Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S

Description

About

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) is a non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland especially affecting elderly men with the likelihood as the age increases. This results in difficulties related to urination, ejaculation problems, etc. Several medicines designed to treat this condition are available either alone or in combination. Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-reductase inhibitors used to treat benign prostate hyperplasia/ hypertrophy in men. Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S is chemically composed of Dutasteride.

Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S shows its therapeutic effects by inhibiting the enzyme involved in the conversion of key androgens directly associated with the growth and development of the prostate gland. Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S is majorly processed in the liver therefore adequacy of liver function must be ensured. 

Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S is available in form of oral capsules to be taken only once per day. Taking it with a meal will help you avoid stomach problems. The course of treatment with Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S is usually prolonged and the onset of clinical improvement is slow, always consult a physician regarding your condition. Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S is not prescribed to children and women. The most common side effects observed with Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S include nausea, vomiting, decreased libido, ejaculation problems, and fertility issues among others. 

Indications

 Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S is prescribed to elderly men used in the treatment of:

• Benign Prostate Hyperplasia

How does Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S work

Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S belongs to a class of drugs called alpha-reductase inhibitors. Dutasteride contained in Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S works by inhibiting an important enzyme alpha-reductase. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone known as stronger androgen involved in the growth and early development of male genitals and prostate gland. Limiting this enzyme helps control the DHT levels and subsequently prostate growth. 

How to use Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S

Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S is available in the form of oral capsules. You may take it with food if you experience stomach side effects. Swallow the capsules with a glass of water without chewing. Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S is usually prescribed to be taken once a day for long durations up to 6 months or more. Make sure to take it at the same time every day till full prescription, always ask a doctor before stopping the treatment. Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S must be stored in a cool, moisture-free environment away from direct sunlight/heat. 

Available Potency and forms of Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S 

Capsule – 0.5 mg

Dosage

Adult dose

0.5 mg capsule, once a day orally

Pediatric Dose

Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S is not safe to be prescribed to children or adolescents 

Elderly Dose

BPH mostly affects elderly men, higher chances with increased age, dosage, in general, remains the same with careful monitoring:

0.5 mg capsule, once a day orally

Ensure adequacy of liver function first since the majority of the processing of Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S is done in the liver

Pregnancy use and lactation

Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S is not prescribed to women. It is FDA pregnancy risk category X (Harmful to the human fetus and must not be taken), therefore it should not be taken during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to conceive a baby or breastfeed a child, do not take this medicine. If your partner is taking Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S make sure to use suitable safety barriers during sexual intercourse since Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S is secreted in semen and may cause harmful effects to you or your baby. 

Contraindications

Please inform your doctor if you have a history of any before using Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S:

• Allergic reaction to Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S or one of its constituents (read the label carefully)
• Women 
• Children / adolescents 
• Prostate cancer 
• Severe liver insufficiency 

Precautions

Please tell your doctor about any of the following conditions while using Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S:

• History of drug-associated allergies. Some formulations of Dutasteride may contain soy derivatives which must not be taken by people with soya or peanut allergy. Carefully read the label for the composition of your medicine
• Renal impairment
• Mild to moderate liver disease
• The patient must always be assessed for UTIs before startingAvodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S
• Avoid donating your blood for transfusion purposes until at least 6 months after your therapy has ended
• Use proper safety barriers like condoms during intercourse to prevent transmission of Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S through semen
• You may require to have PSA (prostate-specific antigen) tested regularly during your treatment usually after every 3 months 
• Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S is known to affect your sperm count, in case you are having fertility concerns discuss with your doctor
• Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S can cause gynecomastia or pain in your breasts as a side effect. Discuss with your doctor if it is unmanageable for you
• Women who are expecting must not come into direct physical contact of any sorts with Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S due to risk of absorption through the skin
• Consumption of alcohol must be avoided or restricted with Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S

Interaction with other medications

Certain medications could interact with Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S, hence, in that case, your doctor might alter your dosage. A few of the interacting drugs are given below:

Please inform your doctor about the use of the following or any other drugs before taking Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S:

• Digoxin 
• Warfarin 
• Alpha adrenergic blockers like prozasin 
• Verapamil/diltiazem 
• Azole antifungals like ketoconazole
• Antidepressants like nefazodone
• Cholestyramine 
• Cimetidine 
• Erythromycin 
• Isoniazid/rifampicin

