Patient/caregiver was educated on side effects for using Avodart as follows:

Sexual side-effects

  • Reduced conversion of testosterone to DHT, secondary to avodart use, can result in increased concentrations of testosterone in the body. A part of this male sex hormone, testosterone, can get converted to female sex hormone, estrogen, in the body. Increased estrogen levels in individuals taking avodart can result in the following sexual side-effects.
  • Avodart use in men with active sexual life can result in decreased sexual interest, difficulty attaining and maintaining erection, issues with ejaculation, impotence, and difficulty having an orgasm.
  • Increased estrogen levels in men taking avodart can lead to growth of breast tissue, resulting in breast enlargement and growth of lumps or masses in the breast tissue. These masses can sometimes be painful, resulting in breast tenderness and occasionally even present some discharge.