Avodart

Avodart (Dutasteride) belongs to a class of medications called 5 – alpha reductase inhibitors and is an androgen hormone inhibitor used in men’s prostate swellings.

Furthermore, Avodart (Dutasteride) may also be described as a white to pale yellow powder. This medication is soluble in Ethanol, Methanol, Polyethylene Glycol and insoluble in water.

Avodart (Dutasteride) is used to help effectively treat type 2 diabetes by reducing the resistance your body has towards insulin. This medication is also used to shrink enlarged prostates in men caused by a condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BHP).

Avodart (Dutasteride) works by lowering amounts of the hormone responsible for prostate growth (dihydrotestosterone). This medication is used as part of a diet and exercise program, either used alone or in combination with other anti – diabetes medications, including Metformin or Insulin. Avodart (Dutasteride) is even used to help convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.

Avodart (Dutasteride) is available in capsule form and must be taken by mouth once daily, with or without food and is to be swallowed whole. Be sure to take this medication regularly, at the same time each day in order to receive the maximum benefit from it. Avodart (Dutasteride) may take approximately three to six months before you begin to experience an improvement in your symptoms. You must be certain to carefully follow the directions on your prescription label and ask your health care professional or pharmacist to explain any part of how to take this medication that you do not understand.

Furthermore, you must take Avodart (Dutasteride) exactly as directed and refrain from taking a greater or lesser quantity of this medication or altogether taking this medication more or less often than prescribed by your health care professional. Do not suddenly discontinue this medication without prior confirmation from your health care professional. You must also be sure to consult your health care professional pertaining to the use of Avodart (Dutasteride) in women and children. This medication is sometimes administered along with another medication known as Tamsulosin (Flomax).

While on an ongoing course of Avodart (Dutasteride) if you notice any of the symptoms listed below or any other symptoms which may seem severe or persistent, you must contact your health care professional.

Sometimes, Avodart (Dutasteride) may cause the patient to experience impotence, breast tenderness, an itching sensation, body swellings, dizziness and a decrease in the amount of sperm ejaculation.

Furthermore, Avodart (Dutasteride) may cause the patient to experience skin rashes, breast enlargement, troubled breathing, hives, chest tightness and decreased interest in sex.

If you are on an ongoing course of Avodart (Dutasteride) before you commence taking any new medication (either prescription or OTC), you must first consult your health care professional or pharmacist.

Furthermore, you must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are allergic to Avodart (Dutasteride) or any other medication in any other form. Your health care professional must also be informed if you are taking any other medication in any other form, including nutritional supplements or herbal products whilst on an ongoing course of this medication.

Sometimes, Avodart (Dutasteride) interacts with various medications, such as Propecia (Finasteride), Nelfinavir (Viracept), Ritonavir (Norvir), Clarithromycin (Biaxin), Erythromycin, Itraconazole (Sporanox), Ketoconazole (Nizoral), Troleandomycin (Tao) and Fluoxetine (Prozac).

Furthermore, Avodart (Dutasteride) interacts with various medications, such as Fluvoxamine (Luvox), Paroxetine (Paxil), Amoxapine (Asendin), Clomipramine (Anafranil), Desipramine (Norpramin), Doxepin (Sinequan), Nortriptyline (Pamelor), Protriptyline (Vivactil) and Trimipramine (Surmontil).

In case of an overdose of Avodart (Dutasteride), call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.

Your health care professional will order certain laboratory and/or medical tests to be performed to check your response to Avodart (Dutasteride), monitor your progress and check for side effects. You must be sure to keep all appointments with your health care professional and the laboratory. Do not let anyone else take Avodart (Dutasteride) and ask your health care professional or pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

Furthermore, if you need to undergo any kind of surgery including dental surgery, or X – ray procedures, or you conceive whilst on a course of Avodart (Dutasteride) inform your health care professional. You must be sure to inform your health care professional if you are pregnant, breast feeding or planning to conceive. Any contact with Avodart (Dutasteride) by a developing male fetus could result in abnormal male sex organ development. Pregnant women should not handle crushed or broken capsules of this medicine, since this medication may be absorbed through the skin. It is unknown whether Avodart (Dutasteride) passes into breast milk or not.

Lastly, avoid consuming alcohol and beverages containing even a small percentage of alcohol whilst on an ongoing course of Avodart (Dutasteride). It is important that you do not discontinue this medication without first consulting your health care professional. While on an ongoing course of Avodart (Dutasteride), you must also refrain from driving a car or operating any kind of machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

It is important that you do not take a double dose of Avodart (Dutasteride) to make up for a missed one unless you have consulted your health care professional.

Speak with your health care professional about the possible risks of using Avodart (Dutasteride) for your condition and be sure to consult your health care professional or pharmacist for more information, since this medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses.

Store Avodart (Dutasteride) in the container it came in, keep the lid tightly closed and out of reach of children. The ideal temperature to store this medication is at room temperature 77 degrees F or 25 degrees C. But, you can even store Avodart (Dutasteride) at room temperature (between 59 – 86 degrees F or 15 – 30 degrees C) and away from excess heat and moisture.

Furthermore, Avodart (Dutasteride) capsules may soften and leak if stored at high temperatures. If your capsules crack or leak, refrain from using them and be certain to thoroughly wash any part of your body, that may come in direct contact with leaking capsules, immediately with soap and water.

You must also be sure to throw away any Avodart (Dutasteride) medication that has gotten outdated or is no longer required. You must speak with your pharmacist or health care professional about the proper disposal of this medication.

It is important for the patient to know that before consuming Avodart (Dutasteride); they must inform their health care professional, if they have ever had a history of or are currently suffering from liver complications, urinary tract infections or prostate Cancer.

Furthermore, Avodart (Dutasteride) affects results of the blood test used to detect prostate Cancer (PSA). Hence, if you are due to take this test, make sure laboratory personnel and your health care professional are aware that you are using this medication. It is also important for you to refrain from donating blood until a minimum of 6 months or more after you take your last dose of Avodart (Dutasteride). This precaution minimizes the chances of pregnant woman getting affected through blood transfusion.