What is the most important information I should know about Avodart?

• Before taking Avodart, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medication, or to a similar medicine called finasteride (Propecia, Proscar).
• Avodart should never be taken by a woman or a child. Avodart can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should not be permitted to handle Avodart capsules.
• Although Avodart is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Avodart capsules should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant.
• If a woman accidentally comes into contact with this medication from a leaking capsule, wash the area with soap and water right away.
• Do not donate blood while taking Avodart and for at least 6 months after your treatment ends. Avodart can be carried in the blood and could cause birth defects if a pregnant women receives a transfusion with blood that contains Avodart.

What is Avodart?

• Avodart prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
• Avodart is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. This medicine helps improve urinary flow and may also reduce your need for prostate surgery later on.
• Avodart may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Avodart?

• Before taking Avodart, tell your doctor if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medication, or to a similar medicine called finasteride (Propecia, Proscar).
• Avodart should never be taken by a woman or a child. Avodart can be absorbed through the skin, and women or children should not be permitted to handle Avodart capsules.
• Although Avodart is not for use by women, this medication can cause birth defects if a woman is exposed to it during pregnancy. Avodart capsules should not be handled by a woman who is pregnant or who may become pregnant.
• If a woman accidentally comes into contact with this medication from a leaking capsule, wash the area with soap and water right away.

How should I take Avodart?

• Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
• Take each dose with a full glass of water.
• Avodart can be taken with or without food.
• Swallow the Avodart capsule whole. Do not chew, crush or break the capsule.
• It is important to take Avodart regularly to get the most benefit.
• Do not stop taking Avodart without first talking to your doctor. It may take as long as 3 to 6 months of treatment with Avodart before you notice improvement in your BPH symptoms.
• To be sure this medication is helping your condition, your prostate will need to be checked on a regular basis. Your PSA (prostate-specific antigen) may also be tested to help detect prostate cancer. It is important that you not miss any scheduled visits to your doctor.
• Store Avodart at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Avodart capsules may become soft and leaky, or they may stick together if they get too hot. Do not use any capsule that is cracked or leaking. Call your pharmacist for instructions on how to safely dispose of a leaking Avodart capsule.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have used too much of this medicine. An overdose of Avodart is not expected to produce life-threatening symptoms.

What should I avoid while taking Avodart?

• Do not donate blood while taking Avodart and for at least 6 months after your treatment ends. Avodart can be carried in the blood and could cause birth defects if a pregnant women receives a transfusion with blood that contains Avodart.

What are the possible side effects of Avodart?

• Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Other, less serious side effects are more likely to occur, such as:
  • decreased libido (sex drive);
  • decreased amount of semen released during sex;
  • impotence (trouble getting or keeping an erection); or
  • breast tenderness or enlargement.
• Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect Avodart?

• Before taking Avodart, tell your doctor if you are using any of the following drugs:
  • HIV medicines such as indinavir (Crixivan), saquinavir (Invirase), lopinavir/ ritonavir (Kaletra), ritonavir (Norvir), or nelfinavir (Viracept).
• If you are using any of these drugs, you may not be able to use Avodart, or you may need dosage adjustments or special tests during treatment.
• There may be other drugs not listed that can affect Avodart. Tell your doctor about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without telling your doctor.