Avodart

Information on Avodart

Capsules
Chemical Name: DUTASTERIDE (doo-TAS-teer-ide)

Common uses
This medicine is an androgen hormone inhibitor used in men to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which is swelling of the prostate. This medicine works by lowering the amount of the hormone responsible for prostate growth. Dutasteride reduces urinary blockage and improves urine flow. This medicine should not be used in women and children.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are also taking cimetidine, ciprofloxacin, diltiazem, ketoconazole, ritonavir, troleandomycin, or verapamil. DO NOT START OR STOP ANY MEDICINE without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions including liver disease, urinary tract disease, prostate cancer, or allergies. USE OF THIS MEDICINE IS NOT RECOMMENDED if you are female or if the patient is a child. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about using this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. An additional patient information leaflet is available with this medicine. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may have about this information. This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach or with food. TAKE THIS MEDICINE at the same time each day. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break, crush, or chew before swallowing. Do not take capsules that are cracked or leaking. This medicine can irritate your lips, mouth, and throat. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C) in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Do not store in the bathroom. THE CAPSULES MAY SOFTEN AND LEAK if stored at high temperatures. If your skin comes in contact with leaking capsules, wash the area immediately with soap and water. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE and you remember the same day, take it as soon as possible. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are allergic to any ingredient in this product. IT MAY TAKE 3 TO 6 MONTHS for this medicine to work. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. Laboratory tests and/or medical exams, including rectal exams, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you are taking this medicine. This medicine can affect the results of the blood test used to detect prostate cancer (PSA). Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug. DO NOT DONATE BLOOD until at least 6 months after your last dose to prevent exposure through a blood transfusion to a pregnant woman. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. THIS MEDICINE MAY BE ABSORBED THROUGH THE SKIN. ANY WOMAN WHO IS PREGNANT OR WHO MAY BECOME PREGNANT SHOULD NOT HANDLE this medicine. If contact occurs, tell your doctor at once. Any contact with this medicine by a developing male fetus could result in abnormal male sex organ development. IT IS UNKNOWN IF THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED in breast milk. This medicine should not be used in women.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS that may occur while taking this medicine include a change in sexual function (e.g., impotence, decreased interest in sex, decrease in amount of ejaculate). These effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Breast tenderness or enlargement may also occur while you are taking this medicine. If these effects continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. An allergic reaction to this medicine is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.

Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.

Selected data included with permission and copyrighted by Medi-Span, 2008. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a Licensed data provider and is not for distribution in professional healthcare settings.