Avodart (Dutasteride) - Oral

What Is Avodart?

Avodart (dutasteride) is a once-daily drug used to treat signs of an enlarged prostate gland in people designated male at birth. It may be used alone or with Flomax (tamsulosin). Dutasteride belongs to a drug class called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. It is available as a 0.5 milligram (mg) capsule.

Dutasteride prevents the body from producing a kind of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT), causing a decrease in the growth of the prostate.

What Is Avodart Used For?

Avodart (dutasteride) is used to treat the signs of an enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It lowers the risk of acute urinary retention and BPH-related surgery.

How to Take Avodart

Take Avodart capsules with or without food. Swallow whole. Do not open, break, or chew Avodart. Taking broken capsules can cause oropharyngeal (mouth and pharynx) irritation. Do not touch it if the capsule leaks, is deformed, or has changed color. Do not handle this drug if you are pregnant. If you touch a leaking capsule, wash the area right away with water and soap.

Note: Do not donate blood while on Avodart and for six months after stopping this drug.

Storage

Store at room temperature (77 Fahrenheit (F)) in a dry place, and keep it away from children and pets. During trips, you may store dutasteride between cool and mildly hot temperatures (59 to 86 Fahrenheit (F)). Do not store it in your bathroom.

Discard all unused or expired drugs. Do not toss them down the drain, sink, or toilet. Ask your pharmacist about the best ways to dispose of your medication. Check out drug take-back programs in your area.

Off-Label Uses

Avodart is used off-label to treat male pattern baldness.

What Are the Side Effects of Avodart?

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at fda.gov/medwatch or 800-FDA-1088.

Common Side Effects

Any medication may cause side effects. However, some people taking Avodart may experience some or no adverse effects. Contact your healthcare provider or get medical treatment if any side effects concern you or do not go away.

• Low sex drive
• Sexual dysfunction
• Dizziness

 These are only a few of the drug's possible side effects. If you have any concerns about side effects, contact your healthcare provider.

Severe Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you have any severe side effects. Dial 911 if you have a medical emergency or your symptoms appear to be life-threatening. Serious side effects of Avodart are:

• Depression
• Nipple discharge
• Enlarged breasts
• A breast lump
• Breast pain or soreness
• Signs of an allergic reaction, like wheezing

Dosage: How Much Avodart Should I Take?

Modifications

The following modifications (changes) should be kept in mind when using Avodart:

Severe allergic reaction: Avoid using Avodart if you have a known allergy to it or its ingredients. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for a complete list of the ingredients if you're unsure.

Females: People designated female at birth should not use this medicine.

Pregnancy: People who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle or touch the capsules.

Children should not use this medicine.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose once you remember. If your next dose is too close, skip the missed dose. Return to your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the amount or take extra doses.

Overdose: What Happens If I Take Too Much Avodart?

There is limited information available about Avodart overdose. If you think you're experiencing an overdose or life-threatening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.

Precautions

What Are Reasons I Shouldn't Take Avodart?

Do not take or touch Avodart if you have:

• A positive pregnancy test (it can harm your baby)
• Allergy to dutasteride or any component of the formulation
• Allergy to other 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors (e.g., Propecia (finasteride))

What Other Medications Interact With Avodart?

There are no drugs contraindicated with Avodart.

What Medications Are Similar?

Medications similar to Avodart that may be used to treat the signs of an enlarged prostate are:

• Jalyn (dutasteride and tamsulosin) 
• Proscar (finasteride)
• Entadfi (finasteride and tadalafil)

Dutasteride and finasteride have similar side effect profiles, especially sexual dysfunction. However, dutasteride may work better than finasteride in some people.

Saw palmetto is a plant used to treat BPH.

This list contains drugs and plant-based medicines also used to treat signs of an enlarged prostate gland in people designated male at birth. It is NOT a list of medicines recommended to take with Avodart. Do not take these drugs together unless your healthcare provider tells you to. If you have any problems, talk to your healthcare provider.

How Can I Stay Healthy While Taking Avodart?

Although dutasteride peaks within two to three hours after taking it, it may take several months to see its full effects. Do not stop taking Avodart even if you feel better. Tell your healthcare provider if you think this medicine is not working for you.

 Remember: Do not donate blood while using this drug and for six months after stopping.