What is Avodart (Dutasteride) used for?

Avodart (Dutasteride) is an oral medication prescribed to treat men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP). It operates by preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone to reduce the size of an enlarged prostate. This can prevent symptoms such as frequent urinary urgency, inability to empty the bladder, or involuntary leakage of urine. This action may also make it useful for preventing further hair loss in men with male pattern baldness. Your physician may prescribe it to treat other unlisted conditions, as well.

How should I use Avodart (Dutasteride)?

Follow your physician's directions while using Avodart (Dutasteride) to get the safest and most effective results from treatment. The normal dosage is one daily administration of one tablet, but your particular instructions will depend on the condition being treated, your current health, and the severity of your symptoms. These should be swallowed whole with a large glass of water and can be taken on an empty stomach, but a meal or snack is recommended prior to use if you experience nausea. Do not change the form of the tablets by splitting or crushing them prior to use as this may destroy or alter the effects of their contents. Ask your pharmacist or physician any questions you have about using the medication to ensure the correct administration.

What are the side effects of Avodart (Dutasteride)?

Side effects that may occur in some patients using Avodart (Dutasteride) include:

• Tenderness or enlargement of the breast area
• Impotence
• Decreased sex drive
• Lower ejaculation volume

Immediately inform your physician about any severe or intense side effects you experience being especially cautious about any signs of an allergic reaction such as hives, swelling, or trouble breathing. These conditions may require lower doses, reduced frequency of administration, or emergency medical attention in serious cases.

Please Note

Avodart (Dutasteride) can be absorbed through the skin and should not be handled by women, children, or adolescents. It is also recommended to wash any areas of the skin that are contacted by the medication. Do not begin its use if you are a woman, child under the age of eighteen, allergic to soy, allergic to 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, or if you have severely decreased liver function. Also disclose if you have mild to moderately decreased liver function as this condition may require lower doses or other adjustments to your regimen to prevent unexpected health problems from occurring.

Strictly follow all instructions provided to you by your physician or pharmacist while using Avodart (Dutasteride). Optimum and safe dosage can differ based on the patient and the condition being treated.

As this medication may be unsafe for certain patients, it is essential you always inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as if you have any allergies, other illnesses, or ongoing health conditions, and if you are taking any other form of medication, supplements, or herbal products.

Immediately seek emergency medical care if you have an allergic or hypersensitive reaction. Common signs of a reaction include hives, swelling, skin rashes, chest pains, as well as trouble breathing or swallowing.