Avodart (generic name: dutasteride; brand names include: Tridesun / Avidart / Avolve / Duagen / Dutas / Dutagen / Duprost) is used to treat prostate enlargement, a condition that is medically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH.

Unlike most other prostate medicines, over time, Avodart actually shrinks the prostate, treating the cause - not just the symptoms - of urinary problems.

The benefits of Avodart include:

Shrinking of the size of the prostate
Improving bothersome urinary symptoms
Reducing the need for surgery for an enlarging prostate
Reducing the chance of problems such as acute urinary retention (AUR), the sudden inability to urinate

Avodart works by lowering the amount of the male hormone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shrinks an enlarged prostate. When the prostate is smaller, less pressure is placed on the urethra, which improves bothersome urinary symptoms.

In some men, by targeting DHT, Avodart begins to shrink the size of the prostate in just one month.

By shrinking the prostate, over time, Avodart can help the symptoms of an enlarged prostate from getting worse and can reduce the risk of needing prostate surgery. Studies have shown that treatment with Avodart offers both a reduction in prostate size and lasting symptom improvement for up to 4 years.

Avodart is supplied as Tridesun tablets containing dutasteride 0.5 mg. The tabs come in blister packs, 10 per pack.

Recommendations

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Take Avodart exactly as directed.

Avodart can be taken with or without food. The recommended dose of Avodart is 1 capsule (0.5 mg) taken once daily.

The capsules should be swallowed whole and not chewed or opened. Do not take capsules that are cracked or leaking.

Take Avodart on a regular schedule to get the most benefit from it. Taking Avodart at the same time each day will help you remember to take it. It may take three to six month to see improvement in symptoms.

Continue to take Avodart even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.

If you miss a dose of Avodart, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Women, especially those who are or may become pregnant, should not handle the capsules. Women who accidentally touch leaking capsules should wash the area with soap and water immediately.

Keep Avodart at room temperature, away from light and moisture.

Precautions

Before taking Avodart, tell your doctor if:

you are allergic to any medicines.

Avodart is for use in men only.

Ingredients

Active ingredient: dutasteride.