dutasteride
Dutasteride (Avodart) is a prescription medication used to improve symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH). It can also lower the risk for BPH-related surgery. This medication belongs to a drug class known as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. The dosage is usually one capsule by mouth once daily. Some possible side effects of dutasteride (Avodart) include trouble getting or maintaining an erection, lower sex drive, and ejaculation problems. It's available as the brand name Avodart and generic name dutasteride.
What is Dutasteride (Avodart)?
What is Dutasteride (Avodart) used for?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
How Dutasteride (Avodart) works
Dutasteride (Avodart) is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It blocks the body from making a form of testosterone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that's responsible for prostate growth. As a result, the medication slows the prostate from getting larger. As the prostate shrinks, it gets easier to urinate.
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What are the side effects of Dutasteride (Avodart)?
Common Side Effects
- Trouble getting or keeping an erection (up to 5%)
- Lower sex drive (up to 3%)
Other Side Effects
- Difficulty ejaculating or getting an orgasm
- Breast tenderness or growth
Serious Side Effects
- Allergic reaction: skin peeling; swelling in your face, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing
Source: DailyMed
More on Dutasteride (Avodart) side effects
The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare
Chest pain or discomfort
dilated neck veins
extreme fatigue
irregular breathing
irregular heartbeat
swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
trouble breathing
Incidence not known
Blistering, flaking, or peeling of the skin
difficulty with swallowing
dizziness
fast heartbeat
hives or welts, itching skin, rash
large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
redness of the skin
tightness in the chest
unusual tiredness or weakness
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Dutasteride (Avodart)
Pros
Can lower the need for prostate-related surgery
Only taken once a day
Some side effects ease with time.
Can use alone or together with tamsulosin (Flomax) to improve symptoms even more
Cons
Might take many months to work
Can cause side effects like a lower sex drive, trouble keeping an erection, or less sperm
Can't donate blood while taking this medication and for 6 months after the last dose
Pharmacist tips for Dutasteride (Avodart)
Swallow the dutasteride (Avodart) capsules whole. Don't chew or open them because the powder inside of the capsule can irritate your mouth.
You can take dutasteride (Avodart) with or without food.
Don't take or touch dutasteride (Avodart) capsules if they're bent, a different color than usual, or leaking. Otherwise, they might cause harm to you.
If you forget to take your dose of dutasteride (Avodart), you can take it later in the day. Never double up on your medication to make up for a missed dose because this can lead to side effects.
Don't donate blood while you're taking dutasteride (Avodart) and within 6 months of your last dose. This medication stays in the blood for a long time. And, it can harm an unborn baby if a pregnant woman gets a blood transfusion that has dutasteride (Avodart) in it.
Women who are pregnant or who can have children shouldn't touch dutasteride (Avodart) capsules. This medication can get absorbed into the body through the skin, get passed to an unborn baby, and harm the baby. If a woman does come in contact with a leaky capsule, wash the exposed area of skin right away with soap and water.
Let your provider or pharmacist know about all the prescription and over-the-counter medications you take or plan to take. Certain medications might make your BPH symptoms worse. Some examples include allergy and cold/flu medications (such as antihistamines). Your providers can help guide you to medications that best fit your needs.
Frequently asked questions about Dutasteride (Avodart)
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What are the risks and warnings for Dutasteride (Avodart)?
Dutasteride (Avodart) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Birth defects
Pregnant women and women who can become pregnant shouldn't touch dutasteride (Avodart) capsules. This medication can get absorbed into the body through the skin and harm unborn babies. If you're a woman who can have children and you come into contact with a leaking capsule, wash the area with soap and water right away.
Effects on prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels and the use of PSA for prostate cancer detection
Risk factors: Taking dutasteride (Avodart) for 3 months or longer
Dutasteride (Avodart) can lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels in your body. PSA levels are typically used to screen for prostate cancer. Because dutasteride (Avodart) lowers the PSA levels, the medication might also affect the results of a prostate cancer test. For this reason, your provider should test your PSA levels at least 3 months after starting treatment to get a new baseline level for you, and watch your levels closely thereafter.
Higher risk of severe form of prostate cancer
Dutasteride (Avodart) might raise the risk of a severe form of prostate cancer. Note that in a study of men aged 50 to 75 years, 1% of those who took dutasteride (Avodart) developed this form of prostate cancer. Talk to your provider if this risk concerns you.
Can't donate blood during treatment
Don't donate blood until at least 6 months after your last dose of dutasteride (Avodart). This medication can stay in the blood for a long period of time. And if a woman who's pregnant gets a blood transfusion that happens to contain dutasteride (Avodart), there's a risk of serious harm to an unborn baby.
Changes in semen
People taking dutasteride (Avodart) for 1 year have had lower sperm count and other sperm changes. It's unknown how these changes affect fertility (the ability to have children). Talk to your provider if this concerns you.
Dutasteride (Avodart) dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5mg | 30 capsules | $12.00 | $0.40 |
Typical dosing for Dutasteride (Avodart)
The typical dose is 0.5 mg by mouth once a day.
Interactions between Dutasteride (Avodart) and other drugs
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
- Ceritinib
- Clarithromycin
Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.
How much does Dutasteride (Avodart) cost?
Dutasteride (Avodart) contraindications
Currently pregnant
Allergy to other 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors
What are alternatives to Dutasteride (Avodart)?
Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
Relieves urinary symptoms
Lessens the need for prostate surgery
Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH)
What is the latest news about Dutasteride (Avodart)?
Dutasteride (Avodart) images
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References
Best studies we foundAmerican Red Cross. (n.d.). Types of transfusions.
Asfour, L., et al. (2023). Male androgenetic alopecia. Endotext.
Aurobindo Pharma Limited. (2023). DUTASTERIDE capsule, liquid filled [package insert]. DailyMed.
Marihart, S., et al. (2005). Dutasteride: A review of current data on a novel dual inhibitor of 5Α reductase. Reviews in Urology.
You and Your Hormones. (2021). Dihydrotestosterone.
Zhou, Z., et al. (2019). The efficacy and safety of dutasteride compared with finasteride in treating men with androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical Interventions in Aging.
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