Text Size

How AVODART Works

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.¹

In some men, by targeting DHT, AVODART begins to shrink the size of the prostate in just one month. It may take three to six months to see improvement in symptoms. Just as it takes time for the prostate to grow, it also takes time for it to shrink.²

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.¹

Unlike other prostate medicines, AVODART treats the cause of the disease, not just the symptoms.^1,3

References:

Roehrborn CG, Boyle P, Nickel JC, et al. Hoefner K, Andriole G, on behalf of the ARIA3001, ARIA3002, and ARIA3003 Study Investigators. Efficacy and safety of a dual inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase types 1 and 2 (dutasteride) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Urology. 2002;60:434-441.
Issa MM, Fenter TC, Black L, et al. An assessment of the diagnosed prevalence of diseases in men 50 years of age or older. Am J Manag Care. 2006;12:S83-S89.

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.

If you are unable to or do not wish to download Acrobat Reader, but still wish to receive complete Prescribing Information, please click here.