AVODART ® is a drug based on Dutasteride
THERAPEUTIC GROUP: Testosterone 5 alpha reductase inhibitors
Indications AVODART ® - Dutasteride
AVODART ® is used in the symptomatic treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and in the reduction of the relative risk of acute urinary retention.
Mechanism of action AVODART ® - Dutasteride
AVODART ® is a drug based on Dutasteride, an active ingredient capable of inhibiting the two different isoforms of the enzyme testosterone 5 alpha reductase, an enzyme necessary to convert testosterone into its form with greater affinity for androgen receptors known as dihydrotestosterone.
The two enzymatic isoforms, expressed above all at the cutaneous level (hair follicles and sebaceous glands), prostatic and hepatic, responsible for the aforementioned conversion, are fundamental during the development phases in guaranteeing the correct androgenic action useful for determining the appearance and maintenance of the organs. male genitalia and secondary characters.
However, the high concentration of androgens, combined with a progressive androgenic stimulation of the prostate, seems to be responsible for pathological conditions such as benign prostatic hyperplasia, for which treatment with inhibitors of the aforementioned enzyme, could be particularly effective in the regression of symptoms and in the reduction of prostate volume.
Further studies are underway to evaluate the effectiveness of this treatment also in contrasting hair loss, which in part seems to be associated with an intense androgenic action concentrated on the hair follicle.
Studies carried out and clinical efficacy
1. DUTASTERIS IN PROSTATIC CARCINOMA: a possible way forward?
BJU Int. 2009 Mar; 103: 590-6.
Can dutasteride delay or prevent the progression of prostate cancer in patients with biochemical failure after radical therapy? Rationale and design of the Avodart after Radical Therapy for Prostate Cancer Study.
Schröder FH, Bangma CH, Wolff JM, Alcaraz A, Montorsi F, Mongiat-Artus P, Abrahamsson PA, McNicholas TA, Castro RS, Nandy IM.
First study ever, which tests the biological activity of dutasteride in prostate cancer. Regardless of the clinical efficacy of the treatment, this study will clarify some important points relating to androgenic hyperstimulation present in this condition.
2. THE CLINICAL EFFECTS OF DUTASTERIDE
Rev Med Brux. 2005 Mar-Apr; 26: 103-6.
Dutasteride (Avodart): a novel 5-alpha reductase inhibitor for treatment of benign prostate hypertrophy
Vanden Bossche M, Sternon J.
The use of this innovative dual 5 alpha reductase inhibitor has been shown to be effective in reducing prostate volume in benign prostatic hyperplasia, the rate of acute urinary retention and the need for surgery.
3. THE DIFFERENT EFFECTIVENESS OF THE COMBINED DUTASTERIDE / TAMSULOSINE THERAPY
BJU Int. 2011 May; 107: 1426-31. Epub 2011 Feb 23.
The effects of dutasteride or tamsulosin alone and in combination on storage and voiding symptoms in men with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): 4-year data from the Combination of Avodart and Tamsulosin (CombAT) study.
Montorsi F, Roehrborn C, Garcia-Penit J, Borre M, Roeleveld TA, Alimi JC, Gagnier P, Wilson TH.
Combination therapy with tamsulosin appears to be more effective than dutasteride alone only in men with an enlarged prostate volume between 30 and 58 ml. These advantages are lost in more severe benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Method of use and dosage
AVODART ®
Dutasteride 0.5mg soft capsules:
the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia generally foresees a long-term therapy, since the therapeutic efficacy is observed only after about 6 months of treatment, characterized by the assumption of one capsule a day of 0.5 mg of dutasteride.
The capsule must be swallowed whole, as its contents could irritate the oropharyngeal mucosa.
All treatment must be supervised by your doctor.
AVODART ® Warnings - Dutasteride
The administration of AVODART ® must be preceded by a "careful medical examination useful to exclude the possible presence of prostate carcinomas, for which a different therapy would be indicated.
At the same time it is useful to remember how dutasteride significantly reduces plasma PSA concentrations, thus being able to distort the diagnostic indication of this marker.
During the treatment routine medical checks are necessary, useful to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and to exclude the possible appearance of neoplastic foci.
PREGNANCY AND BREASTFEEDING
AVODART ® is indicated in the exclusive treatment of male pathology, therefore it is contraindicated in women, especially during pregnancy, and in children, given the possibility of altering the correct development of the external genital organs and secondary sexual characteristics.
Interactions
The hepatic metabolism, supported by the CYP3A4 isoform, to which dutasteride is subjected, exposes the patient to potential risks due to the simultaneous intake of inducers or inhibitors of the aforementioned enzyme.
More precisely, the concomitant intake of inhibitors could cause an increase in the blood concentrations of dutasteride, with an accentuation of the therapeutic effects and potential side effects, while the simultaneous intake of inducers could on the contrary reduce the efficacy of the therapy with AVODART ®
It is also important to remember that dutasteride's ability to reduce plasma PSA concentrations could make the diagnosis of prostate cancer more difficult.
Contraindications AVODART ® - Dutasteride
The intake of AVODART ® is contraindicated in patients suffering from severe liver disease or hypersensitivity to the active ingredient or to one of its excipients.
Undesirable Effects - Side Effects
Dutasteride monotherapy has been associated with the onset of several side effects, mainly concentrated in the first year of therapy.
Impotence, decreased sexual libido, altered ejaculation, increased volume with tenderness of the breast, skin rash, urticaria, angioedema and other hypersensitivity reactions are the most commonly observed side effects, the incidence of which is significantly reduced during the second year of treatment.
Note
AVODART ® can only be sold under medical prescription.
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