Dutasteride / Tamsulosin Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 27, 2024.

Applies to dutasteride / tamsulosin: oral capsule.

Serious side effects

Along with its needed effects, dutasteride/tamsulosin may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking dutasteride / tamsulosin:

More common

• chills
• cold sweats
• confusion
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position

Less common

• chest pain
• cough or hoarseness
• fever
• lower back or side pain
• painful or difficult urination

Incidence not known

• blistering, flaking, or peeling of the skin
• blurred vision
• difficulty with breathing
• fast, irregular, pounding, or racing heartbeat or pulse
• large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
• pain or swelling of the treated skin
• painful or prolonged erection of the penis
• sweating
• trouble breathing
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Other side effects

Some side effects of dutasteride / tamsulosin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• change or problem with discharge of semen
• decreased interest in sexual intercourse
• dizziness
• enlarged and painful breasts
• inability to have or keep an erection
• loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance

Less common

• back pain
• body aches or pain
• congestion
• diarrhea
• dryness or soreness of the throat
• headache
• increased cough
• lack or loss of strength
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• runny nose
• sleepiness or unusual drowsiness
• sleeplessness
• sneezing
• stuffy nose
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• tightness of the chest
• trouble sleeping
• trouble with swallowing
• unable to sleep
• voice changes

Incidence not known

• bloody nose
• constipation
• hives or welts, itching, skin rash
• joint or muscle pain
• red irritated eyes
• red skin lesion, often with a purple center
• redness of the skin
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• vomiting

For healthcare professionals

Applies to dutasteride / tamsulosin: oral capsule.

General

The most common adverse reactions were ejaculation disorders, impotence, decreased libido, breast disorders, and dizziness.^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Ejaculation disorders (up to 11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Impotence

Dutasteride:

• Common (1% to 10%): Ejaculation disorders, impotence
• Postmarketing reports: Testicular pain, testicular swelling

Tamsulosin:

• Common (1% to 10%): Ejaculation disorders, impotence
• Postmarketing reports: Priapism^[Ref]

Psychiatric

• Common (1% to 10%): Libido decreased

Dutasteride:

• Common (1% to 10%): Libido decreased
• Postmarketing reports: Depressed mood

Tamsulosin:

• Common (1% to 10%): Libido decreased, insomnia^[Ref]

Other

• Common (1% to 10%): Breast disorders

Dutasteride:

• Common (1% to 10%): Breast disorders
• Postmarketing reports: Localized edema

Tamsulosin:

• Common (1% to 10%): Asthenia, chest pain
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Breast disorders^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness

Dutasteride:

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dizziness

Tamsulosin:

• Common (1% to 10%): Somnolence
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dizziness^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cardiac failure

Dutasteride:

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cardiac failure

Tamsulosin:

• Very common (10% or more): Orthostatic hypotension (up to 16%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Cardiac failure
• Postmarketing reports: Palpitations, atrial fibrillation, arrhythmia, tachycardia, hypotension^[Ref]

Immunologic

Dutasteride:

• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity reactions

Tamsulosin:

• Common (1% to 10%): Infection
• Postmarketing reports: Hypersensitivity reactions^[Ref]

Oncologic

Dutasteride:

• Common (1% to 10%): Gleason score 8 to 10 prostate cancer
• Frequency not reported: Male breast cancer^[Ref]

Respiratory

Tamsulosin:

• Common (1% to 10%): Rhinitis, pharyngitis, cough increased, sinusitis
• Postmarketing reports: Respiratory problems, dyspnea, epistaxis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Tamsulosin:

• Common (1% to 10%): Diarrhea
• Postmarketing reports: Constipation, vomiting, dry mouth^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Tamsulosin:

• Common (1% to 10%): Back pain^[Ref]

Dermatologic

Dutasteride:

• Postmarketing reports: Rash, pruritus, urticaria, serious skin reactions, angioedema

Tamsulosin:

• Postmarketing reports: Rash, urticaria, pruritus, angioedema, skin desquamation, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, erythema multiforme, dermatitis exfoliative^[Ref]

Ocular

Tamsulosin:

• Postmarketing reports: Blurred vision, visual impairment^[Ref]

Further information

Dutasteride/tamsulosin side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer