Avodart

What is it?

Composition

Avodart is available in soft gelatin capsules containing a viscous liquid. The main components include:

• Active ingredient: dutasteride at a dosage of 0.5 mg per capsule.
• Excipients: monocaprylic glyceride, butylhydroxytoluene (antioxidant).
• Capsule shell: gelatin, glycerin, iron oxide (yellow and red), purified water.

Avodart capsules are protected from external factors such as moisture and light, which helps maintain the effectiveness of dutasteride. This composition makes the drug convenient to take and stable during storage.

How to use?

For maximum effectiveness, Avodart should be taken strictly as directed by your doctor. The usual dose is one capsule (0.5 mg) per day. The capsule should be swallowed whole, without chewing or opening, to avoid irritation of the mucous membrane of the mouth or throat.

It is recommended to adhere to the following rules of administration:

1. Take the capsule at the same time every day to maintain a stable level of the drug in the body.
2. Wash down the capsule with water; avoid taking it on an empty stomach if you have stomach problems.
3. Do not interrupt the course of treatment, even if the symptoms have subsided, as the effect accumulates over time.

The duration of the course may be several months, and it is important to visit your doctor regularly to assess the effectiveness of the treatment and exclude possible side effects.

How does it work?

Avodart works by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, which converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT plays a key role in the enlargement of the prostate gland, so reducing its levels helps reduce hyperplasia.

Over time, Avodart helps:

• Reduce the volume of the enlarged prostate, which reduces pressure on the urethra.
• Improve urine flow, eliminating symptoms such as frequent or difficult urination.
• Prevent disease progression, including the risk of acute urinary retention.

The first results may be noticeable after a few weeks, but the full therapeutic effect is achieved with long-term use.

Indications

Avodart is indicated for the treatment and symptom control of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The drug helps prevent complications and improve the quality of life of patients suffering from this disease.

Major indications include:

• Reducing the size of an enlarged prostate to relieve symptoms.
• Preventing acute urinary retention that requires catheterization or surgery.
• Reducing the risk of needing prostate surgery.
• Relieving urinary symptoms such as frequent urination, weak urine stream, and incomplete bladder emptying.

The drug can be prescribed either alone or in combination with alpha-blockers to achieve a more pronounced therapeutic effect.

Contraindications

Despite the effectiveness of Avodart, its use has a number of limitations. The drug is contraindicated in the following cases:

• Hypersensitivity to dutasteride or any excipients of the drug.
• Severe liver disease or significant liver dysfunction.
• Use in women and children, since the drug is intended only for the treatment of men.
• Planning conception in men, since dutasteride can reduce the quality of sperm.

It is important to avoid contact of Avodart capsules with the skin, especially for pregnant women, since the active substance can penetrate the skin and cause developmental abnormalities in the male fetus. In case of accidental contact, immediately wash the area of contact with soap and water.

Side effects

Avodart, like any medicine, can cause side effects. Although most patients tolerate the drug well, it is important to be aware of possible adverse reactions in order to seek medical help in time.

The most common side effects include:

• Decreased libido and potency.
• Decreased ejaculate volume.
• Gynecomastia (enlargement or tenderness of the mammary glands).
• Allergic reactions such as rash, itching or swelling.

Rarely, symptoms such as dizziness or decreased blood pressure may be observed. A small number of patients experience a temporary change in liver function, so it is recommended to regularly monitor its parameters during long-term treatment.

If the side effects are severe or persist for a long time, you should consult a doctor to assess the need for adjusting therapy.