AVODART (dutasteride) belongs to a group of medicines called 5 alpha reductase enzyme inhibitors which are used in men who
have a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
BPH is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland which is located at the lower portion of the urinary bladder surrounding
the urethra (urine carrying tube). In men with BPH, the prostate gland becomes large enough to squeeze the urine tube running
through it. If the urine tube is squeezed it narrows, making it more difficult for you to pass urine normally and you may
have some or all of the following symptoms:
difficulty in starting to urinate
an interrupted, weak urinary stream
more frequent urination, especially at night
feeling that you need to urinate right away
leaking or dribbling
a feeling that you cannot empty your bladder completely
As the disease progresses, untreated BPH can lead to an increased risk of complete blockage of urine flow (acute urinary retention)
and/or the need for surgery.
Prostate growth is caused by a hormone in the blood called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). AVODART lowers DHT production in the
body, leading to shrinkage of the enlarged prostate in most men. Just as your prostate became large over a long period of
time, reducing the size of your prostate and improving your symptoms may take time.
AVODART may also be taken in combination with another type of medicine called an alpha blocker in order to treat symptoms
of an enlarged prostate.
AVODART capsules contain the active ingredient dutasteride dissolved in a liquid.
Your doctor may have prescribed AVODART for another reason. Ask your doctor if you are unsure why AVODART was prescribed
for you.
AVODART is not addictive.
read more
|