Adverse effects

Like most medicines, Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S has some side effects which include:

Common Side effects

• Nausea 
• Headache 
• Fatigue 
• Dizziness
• Loss of libido
• Fertility issues

Rare Side Effects

• Hypersensitivity/allergic skin reactions 
• Loss of appetite 
• Gynaecomastia
• Sexual dysfunction
• Depression 
• Anxiety 
• Hair loss 
• Arrhythmia 
• High Blood pressure
• Pain in genitals
• Shortness of breath 
• Heart failure

HOW TO DEAL WITH SOME OF THE SIDE EFFECTS

• Fatigue – Patients experiencing this adverse effect, are advised to take deep breaths, intake tea or coffee, get a good night’s rest, and not overburden themselves for a few days.
• Headaches – In which case make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Avoid the use of alcohol. Take a prescribed painkiller. Consult your doctor if the headaches last longer than a week or are severe
• Feeling or being sick (nausea or vomiting) or diarrhea – Avoid eating rich or spicy food. It might help to take medication after food. If you’re sick, try drinking small, frequent sips of water.
• Feeling dizzy (lightheaded) or weak – If the medication makes you feel dizzy or weak, stop what you’re doing and sit or lie down until you feel better and do not rise too fast or immediately from sitting or lying down position to a standing posture. Do not drive or use tools or machinery in case of any of these effects.
• Muscular Aches And Pains – A hot or cold compress can be placed at the area of discomfort to bring relief; an over-the-counter pain reliever such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be ingested to bring ease as well. Avoid high-intensity exercise while suffering from muscular pain.
• Dehydration – Patients are recommended to always care around a water bottle with them wherever they go and periodically keep sipping to prevent thirst and extremely dry mouth. Ice pops in hot weather and energy drinks (verified by the doctor) help combat dehydration.

FAQ’s

# 1. What Exactly Does Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S Do?

Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S inhibits an important enzyme alpha-reductase. This enzyme catalyzes the conversion of testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone known as the stronger androgen involved in the growth and early development of male genitals and prostate gland. 

#2. How Long Does It Take For Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S To Start Work?

Normally it takes a long time for Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S to show its effects clinically, in about a few months you will notice improvement.

# 3. For How Long Will I Have To Take Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S?

Time duration is usually long for Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S you will probably be asked to take it for 6 months or more depending on your clinical progress. 

# 4. Can I Stop Taking Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S?

Do not just stop taking the medicine, make sure to complete the prescribed course of treatment. Although there is no withdrawal with Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S, always ask a doctor first

#5. Does Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S Interfere With Warfarin? Is It Safe To Take Both Together?

Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S is known to interact with warfarin. Make sure to mention it to your doctor if you are currently taking it

#6. Can I Drink Alcohol With Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S?

Consuming alcohol when taking Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S may cause drowsiness and could increase the risk of liver damage, hence should be avoided. 

#7. What If I Take Too Much Of Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S?

If you have taken too much of the prescribed Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S you may experience symptoms of overdose for example, fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat, upset stomach, blurred vision, fainting, dizziness, and seizures. Contact your nearby emergency care immediately if you have any of these symptoms. 

#8. What If I Miss A Dose Of Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S?

If you’re taking Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S it is taken once a day, then take the missed dose as soon as you remember, unless it’s less than 12 hours until your next dose, in which case you should skip the missed dose. If it helps to remind you, set an alarm so you do not miss any dose. Make sure to complete your course of treatment even if you feel better and think you do not need to take it anymore.

#9. Can I Take Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S During Pregnancy Or Breastfeeding?

If you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are planning to conceive a baby, or breastfeeding, do not use or handle this medicine. 

#10. Can I Drive Or Ride A Bike After Taking Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S?

Make sure you know how your body reacts while using Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S as it may make you feel dizzy sometimes. Do not drive or use any machinery until you feel normal again

#11. How Should Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S Be Stored?

Store it at room temperature in a cool environment from excess heat and moisture. Make sure it is not consumed by pets, children, and other people. Dispose of the unused medicine. 

#12. Can Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S Affect My Sexual Activity?

Sexual dysfunction has been reported with Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S. It may cause a decrease in libido. You must discuss this with your consultant. 

#13. Will Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S Affect My Fertility?

There have been reports of reduced sperm count in men taking Avodart 0.5mg Capsule 10 ‘S which may result in infertility issues. Discuss this concern with your doctor.