Avodart

Avodart

     * Generic Name: dutasteride
     * Brand Name: Avodart


     * What is dutasteride (Avodart)?
     * What are the possible side effects of dutasteride (Avodart)?
     * What is the most important information I should know about
       dutasteride (Avodart)?
     * What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking
       dutasteride (Avodart)?
     * How should I take dutasteride (Avodart)?
     * What happens if I miss a dose (Avodart)?
     * What happens if I overdose (Avodart)?
     * What should I avoid while taking dutasteride (Avodart)?
     * What other drugs will affect dutasteride (Avodart)?
     * Where can I get more information (Avodart)?

What is dutasteride (Avodart)?

   Dutasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone to
   dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the
   development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).

   Dutasteride is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
   in men with an enlarged prostate. Dutasteride helps improve urinary
   flow and may also reduce your need for prostate surgery later on.

   Dutasteride 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.

   Dutasteride may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication
   guide.

What are the possible side effects of dutasteride (Avodart)?

   Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an
   allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face,
   lips, tongue, or throat.

   Less serious side effects may include:
     * decreased libido (sex drive);
     * decreased amount of semen released during sex;
     * impotence (trouble getting or keeping an erection); or
     * 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 FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about dutasteride
(Avodart)?

   Dutasteride should never be taken by a woman or a child. Dutasteride
   can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should not be
   permitted to handle dutasteride capsules.

   Although dutasteride is not for use by women, this medication can cause
   birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy.
   Dutasteride capsules should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant
   or who may become pregnant.

   Do not chew, crush, or open a dutasteride 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.

   If a woman accidentally comes into contact with this medication from a
   leaking capsule, wash the area with soap and water right away.

   Before taking dutasteride, tell your doctor if you have ever had an
   allergic reaction to this medication, or to a similar medicine called
   finasteride (Propecia, Proscar).

   Using dutasteride 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 dutasteride.

   Do not donate blood while taking dutasteride and for at least 6 months
   after your treatment ends. Dutasteride can be carried in the blood and
   could cause birth defects if a pregnant women receives a
   transfusion with blood that contains dutasteride.

   Avodart Patient Information including How Should I Take
   Enlarged Prostate (BPH): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

   Enlarged Prostate (BPH) Pictures Slideshow
   Prostate Cancer Symptoms, Tests, Treatments

   Prostate Cancer Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Enlarged Prostate Quiz!

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking dutasteride
(Avodart)?

   Using dutasteride 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 dutasteride.

   Before taking dutasteride, tell your doctor if you have ever had an
   allergic reaction to this medication, or to a similar medicine called
   finasteride (Propecia, Proscar).

   Dutasteride should never be taken by a woman or a child. Dutasteride
   can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should not be
   permitted to handle dutasteride capsules.

   Although dutasteride is not for use by women, this medication can cause
   birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Dutasteride
   capsules should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may
   become pregnant.

   If a woman accidentally comes into contact with this medication from a
   leaking capsule, wash the area with soap and water right away.

How should I take dutasteride (Avodart)?

   Take 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 dutasteride with a full glass of water.

   Dutasteride can be taken with or without food.

   Do not chew, crush, or open a dutasteride 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 dutasteride 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 dutasteride at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
   Dutasteride 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 dutasteride capsule.

   Avodart Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose
   Enlarged Prostate (BPH): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

   Enlarged Prostate (BPH) Pictures Slideshow
   Prostate Cancer Symptoms, Tests, Treatments

   Prostate Cancer Slideshow Pictures
   RxList

   Take the Enlarged Prostate Quiz!

What happens if I miss a dose (Avodart)?

   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 the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose (Avodart)?

   Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at
   1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking dutasteride (Avodart)?

   Do not donate blood while taking dutasteride and for at least 6 months
   after your treatment ends. Dutasteride can be carried in the blood and
   could cause birth defects if a pregnant women receives a transfusion
   with blood that contains dutasteride.

What other drugs will affect dutasteride (Avodart)?

   Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use, especially:
     * conivaptan (Vaprisol);
     * imatinib (Gleevec);
     * isoniazid (for treating tuberculosis);
     * an antibiotic such as clarithromycin (Biaxin),
       erythromycin (E.E.S., EryPed, Ery-Tab, Erythrocin,
       Pediazole), or telithromycin (Ketek);
     * an antifungal medication such as itraconazole (Sporanox),
       ketoconazole (Nizoral), miconazole (Oravig), or
       voriconazole (Vfend);
     * an antidepressant such as nefazodone;
     * heart or blood pressure medication such as nicardipine
       (Cardene) or quinidine (Quin-G); or
     * 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
   dutasteride. 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.

Where can I get more information (Avodart)?

   Your pharmacist can provide more information about dutasteride.
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