Drug Name

Avodart (Dutasteride)

Drug Uses

Drug Uses

Avodart is used for treatment of symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlargement of the prostate gland) and to reduce the risk of urinary blockage and the need for prostate surgery. Avodart can also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How Taken

Avodart may be taken with or without a meal. Swallow Avodart whole, do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. It may take 3 to 6 months for Avodart to work. Consult your doctor regarding the dosage suitable for you.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose take it as soon as you remember. However if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the Missed Dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

More Information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen, contact your doctor

Storage

Store Avodart at 77 °F (25 °C); excursions permitted to 59 to 86 °F (15 to 30 °C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Avodart out of the reach of children.

Warnings/Precautions

Before taking Avodart, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if you have allergies to medicines, if you are allergic to any ingredient in Avodart or other 5 alpha–reductase inhibitors (e.g., Finasteride), if you have liver disease, prostate cancer, urinary tract disease, or problems urinating, if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breast–feeding. Avodart can cause harm to the fetus. Do not use Avodart if you are pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown if Avodart is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast–feed while taking Avodart. Some medicines may interact with Avodart; therefore tell your doctor of all prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement that you are taking. Avodart is absorbed through the skin. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not handle crushed or broken tablets because it may cause harm to the fetus. If contact is made with leaking capsules, the contact area should be washed immediately with soap and water and a doctor should be consulted. This medication stays in the blood stream for 4 to 6 months after you stop taking it. Do not donate blood for at least 6 months after your last dose of Avodart to prevent exposure through a blood transfusion to a pregnant woman. Avodart may decrease your volume of ejaculate. This does not appear to interfere with normal sexual function. Avodart can affect a blood test called prostate–specific antigen (PSA) for the screening of prostate cancer. If you have a PSA test done, you should tell your doctor that you are taking Avodart. Lab tests may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments. It is not recommended to use this medication in children; safety and effectiveness have not been confirmed.

Disclaimer

This is only general information, it does not cover all directions, drug integrations or precautions. You should not rely on it for any purpose, it does not contain any specific instructions for a particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information. We`re not responsible for any damage.

Possible Side Effects

Some of the Possible Side Effects are- breast enlargement and/or tenderness, decreased sex drive; decreased volume of ejaculate; inability to have an erection. Contact your doctor if any of these or other side effects occur. If you experience any of the following serious side effects, you should seek medical attention immediately- allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).