Drug Name

Avodart (Dutasteride)

Drug Uses

Avodart is used for treating symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlargement of the prostate gland. It as well as helps to reduce the risk of urinary blockage as well as the need for prostate surgery. It may as well as be used along with other medicines (eg, tamsulosin).

How Taken

Take Avodart as directed by your doctor.

• Avodart may be used with or without food.
• Swallow Avodart whole. Do not break, grind, or bite before swallowing.
• It may take 3 to 6 months for Avodart to work.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may possess about how to take Avodart.

Drug Class as well as Mechanism

Avodart is a 5 alpha-reductase enzyme inhibitor. It works by lowering levels of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a major cause of prostate growth. Lowering DHT leads to shrinkage of the enlarged prostate gland.

Missed Dose

Incase you miss a dose of Avodart , take it as soon as likely. Incase it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose as well as go back to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Storage

Store Avodart between 68 as well as 77 degrees F (20 as well as 25 degrees C) in a tightly closed, light-resistant container. Store away from moisture, heat, as well as light. Do not store in the bathroom. Do not take tablets after the expiration date printed on the label. Keep Avodart out of the reach of children as well as away from pets.

Warnings/Precautions

Do not take Avodart if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Avodart or other 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors (e.g., finasteride) ;
• you are pregnant or a womanly of childbearing age.

Contact your doctor or health care provider fair away incase any of these apply to you.

Important :

• Avodart is absorbed through the skin. Women who are or may potentially be pregnant must not handle crushed or destroyed tablets because it may cause harm to the fetus. Incase contact is made with leaking capsules, the contact area should be washed immediately with soap as well as water as well as a doctor should be consulted.
• Avodart stays in the blood stream for 4 to 6 months after you halt using it. Do not donate blood for at least 6 months after your final dose of Avodart to halt exposure through a blood transfusion to a pregnant woman.
• Avodart may decrease your volume of ejaculate. This does not appear to interfere with common sexual function.
• Avodart can affect a blood test called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for the screening of prostate cancer. Incase you possess a PSA test done, you should tell your doctor that you are using Avodart.
• Lab tests may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor as well as lab appointments.
• Avodart is not recommended for take in children; safety as well as effectiveness possess not been confirmed.
• Pregnancy as well as breast-feeding: Avodart can cause harm to the fetus. Do not take Avodart incase you are pregnant. Incase you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. It is unknown incase Avodart is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while using Avodart.

Likely Side Effects

Check with your doctor incase any of these most ordinary side effects persist or become bothersome:

• breast enlargement and/or tenderness, decreased sex drive; decreased volume of ejaculate; inability to possess an erection.

Seek health examination attention fair away incase any of these very bad side effects occur:

• very bad allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue).

More Information

Avodart is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
If your symptoms do not improve or incase they become worse, check with your doctor.