Description

AVODART (Dutasteride) is a medication prescribed to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men who have an enlarged prostate. AVODART can help to improve symptoms, reduce urinary retention, and reduce the need for BPH surgery.

AVODART is also approved for the treatment of BPH in combination with the prescription medication tamsulosin.

Dutasteride works by preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). As men age, a larger portion of their testosterone is converted to DHT, which is responsible for enlarging the prostate. Dutasteride inhibits the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which catalyzes the conversion reaction.

Directions

The AVODART dosage exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Take one 0.5 mg capsule by mouth once daily when used alone.

Take one 0.5 mg capsule by mouth once daily when used in combination with tamsulosin.

AVODART can be taken with or without food.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in AVODART is dutasteride, which is also the name of the AVODART generic.

Cautions

AVODART is teratogenic and should not be handled by women of childbearing age.

AVODART should not be used for the prevention or treatment of prostate cancer.

Patients taking AVODART cannot donate blood for at least six months after taking their last dose.

AVODART lowers the serum concentration of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) by approximately 50%, which can interfere with screening tests for prostate cancer.

Side Effects

The most common adverse effects of AVODART may include:

• Breast disorders
• Decreased libido
• Ejaculation disorders
• Impotence

Speak with your doctor or pharmacist for a full list of side effects that may apply to you.