What is Avodart used for?
Avodart is used to treat symptoms of benign
prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged
prostate to:
- improve symptoms
- reduce the risk of acute urinary retention
(a complete blockage of urine flow)
- reduce the risk of the need for BPH-related
surgery
Who should not take Avodart?
Dutasteride is for men only. Women and children
should never take Avodart.
You should not take Avodart if you are allergic
to any of its ingredients or are allergic to other
5α-reductase inhibitors.
Special Warnings:
Avodart can pass through the skin. Therefore,
women who are pregnant or may be pregnant should
not touch Avodart because it can pass through their
skin and may cause a birth defect in their male baby
Women should use caution whenever handling
Avodart.
General Precautions with Avodart:
Men taking Avodart should not donate blood
until at least 6 months after their last dose to
prevent pregnant women from receiving Avodart through
a blood donation.
What should I tell my health care provider?
Tell your doctor if you have a history of:
- liver problems
- cancer of the prostate
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take,
including prescription and non-prescription medicines,
vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may
affect how Avodart works or Avodart may affect how
your other medicines work.
What are some possible side effects of Avodart?
(This
is NOT a complete list of side effects
reported with Avodart. Your health care provider
can discuss with you a more complete list of side
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
For more detailed information about Avodart, ask your
health care provider and pharmacist.
Link
to Avodart's Approved Label 
Posted: 11/22/02
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