AVODART

Avodart is used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate to: 

• improve symptoms
• reduce the risk of acute urinary retention (a complete blockage of urine flow)  
• reduce the risk of the need for BPH-related surgery

Dutasteride is for men only. Women and children should never take Avodart. 

You should not take Avodart if you are allergic to any of its ingredients or are allergic to other 5α-reductase inhibitors . 

Avodart can pass through the skin. Therefore, women who are pregnant or may be pregnant should not touch Avodart because it can pass through their skin and may cause a birth defect in their male baby. 

Women should use caution whenever handling Avodart.

Men taking Avodart should not donate blood until at least 6 months after their last dose to prevent pregnant women from receiving Avodart through a blood donation.

Tell your doctor if you have a history of:

• liver problems
• cancer of the prostate

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Some medicines may affect how Avodart works or Avodart may affect how your other medicines work.

The most common side effects are:

• impotence (trouble getting or keeping an erection)
• a decrease in libido (sex drive)
• breast enlargement and tenderness (gynecomastia)
• a decrease in the amount of semen released during sex