Women of childbearing potential should not use or handle Avodart capsules. Avodart can cause birth defects in male fetuses.
Avodart is used to treat men who have symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland.
Avodart blocks an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which is necessary to change testosterone to another hormone that causes the prostate to grow. As a result, the size of the prostate is decreased. The effect of Avodart on the prostate lasts only as long as the medicine is taken. If it is stopped, the prostate begins to grow again.
Special precautions
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking Avodart must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For Avodart , the following should be considered:
Allergies - tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to Avodart or any other medicine that blocks 5-alpha-reductase, such as Finasteride. Also tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy - Women who are or who may become pregnant should not take Avodart or touch Avodart capsules, because it can cause changes in the genitals (sex organs) of male fetuses.
Breast-feeding - It is not known whether Avodart passes into breast milk. Avodart should not be used in women or women who are breast feeding.
Children - Avodart should not be used in children.
Older adults - this medicine has been tested and has not been shown to cause different side effects or problems in older people than it does in younger adults.
Other medicines - although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your health care professional if you are taking any other prescription or non-prescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Other medical problems - the presence of other medical problems may affect the use of Avodart . Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Cancer of the prostate - your doctor will check you for prostate cancer before beginning treatment with this medicine.
- Liver disease - Avodart should be used with caution. Effects of this medicine may be increased.
- Problems with urination - your doctor may want to choose another medicine for you or monitor your kidneys for blockage.
Side effects
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- Cough; difficulty swallowing; dizziness; fast heartbeat; hives or welts; itching skin; puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue; redness of skin; shortness of breath; skin rash; swelling of face, fingers, feet, and/or lower legs; tightness in chest; unusual tiredness or weakness ; wheezing
Other side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome.
- Abnormal ejaculation; decreased interest in sexual intercourse; decreased sexual performance or desire; impotence; inability to have or keep an erection; loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance; swelling of the breasts or breast soreness
Amount of semen in ejaculate may be decreased in some patients. This decrease does not interfere with normal sexual function.
Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Don’t let anyone else take your medicines.
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