What is Avodart? This drug is used for treatment for benign prostatic hyperplasia. This is when the prostate is enlarged in men and causes problems with urinating. Dutasteride is similar to Finasteride (the active ingredient in Propecia and Proscar) with the way that it inhibits DHT. Avodart can also be used as a treatment for Male Pattern Hairloss because DHT is one of the main contributing factors to this condition.
How is Avodart used? Take Dutasteride exactly as directed by your doctor. Take each dose with a full glass of water and swallow the capsules whole. Do not chew, crush or break the capsules. Dutasteride can be taken with or without food.
Adverse effects The most common side effects are impotence (trouble getting or keeping an erection), a decrease in libido (sex drive), breast enlargement and tenderness (gynecomastia), a decrease in the amount of semen released during sex. These side effects usually decrease or disappear with continued usage, or stopping the medication altogether.
Warnings Do not stop taking dutasteride without first talking to your doctor. While some men have fewer problems and symptoms after 3 months of treatment with dutasteride, a treatment period of at least 6 months is usually necessary to see if treatment with dutasteride will be beneficial. Women who are or who may become pregnant must not handle dutasteride capsules. The medication can be absorbed through the skin and may cause birth defects in the unborn baby. Do not donate blood until at least 6 months have passed since the last dose of dutasteride is taken to prevent pregnant women from receiving dutasteride through blood transfusion.
