What is Avodart?
Avodart blocks the conversion of dihydrotestosterone into testosterone in the body. DHT plays a role in benign prostatic hyperplasia.Avodart can be used as a treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia in men who have an enlarged prostrate. This drug improves urinary flow and can reduce the need for future prostate surgery.Avodart can be given in combination with tamsulosin, also known as Flomax. Always read any medication instructions or guides that come with your prescriptions.Avodart can be used in other ways not mentioned in the medication guide.
Warning
Avodart is not to be administered by women or children. Dutasteride is absorbed by the skin, and children or women should never be allowed to touch the capsules. Avodart should not be used by women. However, if exposed during pregnancy to this drug, it can lead to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or may be pregnant should avoid handling Avodart.Avodart should not be chewed, crushed, or opened. The capsule should be swallowed whole. If the capsule is broken before swallowing, it can cause irritation to your mouth, lips, or throat. The area where a woman comes into contact with the medication due to a leaky capsule should be washed with water and soap immediately.Tell your doctor before taking Avodart if you've ever experienced an allergic reaction. This could be finasteride or dutasteride. Avodart can increase the risk of prostate cancer. You will be tested by your doctor to ensure that you don't have any other medical conditions that would make it unsafe for you to use Avodart.Don't donate blood for 6 months following the end of your Avodart treatment. Avodart is carried in blood, and can cause birth defects when a woman receives blood transfusions that contain dutasteride.
Before you take this drug
Avodart can increase the risk of prostate cancer. You will be tested by your doctor to ensure that you don't have any other medical conditions that would make it unsafe for you to use Avodart.Tell your doctor before taking Avodart if you've ever experienced an allergic reaction. This includes finasteride, which is a medicine similar to Avodart (Propecia or Proscar).Avodart is not to be administered by women or children. Dutasteride is absorbed via the skin. Women and children shouldn't be allowed to touch Avodart capsules. This medicine should not be used by women. However, if exposed during pregnancy, it can lead to birth defects. Women who are pregnant or may be pregnant should avoid handling Avodart. A woman who accidentally touches this medicine from a leaky capsule should wash it with soap and warm water.
How to take Avodart?
Avodart should only be taken as directed by your physician. Take Avodart only at the recommended dose. Follow all instructions listed on your prescription carefully.Use the capsule along with one full glass of water.Avodart is taken either with food or without.Avodart should not be chewed, crushed, or opened. The capsule should be swallowed whole. If the capsule is broken before swallowing, dutasteride may irritate the lips, throat, and mouth. Your symptoms may not improve for up to six months after taking this medication. To get the best result, use your medication according to the instructions. Avodart should not be stopped without consulting your doctor.Your blood might need to be checked frequently in order to ensure that the medication you are taking is not having any harmful side effects. To check for prostate carcinoma, your doctor may also test the prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Visit your doctor regularly.Avodart should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. If they become too warm, the capsules can stick together or get soft. Any capsule that is cracked or leaky should not be used. You can ask your pharmacist how to dispose of an Avodart cap that is leaking.
What happens if I miss the dose?
As soon as possible, take the missed dose. If your next dose is approaching, skip the missed dose. You should not take more medicine to compensate for a missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
Avoid this
Don't donate blood for 6 months following the end of your Avodart treatment. Avodart is carried in blood and can cause birth defects when a woman receives blood transfusions that contain it.
Side effects of Avodart
If you experience any of the following signs of an Avodart allergy: difficulty breathing, swelling in your lips, face, throat, or tongue, or hives, get emergency medical attention.
Some of the less serious effects include:
- Decreased libido (sex drive);
- Semen release during sexual activity is reduced.
- Impotence is a problem with obtaining or maintaining an erection.
- Breast tenderness, breast enlargement, or asymmetry
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Report any suspected side effects by calling the fda's 24-hour hotline: 1-800-fda-1088.
Interaction with other drug
Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take, including:
- Conivaptan (vaprisol);
- Imatinib (gleevec);
- Isoniazid is used to treat tuberculosis.
- An antibiotic, such as clarithromycin, erythromycin, erythrocin (e.e.s. ), telithromycin, or erythromycin.
- Antifungal medications such as miconazole, oravig (oravig), itraconazole, and ketoconazole
- An antidepressant, such as nefazodone
- Heart or blood pressure medications such as nicardipine or quinidine
- Hiv/aids medicines such as atazanavir or ritonavir
Other drugs can interact with Avodart. Inform your doctor of all the medications that you take. Included are prescriptions, vitamins, herbal, and over-the-counter products. Never start taking a new medicine without consulting your doctor.
