IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Table of Contents
- Uses and How to Use
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Medication Interactions
- Dosage and Storage
- Medication Images
Pronounced: (due-TAST-er-ide)
Avodart Oral Uses
This medication is used in men to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia-BPH). It works by reducing the size of the enlarged prostate. This helps to relieve symptoms of BPH such as difficulty in beginning the flow of urine, weak stream, and the need to urinate frequently or urgently (including during the middle of the night). It may also reduce the need for surgery to treat BPH.
Dutasteride is not FDA-approved for prevention of prostate cancer. It may slightly increase the risk of developing a serious form of prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks.
This medication should not be used by women or children.
How To Use Avodart Oral
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the medication whole. Do not crush or chew the capsules.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication.
It may take 3 to 6 months to notice an improvement in symptoms. Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve or if they worsen.
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised December
2011
Copyright(c) 2011 First DataBank,
Inc.

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