ADVERSE REACTIONS
Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trial of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The adverse reaction information from clinical trials does, however, provide a basis for identifying the adverse events that appear to be related to drug use and for approximating rates.
Most adverse reactions were mild or moderate and generally resolved while on treatment in both the AVODART and placebo groups. The most common adverse events leading to withdrawal in both treatment groups were associated with the reproductive system.
Over 4,300 male subjects with BPH were randomly assigned to receive placebo or 0.5-mg daily doses of AVODART in 3 identical 2-year, placebo-controlled, double-blind, Phase 3 treatment studies, each with 2-year open-label extensions. During the double-blind treatment period, 2,167 male subjects were exposed to AVODART, including 1,772 exposed for 1 year and 1,510 exposed for 2 years. When including the open-label extensions, 1,009 male subjects were exposed to AVODART for 3 years and 812 were exposed for 4 years. The population was aged 47 to 94 years (mean age, 66 years) and greater than 90% Caucasian. Over the 2-year double-blind treatment period, 376 subjects (9% of each treatment group) were withdrawn from the studies due to adverse experiences, most commonly associated with the reproductive system, with similar findings during the 2-year open-label extensions. Withdrawals due to adverse events considered by the investigator to have a reasonable possibility of being caused by the study medication occurred in 4% of the subjects receiving AVODART and in 3% of the subjects receiving placebo. Table 1 summarizes clinical adverse reactions that were reported by the investigator as drug-related in at least 1% of subjects receiving AVODART and at a higher incidence than subjects receiving placebo.
Table 1. Drug-Related Adverse Events* Reported in ≥1% Subjects Over a 24-Month Period and More Frequently in the Dutasteride Group Than the Placebo Group (Pivotal Studies Pooled) |
Adverse Event Onset
|
|
Adverse Events
Dutasteride
Placebo
|
Month 0-6
(n = 2,167)
(n = 2,158)
|
Month 7-12
(n = 1,901)
(n = 1,922)
|
Month 13-18
(n = 1,725)
(n = 1,714)
|
Month 19-24
(n = 1,605)
(n = 1,555)
|
|
Impotence
| | | | |
|
Dutasteride
Placebo
|
4.7%
1.7%
|
1.4%
1.5%
|
1.0%
0.5%
|
0.8%
0.9%
|
|
Decreased libido
| | | | |
|
Dutasteride
Placebo
|
3.0%
1.4%
|
0.7%
0.6%
|
0.3%
0.2%
|
0.3%
0.1%
|
|
Ejaculation disorder
| | | | |
|
Dutasteride
Placebo
|
1.4%
0.5%
|
0.5%
0.3%
|
0.5%
0.1%
|
0.1%
0.0%
|
|
Gynecomastia†
|
0.5%
| | | |
|
Dutasteride
Placebo
|
0.2%
|
0.8%
0.3%
|
1.1%
0.3%
|
0.6%
0.1%
|
* A drug-related adverse event is one considered by the investigator to have a reasonable possibility of being caused by the study medication. In assessing causality, investigators were asked to select from 1 of 2 options: reasonably related to study medication or unrelated to study medication.
†Includes breast tenderness and breast enlargement.
Long-Term Treatment (Up to 4 Years)
There is no evidence of increased drug-related sexual adverse events (impotence, decreased libido and ejaculation disorder) or gynecomastia with increased duration of treatment. The relationship between long-term use of dutasteride and male breast neoplasia is currently unknown.
Postmarketing Experience
The following adverse reactions have been identified during postapproval use of AVODART. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Decisions to include these reactions in labeling are based on one or more of the following factors: (1) seriousness of the reaction, (2) frequency of reporting, or (3) potential causal connection to AVODART.
Immune System Disorders
Allergic reactions, including rash, pruritus, urticaria, localized edema, serious skin reactions, angioedema.
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REPORTS OF SIDE EFFECTS / ADVERSE REACTIONS RELATED TO AVODART
Below is a sample of reports where side effects / adverse reactions may be related to Avodart. The information is not vetted and should not be cosidered as verified clinical evidence.
Possible Avodart side effects / adverse reactions in 53 year old male
Reported by a consumer/non-health professional from United States on 2007-01-12
Patient: 53 year old male weighing 63.6 kg (139.9 pounds)
Reactions: Jaundice, Anaemia Haemolytic Autoimmune
Suspect drug(s):
Avodart
Dosage: .5mg per day
Administration route: Oral
Indication: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Flomax
Dosage: 1tab per day
Administration route: Oral
Indication: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
SAW Palmetto
Dosage: 1tab per day
Administration route: Oral
Indication: Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Other drugs received by patient: Ascorbic Acid
Possible Avodart side effects / adverse reactions in 61 year old male
Reported by a physician from Switzerland on 2007-01-15
Patient: 61 year old male
Reactions: Gamma-Glutamyltransferase Increased
Suspect drug(s):
Avodart
Other drugs received by patient: Pradif
Possible Avodart side effects / adverse reactions in 61 year old male
Reported by a physician from Switzerland on 2007-01-16
Patient: 61 year old male
Reactions: Gamma-Glutamyltransferase Increased
Suspect drug(s):
Avodart
Other drugs received by patient: Pradif
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