AVIDART (AVODART) INDICATIONS
Avidart is used for treating symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) or enlargement of the prostate gland. It also helps to reduce the risk of urinary blockage and the need for prostate surgery. It may also be used along with other medicines (eg, tamsulosin). Avidart is a 5 alpha-reductase enzyme inhibitor. It works by lowering levels of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a major cause of prostate growth. Lowering DHT leads to shrinkage of the enlarged prostate gland.
AVIDART (AVODART) INSTRUCTIONS
Use Avidart as directed by your doctor.
- Take Avidart by mouth with or without food.
- Swallow Avidart whole. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Do not take capsules that are cracked or leaking. Avidart can irritate your lips, mouth, and throat.
- Take Avidart on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking Avidart at the same time each day will help you remember to take it.
- Continue to take Avidart even if you feel well. Do not miss any dose.
- If you miss a dose of Avidart, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Avidart.
AVIDART (AVODART) STORAGE
Store Avidart at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Avidart out of the reach of children and away from pets.
AVIDART (AVODART) MORE INFO:
Active Ingredient:Dutasteride.
Do NOT use Avidart if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Avidart or to other 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors (eg, finasteride)
- you are a woman or a child.
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Some medical conditions may interact with Avidart. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have liver disease, prostate cancer, urinary tract disease, or problems urinating.
Some medicines may interact with Avidart. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, diltiazem, ketoconazole, ritonavir, troleandomycin, or verapamil because they may increase the risk of Avidart's side effects.
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Avidart may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
Important safety information:
- Avidart may increase the risk of certain birth defects, including abnormal formation of the genitals in male fetuses. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant must NOT handle the capsules. Avidart is absorbed through the skin and could result in unintended fetal exposure. If a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant comes in contact with leaking capsules, the contact area should be washed immediately with soap and water. If contact occurs, tell your doctor at once.
- Avidart stays in the blood stream for 4 to 6 months after you stop taking it. Do not donate blood for at least 6 months after your last dose of Avidart to prevent exposure through a blood transfusion to a pregnant woman.
- Avidart may decrease your volume of ejaculate. This does not appear to interfere with normal sexual function.
- Avidart may interfere with certain lab tests, including prostate-specific antigen (PSA) for the screening of prostate cancer. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are taking Avidart.
- Lab tests and medical exams, including rectal exams, may be performed while you take Avidart. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects.
Check with your doctor if any of these most common side effects persist or become bothersome:
Breast enlargement and/or tenderness; decreased sex drive; decreased volume of ejaculate; inability to have an erection.
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue; unusual hoarseness).
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider.