Medications and DrugsBrand Names: AvodartGeneric Name: dutasteride (Pronunciation: doo TAS ter ide)
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 other purposes not listed in this medication guide. Avodart 0.5 mg yellow, imprinted with GX CE2 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:
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)?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). 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. 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. 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. (Page 1 of 3) |
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Enlarged Prostate Overview
A man's prostate gland usually starts to enlarge after he reaches 40 years of age. This condition is called benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
The prostate gland secretes a fluid that helps to nourish sperm. The gland itself surrounds the urethra, which is the tube that carries urine from the bladder out through the tip of the penis (see multimedia file 1). As the prostate grows larger, it may press on the urethra. This narrowing of the urethra can cause some men with prostate enlargement to have trouble with urination. Prostate enlargement may be the most common health problem in men older than 60 years of age.
Enlarged Prostate Causes
The prostate gland, which is normally about the size and shape of a walnut, wraps around the urethra between the pubic bone and the rectum, below the bladder. In the early stage of prostate enlargement, the bladder muscle becomes thicker and forces ...
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