Dutasteride (Avodart) is a medication that works well to bring down prostate size and get rid of symptoms of an enlarged prostate, but it takes a few months to work and can lower sex drive.
COMMON BRANDS
Avodart
DRUG CLASS
5-alpha reductase inhibitor
CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE CLASSIFICATION
Not a controlled medication
GENERIC STATUS
Lower-cost generic available
AVAILABILITY
Prescription only
Reviewed by:
Hope Chang, PharmD, AAHIVP
Allison Barnes, PharmD
Last reviewed on:
July 6, 2020
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What is dutasteride (Avodart)?
How dutasteride (Avodart) works
Dutasteride (Avodart) blocks the body from making a form of testosterone called DHT which slows the prostate from getting larger.
What is dutasteride (Avodart) used for?
- Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia - BPH)
Dutasteride (Avodart) dosage forms
capsule
0.5mg
Typical dosing for dutasteride (Avodart)
Dutasteride (Avodart) is typically taken as 0.5 mcg (1 capsule) by mouth once a day.
Frequently asked questions about dutasteride (Avodart)
Does dutasteride (Avodart) shrink the prostate?
Yes, when dutasteride (Avodart) blocks dihydrotestosterone (DHT) it stops your prostate from gettng larger. In several studies, those taking dutasteride (Avodart) saw their prostate shrink more than people taking placebo.
Can dutasteride (Avodart) regrow hair?
Some studies found that dutasteride (Avodart) can be useful in the treatment of male patterned baldness. It's not FDA approved for this use like another medication in its class, Propecia (finasteride).
How long does it take for dutasteride (Avodart) to work on the prostate?
Some people can feel improvement in symptoms as soon as 3 months, while for others it may take up to 6 months to see benefits.
Are side effects of dutasteride (Avodart) permanent?
Some side effects can last years after stopping the medication. Talk to your doctor before starting this medication if this is a concern for you.
What is the best time to take dutasteride (Avodart)?
Dutasteride (Avodart) can be taken any time of the day but it works best when taken at the same time each day. If you are also taking other medications for your prostate like Flomax (tamsulosin), it might be a good idea to take these together.
Pros and cons of dutasteride (Avodart)
Pros
Dutasteride (Avodart) can get rid of the need for prostate-related surgery by improving symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate.
Most side effects go away after your body gets used to dutasteride (Avodart).
Dutasteride (Avodart) can be used alone or in combination with Flomax (tamsulosin) to improve symptoms even more.
Improving BPH symptoms can make it easier to urinate.
Cons
Some men may experience a lower sex drive, trouble keeping an erection, or less sperm which may continue after stopping dutasteride (Avodart).
Dutasteride (Avodart) can hide symptoms of prostate cancer and lower prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, which normally helps your doctor screen for prostate cancer.
You shouldn't donate blood while taking this medication and for 6 months after last dose. The reason is so that the blood won't be given to a pregnant women because it could harm their baby.
Pharmacist tips for dutasteride (Avodart)
Don't take or touch the capsule if it is bent, changes color, or is leaking. Swallow pills whole. Don't chew or open them because the powder can irritate your mouth.
Don't donate blood while you are taking dutasteride (Avodart) and within 6 months of your last dose. Medication in the blood can harm the babies of pregnant women who might receive the blood transfusion.
Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant must not touch the capsules. Medication absorbed through the skin can harm the unborn baby. If they do come in contact with a leaky capsule, that area of the skin should be washed right away with soap and water.
Taking allergy or cold/flu medications (such as antihistamines and decongestants) may make your BPH symptoms worse. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Prices for dutasteride (Avodart) start at just $15.22 with a GoodRx coupon. They’re fast, easy-to-use and free!
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What are the side effects of dutasteride (Avodart)?
With any medication, there are risks and benefits. Even if the medication is working, you may experience some unwanted side effects.
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your doctor know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common side effects
- Trouble getting an erection or orgasm (5%)
- Lower sex drive (3%)
Other side effects
- Ejaculation disorders
- Breast disorders
Source: FDA
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 weight gain Incidence not known Blistering, flaking, or peeling of the skin cough 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: Less common Abnormal ejaculation decreased interest in sexual intercourse decreased sexual performance or desire impotence inability to have or keep an erection loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance pain, soreness, swelling, or discharge from the breast or breasts 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.
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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
Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should never handle dutasteride (Avodart) capsules without gloves because it can cause serious birth defects to the unborn baby.
POOR SCREENING OF MALE REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH CONDITIONS
Symptoms of an enlarged prostate can be signs of other problems, including prostate cancer. Before starting dutasteride (Avodart) your doctor should check you for other conditions of the male urinary tract system and reproductive system.
PROSTATE-SPECIFIC ANTIGEN (PSA) LEVELS AND USE FOR PROSTATE CANCER DETECTION
- Risk factors: dutasteride (Avodart) use for 3 months or longer
Dutasteride (Avodart) can lower prostate-specific antigen levels (PSA) in your body, which may affect the results of a prostate cancer test. Your doctor should test your PSA levels at least 6 months after starting treatment to get a new baseline level for you, and watch closely thereafter.
BLOOD DONATION
Men taking dutasteride (Avodart) shouldn't donate blood until at least 6 months after their last dose in order to prevent blood transfusion of dutasteride (Avodart) to a pregnant woman.
CHANGES IN SEMEN
People taking dutasteride (Avodart) after 1 year were found to have lower sperm count, semen volume and sperm motility. It is unknown how these changes affect fertility.
Interactions between dutasteride (Avodart) and other medications
Dutasteride (Avodart) may interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your doctor and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with dutasteride (Avodart). Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.
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. 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.
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How much does dutasteride (Avodart) cost?
Dutasteride (Avodart) is available as a generic medication and may be significantly cheaper compared to the brand version. Unless there is a specific reason you need the brand, the generic medication will be a better value. For even more savings, use a GoodRx coupon and pay just a fraction of the retail price.
Lowest GoodRx Price
Avodart (brand)
$271.05
Lowest GoodRx Price
dutasteride (generic)
$15.22
Pricing based on most commonly-filled versions: 30 capsules of dutasteride 0.5mg
What are alternatives to dutasteride (Avodart)?
There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of dutasteride (Avodart). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
Dutasteride (Avodart)
Drug Class:5-alpha reductase inhibitor
Used for:
- Enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia - BPH)
View more drug info
$15.22
lowest GoodRx price
View Prices
Finasteride (Proscar)
Drug Class:5-alpha reductase inhibitor
Used for:
Enlarged prostate (BPH - benign prostatic hyperplasia)
View more drug info
$14.47
lowest GoodRx price
View Prices
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