Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Enlarging Prostate (EP)?

Enlarging Prostate is a common condition in which the prostate grows and places pressure on the urethra, causing bothersome urinary issues.
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Who’s at risk for Enlarging Prostate?

The likelihood of developing an enlarged prostate increases with age. Though the prostate continues to grow during most of a man's life, this growth doesn’t usually cause problems until later in life.
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What are the symptoms of Enlarging Prostate?

Symptoms associated with Enlarging Prostate include:

Feeling the need to urinate frequently
Difficulty starting to urinate
Difficulty emptying your bladder completely, and because of this, urine may dribble after you are done
A weak urine stream that starts and stops
Urinating two or more times in the middle of the night
Sudden strong urges to urinate
Urinary issues that get in the way of daily life

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How does AVODART work?

Prostate growth is caused by a hormone in the blood called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). AVODART lowers DHT production in the body, leading to shrinkage of the enlarged prostate in most men.
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How do I know if AVODART is right for me?

By discussing your symptoms and the severity of your condition, your doctor can decide the best prostate treatment plan for you.
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What are the benefits of AVODART?

Over time, AVODART may:

Shrink the prostate
Improve symptoms
Reduce the need for EP-related prostate surgery

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How is AVODART different?

Over time, AVODART shrinks the prostate, improving the bothersome urinary symptoms associated with Enlarging Prostate. AVODART also reduces the risk of developing AUR and the need for EP-related prostate surgery.
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What's the recommended dosage?

The recommended dosage of AVODART is 1 capsule (0.5 mg) taken once a day with or without food.
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How soon will I begin to see symptom improvement?

While some men have fewer problems and symptoms after 3 months of treatment with AVODART, a treatment period of at least 6 months is usually necessary to see if AVODART will improve your symptoms.
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Indication and Important Safety Information About AVODART^® (dutasteride):

AVODART is used to treat urinary symptoms of Enlarging Prostate, and to reduce the risk of acute urinary retention (AUR) and prostate surgery. AUR is a condition, possibly requiring surgery, where the prostate is so enlarged that it completely blocks urine coming from the bladder. Only your health care provider can tell if your symptoms are from Enlarging Prostate and not a more serious condition, such as prostate cancer. See your doctor for regular exams. Women and children should not take AVODART. Women who are or could become pregnant should not handle AVODART due to the potential risk of a specific birth defect. Do not donate blood until at least 6 months after stopping AVODART. Tell your doctor if you have liver disease. AVODART may not be right for you. Possible side effects, including sexual side effects and swelling or tenderness of the breast, occur infrequently. While some men have fewer problems and symptoms after 3 months of treatment with AVODART, a treatment period of at least 6 months is usually necessary to see if AVODART will work for you.

Click here for complete Prescribing Information for AVODART Soft Gelatin Capsules, 0.5 mg

Complete Prescribing Information for AVODART Soft Gelatin Capsules, 0.5 mg, is provided in Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF). To view these documents you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader; if you do not have it, follow the link to download a copy.

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