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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)?
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia is a common condition in which the prostate grows and places pressure on the urethra , causing bothersome urinary symptoms in some men.
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Who’s at risk for BPH, also known as enlarged 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 BPH or enlarged prostate?
Symptoms associated with BPH can 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
- Frequently going at night
- Sudden strong urges to urinate
Learn about the Symptoms of BPH
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What is a PSA test?
The PSA test is a simple blood test that checks for the amount of PSA in your blood. PSA , which stands for prostate-specific antigen, is a protein made by the prostate gland. Adult men have some level of PSA in their blood.
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How does AVODART work?
Prostate growth is thought to be caused by a hormone in the blood called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) . AVODART lowers DHT production in the body.
Learn more on How AVODART Works
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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 health care provider can decide the best BPH treatment plan for you.
Read information about BPH and Talking With Your Doctor
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What are the benefits of AVODART?
Over time, AVODART may:
- Shrink the prostate
- Improve urinary symptoms
- Reduce the need for prostate surgery
Learn about the Benefits of AVODART
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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 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 symptoms.
Learn more on How Quickly AVODART Works
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Indication and Important Safety Information About AVODART® (dutasteride)
AVODART alone and in combination with the alpha blocker tamsulosin is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate to improve symptoms. AVODART alone also reduces 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 BPH 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. Dizziness and an increase in drug-related ejaculation disorders also occurred with combination therapy (AVODART and tamsulosin).
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.
If you are unable to or do not wish to download Acrobat Reader, but still wish to receive complete Prescribing Information,
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