FRIDAY, Jan. 24, 2003 (HealthDayNews) -- The drug Avodart, used to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate, is now available by prescription in the United States.
Avodart is a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor that arrests the BPH disease process. The current most commonly prescribed treatment for BPH, alpha blockers, treat only the symptoms of BPH.
BPH is among the most common health problems in older men. More than half of men over age 60 experience BPH. It's a progressive disease in which the prostate gland surrounding the urethra enlarges. As it becomes larger, the prostate obstructs the urethra and causes urinary problems.
BPH symptoms include a hesitant, interrupted weak urine stream, urinary urgency and leaking or dribbling, and more frequent urination, especially at night. In severe cases of BPH, the bladder and kidney may be damaged.
BPH often begins after age 50. It can progress and worsen as men grow older. Men with at least a 10-year life expectancy should have a annual prostate checkup beginning at age 50, says the American Urological Association.
More information
Here's where you can learn more about prostate problems.
