Avodart is used to treat men who have symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland, which is also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Benign enlargement of the prostate is a problem that can occur in men as they get older. The prostate gland is located below the bladder. As the prostate gland enlarges, certain muscles in the gland may become tight and get in the way of the tube that drains urine from the bladder. This can cause problems with urinating, such as a need to urinate often, a weak stream when urinating, or a feeling of not being able to empty the bladder completely. Dutasteride blocks the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. This enzyme changes testosterone to another hormone that causes the prostate to grow. As a result, the size of the prostate is decreased. The effect of dutasteride lasts only as long as the medicine is taken. If it is stopped, the prostate begins to grow again.

Dutasteride comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken once a day with or without food. Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take dutasteride exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole; do not open chew, or crush them. Dutasteride may control your symptoms but will not cure your condition. Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication. Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

Before taking Avodart,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: antifungals such as ketoconazole (Nizoral); cimetidine (Tagamet); ciprofloxacin (Cipro); diltiazem (Cardizem, Dilacor, Tiazac); ritonavir, (Norvir), troleandomycin (TAO); and verapamil (Calan, Covera, Isoptin, Verelan)
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had liver disease or prostate cancer
• you should know that you should not donate blood while you are taking dutasteride and for 6 months after you stop taking this medication
• you should know that dutasteride is for use only in men. Women, especially those who are or may become pregnant, should not handle dutasteride capsules. Touching the contents of the capsules may harm the fetus

Dutasteride may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• inability to have or maintain an erection
• decrease in sex drive
• problems with ejaculation

Some side effects may be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical help:

• changes in the breasts such as increased size, lumps, pain, or nipple discharge
• swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
• peeling skin

Taking dutasteride may increase the risk that you will develop high-grade prostate cancer (a type of prostate cancer that spreads and grows more quickly than other types of prostate cancer). Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking dutasteride.

Dutasteride may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Q: Where should I keep my medicine?

A: Keep out of the reach of children. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Keep container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Q: What if I miss a dose?

A: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

Q: How should I use this medicine?

A: Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush, chew or open this medicine. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.