Avodart Capsules
Chemical
Name: DUTASTERIDE (doo-TAS-teer-ide)
Common Avodart 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 Avodart
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.
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. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if
you have any questions or concerns about using
this medicine.
Avodart Directions
Follow
the directions for using this medicine provided
by your doctor. This medicine comes with a
patient information leaflet. Read it carefully.
Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any
questions that you may have about this medicine.
TAKE THIS MEDICINE at the same time each day.
This medicine may be taken on an empty stomach
or with food. SWALLOW WHOLE. Do not break,
crush, or chew before swallowing. 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 to 30 degrees C) is
permitted. Do not store in the bathroom.
Dutasteride capsules may soften and leak if
stored at high temperatures. If your capsules
crack and leak, do not use them. Contact your
pharmacist. If your skin comes in contact with
the 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.
Avodart Cautions
IT MAY
TAKE 3 TO 6 MONTHS for this medicine to work. Do
not stop taking this medicine without checking
with your doctor. 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
crushed or broken capsules of this medicine. If
a woman who is pregnant comes in contact with
crushed or broken tablets of this medicine,
contact your doctor as soon as possible. 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. However, this medicine
should not be used in women.
Possible side effects of Avodart
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 Avodart
If
overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately.
Additional Avodart 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.
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