What is the medication used for?
The key purpose of the drug is to treat a male health condition known as enlarged prostate (BPH). Accordingly, it helps to decrease its size and deal with the symptoms that affect the quality of a man’s life.
If the treatment goes well, the male gets a chance to get rid of unpleasant symptoms such as:
- The necessity to urinate too often and at night;
- A weak stream of urine, etc.
By the way, in some cases, the drug turns out to be rather effective for those who need to have surgery related to BPH.
It is produced in the form of capsules and they are of yellow color.
How exactly should you take Avodart?
The best way to learn about this is to talk with your doctor. Only they are able to prescribe the right dosage that will work personally for you. You should not try to decide how to use this medicine on your own because this can harm you more than you can imagine.
Normally, the capsules of Avodart have to be taken once a day. There is no need to chew them, just swallow the tablet and it will be fine. There is no difference between whether you will take it with or without food.
It is rather important to take Avodart at the same time each day, which is why you’d better set an alarm for this so you would not forget about taking the dosage you were prescribed by the doctor. Regularity of taking a med is going to determine how successful the treatment will be in general.
If you wonder when you will see the improvement of your illness, the average time for this is from three months to half a year. If it seems to you that you do not feel any better as a result of taking a drug, do not neglect to tell your doctor about it.
Side effects of Avodart
Unfortunately, Avodart tends to cause problems with males’ libido. Also, you are likely to notice that the amount of your semen is going to decrease too.
Among the other side effects, we can point out the following stuff:
- Pain in the testicles;
- Sensitivity of breast or increase in its size, etc.
Issues with libido may stay even after the treatment is over. In this case, you need to inform your doctor and they will help you to decide what can be done about this.
If we speak about the majority of patients though, they do not report an occurrence of any side effects at all. That is why you should not worry about this in advance. It is just the info to be aware of.
In rare cases, the patients can face allergic reactions too. This is what it can look like:
- Itching or swelling;
- Problems with breathing;
- Strong dizziness, etc.
Certainly, if you are experiencing one of these side effects, you must call the doctor immediately because ignoring this can result in greater trouble for your health. We are sure that you do not want this at all.
What should you be aware of before you start taking Avodart?
It’s essential to inform your doctor if you are allergic to dutasteride or finasteride. Besides, note if you have some other allergies (it doesn’t matter what kind of reactions those are).
What is more, you should tell about all the health problems you currently have and read the instruction for taking Avodart carefully.
Here is an important aspect to keep in mind: you cannot donate blood when you are taking Avodart and half a year after you have stopped the treatment. The matter is that your blood can get to a pregnant woman, which will lead to bad consequences.
Answers to some important questions of Avodart
- What shall I do if the dose was missed?
Do not panic. Just take the capsule when you remember that you have forgotten about the dose. However, it is not advisable to double the dosage.
- Can elderly people take Avodart?
Well, this has to be discussed with the doctor. Normally, the drug will be prescribed only if its benefits exceed the risks it is about to carry linked to a particular patient.
- What is the drug’s bioavailability?
According to the research in connection with this medication, it is about 60% (the average figure).
- Is Avodart prescribed alone or in combination with the other drugs?
It depends on the severity of the condition you are experiencing, your age, and other important details. Pay attention that only a qualified doctor can decide how exactly you will be taking Avodart. However, monotherapy is used rather often, and it turns out to be quite effective. At the same time, there are situations when it is prescribed together with alpha-adrenergic antagonists.
This is what you need to know about Avodart. All in all, stick to the instructions given by your doctor, and you will be fine. Do not risk your health and inform your healthcare provider about all side effects (no matter how severe they are). It will allow you to avoid more serious consequences.