Avodart® is an FDA-approved medication for the treatment of BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia), which usually affects men at the age between 45-50. Avodart® works by shrinking the enlarged prostate and relieves the associated symptoms like frequent urination or inability to void due to the squeezed urethra. Avodart® can be offered as the treatment of male pattern hair loss (MPHL) off-label.
Active Ingredient
Description
Avodart® is produced by GlaxoSmithKline.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (benign prostatic hypertrophy or benign prostatic adenoma) is an overgrowth of cells of the prostate due to the aging process and hormonal changes. The enlarged prostate squeezes the urethra, obstructs the urine flow and makes it difficult for the patient to void his bladder.
BPH is characterized by frequent urination, urgency to urinate (compelling need to void that cannot be deferred), involuntary urination, urge incontinence, urinary hesitancy (a delay between trying to urinate and the flow actually beginning), intermittency (not continuous), involuntary interruption of voiding, weak urinary stream etc.
Avodart® soft gelatin capsules (softgels) contain the active ingredient Dutasteride which aim is to inhibit the action of both isoforms (type I and type II) of the enzyme 5α-reductase, that converts the male sex hormone testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is another male sex hormone (androgen) that causes the growth of prostate gland.
This helps to relieve such symptoms of BPH as starting to urinate, weak stream, and the need to urinate frequently or urgently (including during the middle of the night).
Taking Avodart® may also reduce the need for surgery to treat BPH.
Avodart® can be used for the treatment of male pattern baldness (MPB) or androgenetic alopecia (AGA) off-label. DHT, which is also found in hair follicles, is the androgen responsible for hair loss, as it causes hair follicles to miniaturize and atrophy. Avodart® softgels reverse hair loss process as it blocks the build-up of DHT in the hair follicles of the scalp, allowing the hair to grow normally.
Dosage
For the treatment of BPH:
Take one softgel orally (by mouth) once a day, with or without food.
You should take the Avodart® softgels at the same time every day.
Take Avodart® daily for at least 6 months or more if necessary before any noticeable results occur.
If Avodart® has not worked for you over a 12 months course then it is unlikely that further treatment will benefit.
Do not stop taking Avodart® suddenly, as any therapeutic benefits will be reversed.
Always consult your doctor or pharmacist if you want to stop the treatment before time or if you are intended to prolong treatment.
For the treatment of MPHL (off-label):
Take one softgel orally (by mouth) once a day, with or without food.
You should take the Avodart® softgels at the same time every day.
Take Avodart® softgels daily for at least 3 months or more if necessary before any noticeable results occur.
If Dutasteride has not worked for you over a 12 months course then it is unlikely that further treatment will benefit.
Do not stop taking Avodart® capsules suddenly, as any therapeutic benefits will be reversed.
Always consult your Avodart® or pharmacist if you want to stop the treatment before time or if you are intended to prolong treatment.
Missing a dose
If you miss a dose you should take it as soon as you remember about your missing. If it is the time for the next dose you should continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not exceed the doctor's recommended dose.
Overdose
If an overdose occurs and you are feeling unwell, you should seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) and away from excess moisture and heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep out of the reach of children.
