Avodart
Generic name: dutasteride [ doo-TAS-ter-ide ]
Drug class: 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors
What is Avodart?
Avodart is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. It helps improve symptoms such as urinary flow and may also reduce your need for prostate surgery later on.
Avodart prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Avodart is sometimes given with another medication called tamsulosin (Flomax). Be sure to read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each of your medications.
Avodart may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Avodart can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should avoid handling the capsules. This medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy; just handling the medicine may cause abnormalities in male fetuses. Avodart capsules are not typically prescribed for women, although it may be used off-label (not an FDA-approved use) for female pattern hair loss in postmenopausal women.
Do not chew, crush, or open Avodart capsules. Swallow the capsule whole. Dutasteride can irritate your lips, mouth, or throat if the capsule has been broken or opened before you swallow it. If a woman of childbearing potential accidentally comes into contact with this medication from a leaking capsule, wash the area with soap and water right away.
Before taking Avodart, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to dutasteride, or to a similar medicine called finasteride (Propecia, Proscar). Using Avodart may increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. Your doctor will perform tests to make sure you do not have other conditions that would prevent you from safely using Avodart.
Do not donate blood while taking Avodart and for at least 6 months after your treatment ends. Avodart can be carried in the blood and could cause birth defects if a pregnant woman receives a transfusion with blood that contains dutasteride.
Before taking this medicine
Using Avodart may increase your risk of developing prostate cancer. Your doctor will perform tests to make sure you do not have other conditions that would prevent you from safely using Avodart.
Before taking Avodart, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medication, or to a similar medicine called finasteride (Propecia, Proscar).
Avodart can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should avoid handling the capsules. This medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy; just handling the medicine may cause abnormalities in male fetuses. Avodart is not typically prescribed for women, although it may be used off-label (not an FDA-approved use) for female pattern hair loss in postmenopausal women.
How should I take Avodart?
Take Avodart exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.
Take the capsule with a full glass of water.
Avodart can be taken with or without food.
Do not chew, crush, or open an Avodart capsule. Swallow the capsule whole. Dutasteride can irritate your lips, mouth, or throat if the capsule has been broken or opened before you swallow it. It may take up to 6 months of using this medicine before your symptoms improve. For best results, keep using the medication as directed. Do not stop taking Avodart without talking to your doctor.
To be sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood may need to be tested often. Your doctor will also test your prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to check for prostate cancer. Visit your doctor regularly.
Store Avodart at room temperature away from moisture and heat. The capsules may become soft and leaky, or they may stick together if they get too hot. Do not use any capsule that is cracked or leaking. Call your pharmacist for instructions on how to safely dispose of a leaking Avodart capsule.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid?
Do not donate blood while taking Avodart and for at least 6 months after your treatment ends. Avodart can be carried in the blood and could cause birth defects if a pregnant woman receives a transfusion with blood that contains Avodart.
Avodart side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Avodart: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Less serious side effects may include:
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decreased libido (sex drive);
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decreased amount of semen released during sex;
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impotence (trouble getting or keeping an erection); or
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breast tenderness or enlargement.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Related/similar drugs
What other drugs will affect Avodart?
Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
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conivaptan (Vaprisol);
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imatinib (Gleevec);
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isoniazid (for treating tuberculosis);
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an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin, Pediazole), or telithromycin (Ketek);
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an antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), miconazole (Oravig), or voriconazole (Vfend);
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an antidepressant such as nefazodone;
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heart or blood pressure medication such as nicardipine (Cardene) or quinidine (Quin-G); or
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HIV/AIDS medicine such as atazanavir (Reyataz), delavirdine (Rescriptor), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), saquinavir (Invirase), or ritonavir (Norvir, Kaletra).
This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Avodart. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.
References
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Further information
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
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