Avodart is a prescription medication used to address two distinct medical conditions:

1. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Avodart is prescribed to manage the symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland, a condition known as BPH. It effectively reduces the size of the prostate and improves urinary symptoms associated with BPH. It can be taken alone or in combination with tamsulosin (Flomax).

2. Male Pattern Baldness: Avodart also has an off-label use for treating male pattern baldness, a condition characterized by hair loss on the scalp.

Avodart is available both as a generic medication (as dutasteride) and under the brand name Avodart.

Note that Avodart is only available with a prescription, meaning you must obtain a written prescription from a licensed healthcare provider to acquire this medication.

Avodart is primarily prescribed to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is characterized by the enlargement of the prostate gland, with the risk of developing it increasing with age. While BPH does not lead to prostate cancer, it can cause symptoms in about half of diagnosed cases. These symptoms may include:

• Frequent need to urinate
  
• Feeling like your bladder is not emptied after urination
  
• Dribbling after urination
  
• Frequent urination at night
  
• Weak urinary stream
  
• Urgency
  
  

In addition to its use in treating BPH, some healthcare providers also prescribe Avodart for its off-label use in the treatment of male pattern baldness.

Male pattern hair loss, or male pattern baldness, is the most common type of hair loss in men. It is hereditary and occurs gradually as men age. If you have a family history of receding hairlines or baldness, you are likely to experience male pattern hair loss at some point.

Avodart may cause some side effects, which can range from mild to more serious.

Mild side effects that have been reported with the use of Avodart include:

• Decreased libido (interest in sex)
  
• Erectile dysfunction (difficulty getting or maintaining an erection)
  
• Ejaculation disorders, such as decreased semen volume
  
  

More severe side effects may include:

• Breast tenderness or enlargement
  
• Swelling in the face, tongue, or throat
  
• Skin irritation
  
• Breathing problems
  
  

If you experience severe or persistent side effects or have concerns about using this medication, it's advisable to consult a healthcare provider.

Studies have shown that dutasteride can increase your risk of developing breast cancer and high-grade prostate cancer, which spreads and grows more rapidly than other types of prostate cancer.

Before using Avodart, it is crucial to inform your healthcare provider about any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, or other medications you are taking. This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and dietary supplements, as they may interact with Avodart.

Specifically, you should inform your healthcare provider if you are taking:

Ketoconazole: Ketoconazole, an antifungal medication, may increase the levels of Avodart in the bloodstream. Your healthcare provider may adjust your Avodart dosage if you are taking ketoconazole.

CYP3A4 Inhibitors: Some medications that inhibit CYP3A4 enzymes in the liver, such as ritonavir and verapamil, may increase Avodart levels in the blood.

Calcium Channel Blockers: Certain calcium channel blockers like diltiazem may interact with Avodart, potentially affecting metabolism.

Grapefruit Juice: Consuming grapefruit juice may interact with Avodart, affecting its absorption and effectiveness.

Antivirals and antibiotics: Can increase the effect of dutasteride.

It's important to note that Avodart is not typically recommended for women or children, especially pregnant women, as it can cause harm to a developing male fetus. Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant should avoid contact with Avodart capsules.

The recommended dosage of Avodart may vary depending on the condition being treated. The typical starting dose for both BPH and male pattern baldness is 0.5 mg, which equals one capsule taken orally once daily.

It is crucial not to discontinue or increase your Avodart dosage without consulting your doctor first. Always take the medication exactly as prescribed, and inform your doctor if you begin to experience any side effects while taking it.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible. If it's nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your regularly scheduled amount. Do not take a double dose of Avodart.

Avodart is currently only available by prescription. You must obtain authorization from a licensed healthcare provider to use this medication.

If you are seeking a prescription, healthcare providers on Sesame can assist you by providing prescriptions during virtual or in-person visits. Depending on the medication, you may even have the option for same-day pickup at your chosen pharmacy. Schedule an online consultation with a licensed provider on Sesame to determine whether Avodart may be suitable for your needs.

Please note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your healthcare provider, and Sesame cannot guarantee that you will receive a prescription after a video or in-person appointment. Additionally, providers on Sesame cannot prescribe controlled substances.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription for Avodart, which can often be picked up at a nearby pharmacy on the same day. Don't wait to get your prescription filled; speak to a provider on Sesame and have your prescription ordered promptly for convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

It is important to emphasize that all prescriptions are subject to the discretion of your provider.