About Avodart
Browse eMedTV's wide range of articles related to about avodart including topics such as avodart warnings and precautions, avodart side effects, and avodart and pregnancy. Use the search box at the top-right corner of the page to find information about other health topics.
Avodart is a prescription drug licensed to treat an enlarged prostate (or BPH). This eMedTV Web page discusses Avodart effects, dosing guidelines, strengths, and possible side effects (which can include erectile dysfunction and breast tenderness).
Erectile dysfunction, a decreased libido, and abnormal ejaculation are a few common side effects of Avodart. This eMedTV page also discusses Avodart side effects to report to your doctor, such as any breast changes or signs of an allergic reaction.
This eMedTV segment explores Avodart and weight gain, explaining that weight gain was not reported as either a common or rare side effect of Avodart during clinical studies. This page also discusses how side effects are studied in clinical trials.
Sexual side effects (such as impotence or a decreased libido) can occur during treatment with Avodart. This eMedTV Web page explains that if you're taking Avodart and impotence or other sexual side effects occur, you should talk to your doctor.
Depression isn't a reported side effect of Avodart. But as this eMedTV resource explains, that doesn't mean that Avodart isn't causing depression for you. If you're on Avodart and depression symptoms occur, talk with your healthcare provider.
As this eMedTV article explains, Avodart is used for the treatment of an enlarged prostate. This page also discusses off-label Avodart uses, including treating male pattern baldness and treating prostate cancer after surgical removal of the prostate.
This eMedTV segment lists the Avodart dosage for treating an enlarged prostate (0.5 mg once daily), as well as some general tips on taking your Avodart dose (such as always taking your Avodart as prescribed and never taking a double dose).
This eMedTV Web page explains how Avodart drug interactions can potentially increase your risk of side effects. Among the drugs that can possibly interact with Avodart are diclofenac, isoniazid, quinidine, and certain antifungal medications.
Among the Avodart precautions and warnings covered on this eMedTV page are potential drug interactions, the safety of taking Avodart if you have liver problems, and the risk of sexual side effects (such as impotence) in some people taking the drug.
This eMedTV page explains that while Avodart and pregnancy haven't been tested together in humans, the drug showed problems fetuses in previous animal studies. Women who are pregnant or could be pregnant should avoid even touching the Avodart capsules.
The full effects of an Avodart overdose are not known. This eMedTV article also explains that it isn't known what the best treatment for an Avodart overdose might be -- but that treatment could possibly involve pumping the stomach or fluids through an IV.
This eMedTV segment explains that a generic for Avodart won't be available in the United States until at least 2013 (when the patent for Avodart expires), and warns against buying any generic Avodart drug until an approved generic is available.
As this eMedTV article explains, Avodart alternatives can include surgery, other medications, or watchful waiting. This page discusses when each alternative may be appropriate and lists some side effects of a few of the drug alternatives to Avodart.
