Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Avodart (Dutasteride). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Avodart (Dutasteride) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• breast enlargement or tenderness
• decreased sexual desire or ability
• Erectile Dysfunction (difficulty getting or keeping an erection)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• rash, Hives, or itching
• signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
• sudden chest tightness
• swelling of the eyelids, face, lips

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Avodart (Dutasteride).

Each opaque, dull-yellow, oblong-shaped, soft gelatin capsule, marked with "GX CE2" on one side, contains Avodart (Dutasteride) 0.5 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: glycerin, gelatin (from certified, BSE-free, nonporcine sources), titanium dioxide, medium chain triglycerides, lecithin and iron oxide yellow.

Do not take Avodart (Dutasteride) if you:

• are allergic to Avodart (Dutasteride) or any ingredients of the medication
• are allergic to medications in the same family (e.g., Finasteride)
• are a woman or child

There may be an interaction between Avodart (Dutasteride) and any of the following:

• "azole" antifungals (e.g., fluconazole, itraconazole, ketoconazole)
• boceprevir
• chloramphenicol
• Cimetidine
• ciprofloxacin
• clarithromycin
• conivaptan
• Cyclosporine
• delavirdine
• Diltiazem
• grapefruit juice
• macrolide antibiotics (e.g., clarithromycin, erythromycin)
• milk thistle
• nefazodone
• nelfinavir
• nicardipine
• Propranolol
• protease inhibitors (e.g., indinavir, ritonavir, saquinavir)
• St. John's wort
• telaprevir
• Verapamil

If you are taking any of these medications, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

Medications other than those listed above may interact with this medication. Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the Nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them.

Before you begin taking a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should take this medication.

Blood donation: Men taking Avodart (Dutasteride) should not donate blood until at least 6 months have passed following their last dose. This is to prevent pregnant women from being exposed to Avodart (Dutasteride) during a blood transfusion.

Liver disease: If you have liver disease or decreased liver function, discuss with your doctor how Avodart (Dutasteride) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Avodart (Dutasteride), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Prostate Cancer: Avodart (Dutasteride) may be linked to an increased risk of developing a rare type of cancer called high-grade prostate cancer. The risk of developing this cancer while taking Avodart (Dutasteride) is still considered very small. Note that Avodart (Dutasteride) is not approved to treat prostate cancer. If you experience worsening symptoms or symptoms that do not improve within 6 months, discuss this with your doctor. PSA test: Avodart (Dutasteride) can decrease PSA (prostate specific antigen) levels by up to 50%. Doctors often measure PSA levels to test for prostate cancer. PSA levels can still be measured for this purpose, but your doctor will need to adjust the results in order for the test to be accurate. If you are having a PSA test, ensure your doctor knows that you are taking Avodart (Dutasteride).

Women and children: Avodart (Dutasteride) is intended for use by men only. Women and children must avoid contact with the medication, as it is absorbed through the skin. If contact occurs, wash the exposed area immediately with soap and water.

Pregnancy: Avodart (Dutasteride) is intended for use by men only. Women who may be pregnant must avoid touching any pills of dutaseride (even ones that are not leaking). Pregnant women or women who may be pregnant should not handle Avodart (Dutasteride) because the medication can be absorbed through the skin and may cause abnormalities in the baby. If a pregnant woman accidentally comes in contact with the capsules, she should wash the contact area immediately with soap and water.

Breast-feeding: Avodart (Dutasteride) is not intended for use by women. It is not known if Avodart (Dutasteride) passes into breast milk. Do not handle this medication if you are breast-feeding because the medication can be absorbed through the skin and may affect the baby.

Children: Avodart (Dutasteride) is not intended for use by children. The safety and effectiveness of Avodart (Dutasteride) have not been established for use by people in this age group.