Brand
name: AVODART ( Dutasteride )
Pronounced: AVE-oh-dart
Generic name: Dutasteride
Why is AVODART ( Dutasteride ) prescribed?
AVODART ( Dutasteride ) is used to treat prostate enlargement, a condition that is
medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH.
The prostate is a chestnut-shaped gland that is part of the male reproductive
system. It produces a liquid that forms part of the semen. This gland
completely encloses the upper part of the urethra, the tube through
which urine flows out of the bladder. Many men over age 50 suffer from
a benign (noncancerous) enlargement of the prostate. The enlarged gland
squeezes the urethra, obstructing the normal flow of urine. Resulting
problems may include difficulty in starting urination, weak flow of
urine, and the need to urinate urgently or more frequently. Sometimes
surgical removal of the prostate is necessary.
By shrinking the enlarged prostate, AVODART ( Dutasteride ) may alleviate the various
urinary symptoms, making surgery unnecessary. You will need to see
your doctor for periodic examinations to assess your response to treatment.
It may take several months before you notice an improvement in symptoms.
Most important fact about AVODART ( Dutasteride )
AVODART ( Dutasteride ) can be absorbed through the skin. Because the drug could affect
a developing baby, pregnant women, women who may become pregnant, and
breastfeeding women should strictly avoid skin contact with the drug.
How should you take AVODART ( Dutasteride ) without a prescriptions?
Take 1 capsule once a day. The capsule should be swallowed whole and
can be taken with or without meals.
If you miss a dose...
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost
time for your next dose, skip the one you missed and go back to your
regular schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Storage instructions
Store at room temperature.
AVODART ( Dutasteride ) side effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine
if it is safe for you to continue taking AVODART ( Dutasteride ).
* Side effects may include:
Breast tenderness, decreased sex drive, ejaculation problems, enlarged breasts
in males, impotence
Why should AVODART ( Dutasteride ) not be prescribed?
You should not take AVODART ( Dutasteride ) if you have ever had an allergic reaction
to it or to similar drugs such as finasteride (Proscar).
Women and children should not use AVODART ( Dutasteride ).
Special warnings about AVODART ( Dutasteride )
If a pregnant or breastfeeding woman is exposed to AVODART ( Dutasteride ), the drug
may harm the developing baby (see "Special information if you
are pregnant or breastfeeding").
You should not donate blood while taking AVODART ( Dutasteride ) or for 6 months after
stopping treatment to avoid exposing pregnant or breastfeeding women
to blood that contains the drug.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking AVODART ( Dutasteride )
If AVODART ( Dutasteride ) is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either
could be increased, decreased, or altered. Check with your doctor before
combining AVODART ( Dutasteride ) with other medication.
Use AVODART ( Dutasteride ) cautiously if you're taking HIV drugs such as ritonavir
(Norvir), since there is a theoretical chance of an interaction.
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
Because AVODART ( Dutasteride ) can be absorbed through the skin, pregnant women,
women who may become pregnant, and breastfeeding women should strictly
avoid skin contact with the drug. If AVODART ( Dutasteride ) is accidentally absorbed
by a pregnant woman who is carrying a male fetus, the drug could cause
abnormal development of the baby's genital organs. Because it's not
known if AVODART ( Dutasteride ) appears in breast milk, breastfeeding women must also
avoid handling the drug.
Recommended dosage for AVODART ( Dutasteride )
ADULT MEN
Overdosage
