your doctor if you experience severe dizziness, or feel like you may faint.
While taking Tamsulosin and Dutasteride, your blood may be tested frequently to ensure that this medication is not causing any harmful effects. Your PSA (Prostate specific antigen) will also be checked for any signs of prostate cancer. Go to your doctor for follow up checks regularly.
Always store Tamsulosin and Dutasteride medication in a cool and dry place. Do not consume a tablet that has been damaged by exposure to heat or other agents. Damaged capsule is characterized by changed shape or color.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a Tamsulosin and Dutasteride dose, take it after 30 minutes of your next meal. However, skip the missed dose if the time to take the next dose is near. Don’t take extra medication or two doses near to each other to compensate for the missed dose.
If you miss taking Tamsulosin and Dutasteride for several days in a row, consult your doctor before you start taking it again as you may require a dose adjustment.

What if I overdose?

Get emergency medical attention or call the Doctor immediately if you take an overdose of Tamsulosin and Dutasteride and experience serious symptoms which may include severe dizziness and fainting.

What should I avoid while taking Tamsulosin and Dutasteride?

Your thinking capability and reflexes may be impacted after taking Tamsulosin and Dutasteride (Jalyn, Veltam Plus). Be sure not to do an activity that requires greater mental alertness and reflexes like driving. Avoid alcohol as it can increase the likelihood of some side effects of Tamsulosin. While getting up from a sitting or lying position, do it slowly and don’t get up suddenly or you may feel dizzy and might fall as well. 
Avoid blood donation while taking Tamsulosin and Dutasteride medication and for at least 6 months after you stop taking it. If a pregnant woman receives blood containing this drug, it can cause birth defects in her child.

Tamsulosin and Dutasteride Side Effects

Some serious side effects of Tamsulosin and Dutasteride (Jalyn, Veltam Plus) are feeling like you may faint, prolonged penis erection that can last for 4 hours or longer. Contact your doctor immediately in case of these conditions.
You may also experience some less serious side effects while taking Tamsulosin and Dutasteride such as mild dizziness, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, abnormal ejaculation, or runny nose
These are not all the side effects which you may notice due to Tamsulosin and Dutasteride intake. There may be others as well. 

Tamsulosin and Dutasteride Dosing Information

A normal dosage of Tamsulosin and Dutasteride is pegged at 1 capsule (0.4mg Tamsulosin and 0.5mg Dutasteride) taken once per day after about 30 minutes of having a meal. This dosage may be changed by your doctor for various reasons. Follow your doctor’s instructions.

Interaction with other drugs

Certain drugs can interact with Tamsulosin and Dutasteride(Jalyn, Veltam Plus) such as ticlopidine; warfarin; pioglitazone; ropinirole; methimazole; conivaptan; imatinib; cimetidine; isoniazid; some antibiotic drugs such as clarithromycin, dalfopristin/quinupristin, telithromycin, erythromycin, or others; antidepressant medications such as citalopram, desipramine, clomipramine, or others; antifungals such as clotrimazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole, or others; anti-malaria drugs such as chloroquine, pyrimethamine, or others; erectile dysfunction medicine such as sildenafil, tadalafil or others; heart or blood pressure medication such as diltiazem, nicardipine, verapamil, or others.
The list of drugs mentioned above which can interact with Tamsulosin and Dutasteride is not a complete one and there may be other drugs which can interact with it. Always consult your doctor before starting a new medication and before stopping or altering the course of any existing ones.

Expert advice

• Take the drug 30 minutes after the same meal every day.
• You may feel very dizzy when you first wake up. Be careful when standing or sitting up from a lying position.
• Do not start or continue the tamsulosin tablets and consult your doctor If you are allergic to tamsulosin, soya, peanut or to any of the other ingredients of tablet/capsule.
• Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly without consulting your doctor.
• Tamsulosin lowers blood pressure and may cause dizziness or fainting, especially when you first start taking it, or when you start taking it again. Call your doctor if you have severe dizziness or feel like you might pass out.

Frequently asked questions

Tamsulosin

Dutasteride