Avodart (uh-VOE-dart)

Avodart (dutasteride [doo-TAS-ter-ide]) is a 5 alpha reductase inhibitor that prevents conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. It is used to treat an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH). It improves the flow of urine and shrinks the prostate. It relaxes the muscles to increase urine flow and reduce pain associated with prostatitis.

Avodart Warnings

Avodart may artificially decrease PSA levels. Be sure to inform any lab technicians and physicians that you are taking this drug if you are being tested for prostate cancer.

Avodart and other 5 alpha reductase inhibitors are linked to a risk of a serious form of aggressive prostate cancer.

BPH and prostate cancer may occur at the same time. Prostate cancer should be ruled out before taking Avodart.

Pregnant women or women who could become pregnant should not handle Avodart capsules. This medication is absorbed through the skin and could result in fetal contact.

Why Is Avodart Prescribed for Prostatitis?

Avodart may be prescribed to relax muscles and/or shrink the prostate to increase urine flow and reduce pain in cases of chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS).

How Should Avodart Be Used?

Avodart comes in 0.5 mg capsules.

Read the patient information provided with this medication from your pharmacist carefully.

This medication is taken orally, usually once per day, with or without food. Swallow this medication without crushing or chewing the capsules.

Follow your physician’s instructions regarding dose.

Take Avodart regularly at the same time each day to get the most benefit from its effects.

It may take three to six months to experience the benefits from this medication.

If your condition continues or worsens, inform your physician.

This medication should only be used in men.

Other Uses for Avodart

Avodart (dustasteride) for prostatitis be prescribed to treat hair loss in men, as it may increase hair growth.

Do I Need To Follow Special Precautions?

Discuss with your physician all prescription and nonprescription products you are currently taking, as Avodart and other drugs in this class may negatively interact with certain other medications.

Talk to your doctor about use of this medication before any surgeries.

Before taking this medication, inform your physician about any allergies you have, including an allergy to Avodart or any other 5 alpha reductase inhibitors. Inactive ingredients in this drug may cause an allergic reaction.

Discuss your medical history with your physician before taking Avodart.

Men should not donate blood for at least six months after their last dose of Avodart.

Do I Need to Follow a Special Diet When Taking Avodart?

This medication may be taken with or without food.

Follow your regular diet or follow your doctor’s instructions.

What If I forget a Dose?

If a dose is missed, take the medication as soon as you remember. However, if nearing the time when you are supposed to take the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. If a dose is missed, do not double the dose.

Are There Side Effects When Taking Avodart for Prostatitis?

Side effects may include:

A reduction in sperm count
Impotence
Abnormal ejaculation
Reduced sexual desire or functioning
Depression
Pain in testicles

If any of these side effects persist or worsen, inform your physician promptly. Side effects may persist even after you have stopped taking the medication.

If you experience any of the following side effects, inform your physician immediately:

Chest pain
Dilated veins in neck
Severe exhaustion
Difficulty breathing
Heartbeat irregularities
Swelling of face or extremities
Weight gain
Painful, swollen breasts or breasts that produce discharge

Other side effects that warrant a doctor’s attention may include:

Flaking, peeling, blistering, or itchy skin
Cough
Difficulty swallowing
Dizziness
Rapid heartbeat
Hives
Puffy eyelids, eyes, face, lips, or tongue
Skin redness or rash

Does Avodart Have Special Storage Instructions?

This medication should be stored at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep this medication away from children and pets. Do not store in the bathroom.

Discard this product properly when it is expired. (Do not flush it down the toilet or rinse it down the drain.)

Avodart capsules may leak or split open at higher temperatures. If this occurs, do not use them. If you come in contact with the liquid from inside the capsules, wash your hands immediately with warm water and soap.

What Do I Do in the Case of an Accidental Overdose?

In case of a suspected overdose, contact an emergency room or poison control center immediately. For a local control center in the United States, call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents: call a poison control center within your province.