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Avodart (Dutasteride) Buyer and Patient Handbook - South Africa

What is Avodart?

Avodart is a dutasteride .5 mg oral tablet used to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in adult men. It belongs to the 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor class and works by reducing the size of the prostate gland. The product is approved by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and is available as a film-coated pill.

Who Should Use Avodart?

• Men diagnosed with benign prostatic hyperplasia (moderate to severe symptoms).
• Adults aged 18 years and older whose prostate volume is contributing to urinary difficulty.
• Individuals seeking a long-term medical option to improve urinary flow and reduce prostate enlargement.

How Does It Work?

Avodart blocks both type 1 and type 2 isoforms of the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Lower DHT levels shrink the prostate, easing urinary obstruction. The effect builds gradually, usually becoming noticeable after several weeks of continuous use.

Why Choose Avodart?

• Consistent efficacy: Clinical trials show a steady reduction in prostate volume and symptom scores.
• Convenient dosing: One .5 mg tablet taken daily.
• Availability: Offered as a branded product with a proven safety record; generic dutasteride alternatives are also accessible for cost-conscious patients.

Dosage, Administration, Lifestyle and Dietary Recommendations

Recommended Dosage

• .5 mg (one tablet) taken once daily.

How to Take

• Swallow the tablet whole with a glass of water.
• It may be taken with or without food; consistency each day is most important.

Missed Dose

• If you remember within 12 hours, take the missed tablet.
• If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed one and resume the regular schedule.

Overdose

• Call a local poison centre or seek emergency medical help immediately.
• Symptoms may include dizziness, low blood pressure, or fainting.

Special Populations

• Elderly: No dose adjustment needed, but monitor for urinary retention.
• Renal or hepatic impairment: No specific dose change, but periodic liver function tests are advisable.
• Women and children: Not indicated; safety not established.

Lifestyle & Diet

• Avoid excessive alcohol, which can increase dizziness.
• No known food interactions, but grapefruit juice is not a concern for dutasteride.

Precautions and Warnings

• Do not use if you have a known hypersensitivity to dutasteride or any tablet excipients.
• Discuss any history of liver disease, Prostate Cancer, or low blood pressure with your healthcare provider.
• Routine prostate-specific antigen (PSA) testing may be affected; inform your clinician.

Drug Interactions

Potential Side Effects

Common Side Effects

• Decreased libido
• Erectile Dysfunction
• Ejaculation disorders

Less Common Side Effects

• Breast tenderness or enlargement
• Testicular Pain
• Rash or mild itching

Serious Side Effects

• Severe allergic reaction (swelling, breathing difficulty) - seek immediate medical attention
• Persistent breast lumps - consult a doctor

Who Should Avoid This Medication?

• Men with a known allergy to dutasteride or tablet components.
• Individuals with severe liver disease (Child-Pugh class C).
• Patients currently receiving Finasteride or other 5-α-reductase inhibitors.

Storage Instructions

• Keep the bottle tightly closed.
• Store at 20-25 °C (68-77 °F); protect from excess moisture and direct sunlight.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

Avodart Alternatives

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to feel improvement?

Most men notice reduced urinary symptoms after 4-6 weeks of daily use, though maximal benefit may require 3-6 months.

Can I drink alcohol while taking Avodart?

Moderate alcohol consumption is permissible, but excessive intake may intensify dizziness or low blood pressure.

Does Avodart affect sexual performance?

A decrease in libido or erectile function can occur, especially during the first few months; these effects often improve with continued therapy.

Is it safe to use Avodart with other BPH treatments?

It can be combined with alpha-blockers (e.g., Tamsulosin) under medical supervision; avoid using two 5-α-reductase inhibitors together.

Will Avodart shrink my prostate permanently?

The medication reduces prostate volume while you continue taking it; stopping treatment may allow the gland to enlarge again.

Does Avodart protect against prostate cancer?

Current data do not support a protective effect; routine Cancer screening remains essential.

What should I do if I miss a dose for more than 24 hours?

Contact your healthcare provider for guidance; do not double-dose to catch up.

Are there any dietary supplements I should avoid?

No specific foods interact, but advise against using other herbal supplements targeting prostate size without professional advice.

Glossary

• 5-Alpha-Reductase Inhibitor: A drug class that blocks the enzyme converting testosterone to DHT, reducing prostate growth.
• Dihydrotestosterone (DHT): A potent androgen responsible for prostate enlargement.
• Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland causing urinary symptoms.

Disclaimer

The information provided here is for educational purposes only and reflects current knowledge about Avodart (dutasteride). It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Off-label use should only be considered after thorough discussion with a qualified healthcare professional. Our online pharmacy platform offers convenient access to approved medicines, but the ultimate responsibility for safe use rests with the patient. Always consult a qualified health practitioner before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.