Avodart: Uses, indications and precautions when using

Avodart is used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia - BPH). Avodart works by reducing the size of an enlarged prostate gland. This helps relieve symptoms of the disease such as difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, and the need to urinate more often or more urgently including in the middle of the night. Avodart may also reduce the need for surgery to treat an enlarged prostate.

Avodart is used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia - BPH). Avodart works by reducing the size of an enlarged prostate gland. This helps relieve symptoms of the disease such as difficulty urinating, weak urine flow, and the need to urinate more often or more urgently including in the middle of the night. Avodart may also reduce the need for surgery to treat an enlarged prostate.
Avodart is not approved for the prevention of prostate cancer. It may even slightly increase your risk of developing a very serious form of prostate cancer. Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks that Avodart offers you.

Avodart is indicated only in the treatment of prostate enlargement in men. Women or children should not take Avodart.

Read your doctor's instructions carefully before you start taking Avodart and each time you get a supplement. Avodart is to be taken by mouth on an empty or full stomach, as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow Avodart whole, do not crush or chew the capsule. Use Avodart regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember and avoid forgetting to take your pill, take Avodart at the same time each day. Because Avodart can be absorbed through the skin and can harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not use or come into contact with Avodart. It may take 3 to 6 months of using Avodart to notice an improvement in symptoms. Medical exams and tests such as prostate exam, prostate-specific antigen test - PSA should be done periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Tell your doctor if your symptoms of an enlarged prostate do not improve or if they worsen with treatment with Avodart.

When using Avodart you may experience some sexual problems such as:
Decreased sexual ability Decreased semen volume or decreased sperm count Pain or swelling of the testicles Increased breast size, or possible breast tenderness happen. Sexual problems continue in some men even after treatment with Avodart is stopped. If any of these effects persist or worsen while using Avodart, tell your doctor right away.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Avodart because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people use Avodart without any serious side effects.
Very rarely, a very serious allergic reaction to Avodart medicine. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction to Avodart, including: rash, itching or swelling in any area, especially are in the face, tongue, throat, severe dizziness, difficulty breathing.
Avodart side effects by likelihood.
Common side effects of Avodart include:
Change in sexual preferences Problems with ejaculation Inability to get an erection Less common side effects of Avodart include:
Prostate cancer Reduced sperm count Low sperm count Rare side effects of Avodart include:
Skin rash Angioedema Breast cancer in male patients Large breasts Local fluid collection Breast pain Decreased semen volume during ejaculation Late Dizziness Itching Testicle Pain Testicle Swelling This is not a complete list of Avodart side effects. If you notice other effects of Avodart medicine not listed above, contact your doctor.

Before taking Avodart, tell your doctor if you are allergic to it; or allergic to Finasteride; or if you have any other allergies. Avodart may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other problems.
Before using Avodart, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are taking Avodart and all the products you use including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and herbal products. .
Do not donate blood while you are taking Avodart and for at least 6 months after you stop taking it. This will prevent the possibility of blood containing your medicine being passed on to a pregnant woman.
Avodart should not be used by women, especially during pregnancy or lactation. Avodart may harm an unborn baby or nursing infant.

The effects of Avodart may change if you take other medicines or herbal products at the same time. This may increase your risk of serious side effects or may prevent Avodart from working correctly.
However, this interaction does not always happen. Your doctor can often prevent or manage interactions by changing how you use your medications or by closely monitoring them.
In order for your doctor to give you the best care, be sure to tell him or her about all the products you use including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, and herbal products before you start. Treatment with Avodart.
While using Avodart, you should not start, stop or change the dose of any other medicine without your doctor's approval.
Keep a list of all the products you use. Share the list with your doctor and pharmacist to reduce your risk of serious drug problems.

If you or someone else has overdosed on Avodart and has severe symptoms such as fainting or difficulty breathing, call 911, or take the patient to the nearest hospital.

If you miss a dose of Avodart, take it as soon as you remember. If you remember when it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take a double dose of Avodart to make up for a missed dose.

Store Avodart at room temperature, away from light and moisture, do not leave the medicine in the bathroom. Keep Avodart medicine away from children and pets.
Avodart capsules may soften and leak if stored at high temperatures. If your capsules are cracked and leaking, do not use them. If your skin comes into contact with leaked Avodart capsules, wash the area immediately with soap and water.
Do not flush Avodart down the toilet or down the drain unless instructed to do so. Dispose of Avodart medicine properly when it has expired or is no longer needed.

Reference source: webmd.com