INTRODUCTION ABOUT ALFUSIN D TABLET

ALFUSIN D TABLET is a combination of Alfuzosin and Dutasteride which belongs to the group of medicines called Alpha-1 adrenergic blockers and 5-Alpha reductase inhibitors respectively. ALFUSIN D TABLET is indicated for the management of signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in adult men with an enlarged prostate.

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (also known as enlarged prostate) is a non-cancerous growth of prostate gland, which is predominantly caused by excessive production of a stress hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in men. Symptoms of BPH includes urinary problems such as difficulty in passing urine, urinary incontinence (unintentional passing of urine), frequent urination at night and sexual dysfunction or painful ejaculation.

Before taking ALFUSIN D TABLET inform your doctor if you have low blood pressure, liver, kidney or heart disease as a precaution. During management with ALFUSIN D TABLET, your doctor will regularly monitor your serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels to rule out risk of prostate cancer.

Women who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant should not handle the leaked medicine or be exposed to the semen of men taking ALFUSIN D TABLET, as it could cause serious abnormalities in the growing fetus. Usage of condom during sexual intercourse is recommended among fertile men to avoid conception.

Men being managed with ALFUSIN D TABLET should not donate blood for at least 6 months after their last dose, in order to manage the exposure of the medicine to pregnant women via blood transfusion. ALFUSIN D TABLET should be used with caution in elderly patients (aged 65 years or above).

The most common side effects of taking ALFUSIN D TABLET are dizziness, fainting, weakness and decreased sex drive or breast enlargement in men. Contact your doctor if any of the side effects worsen.

USES OF ALFUSIN D TABLET

• Manage signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in adult men

HOW ALFUSIN D TABLET WORKS

ALFUSIN D TABLET effectively reduces the symptoms of BPH, where dutasteride acts by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, which is responsible for the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (a stress hormone that causes BPH) and alfuzosin acts by relaxing the muscles surrounding the bladder and prostate by inhibiting the alpha-1 adrenergic receptors of the lower urinary tract. As a result, ALFUSIN D TABLET helps in shrinkage of an enlarged prostate, making it easier for the urine to pass through and provide relief from symptomatic BPH.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

Take ALFUSIN D TABLET as advised by your physician. Swallow the medicine as a whole and do not crush or chew the medicine. Try to take ALFUSIN D TABLET at the same time each day immediately after meals. Your doctor will decide the correct dose and duration of therapy for you depending upon your age, body weight and health condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF ALFUSIN D TABLET

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Nausea:

Try to take ALFUSIN D TABLET with or just after a meal or a snack. Stick to simple meals. Avoid eating oil rich or spicy foods. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.

Diarrhea:

Drink lot of fluids such as water or fruit juices to keep yourself hydrated. Avoid taking any medicine on your own for managing diarrhea. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.

Headache:

Rest and relax. Drink lot of fluids such as water or electrolytes. Apply a pain-relieving balm on the forehead if required. Do not consume too much of alcohol. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.

Dizziness:

Try to rest and relax. Get enough sleep. Avoid driving or operating any tools or machines while you are feeling dizzy. Do not consume too much of alcohol, as it can aggravate your dizziness. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.

Skin rash:

Avoid hot showers because hot water can irritate your skin further. Do not scratch the affected area. Use protective clothing when going outdoors. Regularly moisturize your skin. Consult your doctor if the symptom did not improve.

WARNING & PRECAUTIONS

INTERACTIONS

A. Drug-Drug interactions:

Before taking ALFUSIN D TABLET inform to your doctor, if you are taking any of these medicines:

• medicines used to manage fungal infections (Ex. ketoconazole or itraconazole)
• medicines used to manage high blood pressure and other heart problems (such as nitroglycerin, verapamil, atenolol or diltiazem)
• antibiotics (used to manage bacterial infections) such as troleandomycin and ciprofloxacin
• other alpha blockers (used to manage enlarged prostate or high blood pressure) such as prazosin, doxazosin, terazosin
• medicines used to manage erectile dysfunction (Ex vardenafil, sildenafil and tadalafil)
• warfarin (used to manage formation of blood clots in the body)
• ritonavir (used to manage HIV infection)
• cimetidine (used to manage stomach ulcers)

Overdosage:

If you or anyone else accidentally take too much of ALFUSIN D TABLET, contact your doctor immediately or go to a hospital straight away. Symptoms of overdosage include severe hypotension (decrease in blood pressure causing severe dizziness and fainting).

SYNOPSIS