Drug Info
- Brand Name: Avodart
- Active Ingredient: Dutasteride
- Manufacturer: GlaxoSmithKline
Avodart and its active substance, Dutasteride
Dutasteride blocks both type-1 and type-2 5-alpha-reductase enzymes that convert testosterone to DHT—the androgen that drives prostate growth. By reducing intraprostatic DHT levels by more than 90%, cellular activity slows and the gland gradually shrinks. This translates clinically into fewer nighttime trips to the bathroom, less urgency, stronger stream, and a lower chance of urinary retention.
After oral administration, dutasteride is well absorbed and highly protein-bound, with a long terminal half-life measured in weeks. That long half-life supports once-daily dosing but also means effects persist after stopping. The medicine is metabolized in the liver (CYP3A4/5 pathways are involved) and eliminated in feces. Because dutasteride lowers PSA values by roughly 50% after 6 months, clinicians interpret PSA results by doubling the measured value to maintain cancer screening sensitivity.
Indications for use
- Treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in adult men to improve symptoms and reduce the risk of acute urinary retention and BPH-related surgery
- Combination therapy with an alpha-blocker (e.g., tamsulosin) for men with moderate to severe symptoms or enlarged prostates, as directed by a clinician
Use is determined by the prescriber according to local labeling and individual assessment. Avodart is not for women or children.
Treatment regimens and dosages
Use Avodart exactly as prescribed.
- Standard dose: 0.5 mg once daily, with or without food, swallowed whole (do not open or chew the capsules).
- Combination therapy: Avodart may be given together with an alpha-blocker to provide prompt symptom relief while the prostate shrinks over months.
- Monitoring: clinicians periodically review symptoms, urinary flow measures, PSA, and safety labs; therapy is typically long-term if well tolerated.
If a capsule leaks and its contents contact the skin, wash the area with soap and water immediately. Do not handle leaking or broken capsules if you are pregnant or may become pregnant.
Recommendations for use
Take the capsule at the same time each day. Because improvement is gradual, keep daily habits that support bladder comfort: limit late-evening fluids and alcohol, reduce caffeine, and empty the bladder fully before bedtime or long trips. If you start an alpha-blocker together with Avodart, rise slowly from sitting or lying positions during the first days to minimize dizziness. Keep a brief symptom diary (nighttime urinations, urgency episodes, flow strength); this helps your clinician judge benefit at follow-up.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, take it when remembered unless it is almost time for the next one. Do not take two capsules at once. Resume the regular schedule.
Precautions
- PSA interpretation: Avodart reduces PSA by about 50% after 6 months; clinicians adjust interpretation accordingly. Any rise from the lowest PSA value reached on therapy should be evaluated.
- Pregnancy exposure risk: dutasteride can be absorbed through skin and may harm a developing male fetus. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant must not handle leaking/broken capsules.
- Liver disease: use with caution; prescribers may monitor liver function.
- Breast changes: report breast lumps, pain, or nipple discharge.
- Depression: mood changes including depressed mood have been reported—seek advice if symptoms appear.
- Blood donation: avoid donating blood for at least 6 months after your last dose to prevent exposure to a pregnant transfusion recipient.
- Allergy/angioedema: stop and seek care for facial swelling, breathing difficulty, or widespread rash.
Use during pregnancy
Avodart is contraindicated in women and must not be used during pregnancy. Men taking Avodart should prevent exposure of pregnant partners to leaking/broken capsules.
Possible side effects
- Common: decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorders, breast tenderness or enlargement.
- Less common: testicular discomfort, dizziness, skin rash.
- Rare/serious—seek medical attention: breast changes as noted above, hypersensitivity reactions, significant mood changes.
Sexual side effects often lessen over time; discuss persistent problems with your clinician—dose timing, combination strategies, or alternative approaches can be considered.
Dutasteride: interaction with other drugs
- Strong/moderate CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, ritonavir/cobicistat, clarithromycin): may increase dutasteride levels—clinician monitoring advised.
- CYP3A4 inducers (e.g., carbamazepine, rifampin, St. John’s wort): may lower levels—effectiveness could decrease.
- Alpha-blockers (tamsulosin, alfuzosin, silodosin, doxazosin): often used with dutasteride; additive blood-pressure lowering can cause dizziness, especially at initiation.
Always provide your clinician with a complete list of prescription/OTC medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
Analogs & Generics
Same active ingredient (dutasteride — international examples)
- Dutasteride 0.5 mg capsules (Teva)
- Dutasteride 0.5 mg capsules (Sandoz/Hexal)
- Dutasteride 0.5 mg capsules (Viatris/Mylan)
- Dutasteride 0.5 mg capsules (Accord/Actavis)
- Dutasteride 0.5 mg capsules (Aurobindo/Lupin)
Drug analogs (different active ingredient, same purpose — BPH symptom control)
- Finasteride 5 mg — 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor alternative
- Alpha-blockers — tamsulosin, alfuzosin, silodosin, doxazosin, terazosin (rapid symptom relief; do not shrink the prostate)
- Tadalafil 5 mg once daily — option for LUTS/BPH (with or without erectile dysfunction), per prescriber judgment
Storage
Store at 15–25°C in a dry place away from direct heat and sunlight. Keep capsules in the original blister and out of the reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date printed on the pack.
Customer Experience – What to Expect
Most men report steadier urine flow and fewer nighttime awakenings over 8–12 weeks, with continued improvement by 6 months as the prostate shrinks. When an alpha-blocker is started at the same time, early symptom relief is often noticed within days, while Avodart provides the longer-term structural benefit. Mild sexual side effects can occur and often soften with time; discussing them early allows tailored solutions. Keeping a simple log of nightly bathroom trips and overall comfort helps confirm progress.
FAQ
How long before Avodart works?
Some benefit appears within weeks, but maximal effect usually takes 3–6 months.
Why is my PSA lower on Avodart?
Dutasteride reduces PSA by about 50%; clinicians double the measured value to interpret results for cancer screening.
Can I take Avodart with tamsulosin?
Yes. Combination therapy is common for moderate to severe symptoms; your clinician will guide dosing and monitoring.
Will Avodart affect sexual function?
It can reduce libido or affect erections/ejaculation in some men. These effects are often mild; talk to your clinician if they persist.
Can women handle these capsules?
Pregnant women or those who may become pregnant should not handle leaking or broken capsules.
Do I have to take it forever?
Treatment is typically long-term if you benefit and tolerate it well. Your clinician will reassess periodically.
The best offer for Avodart online on the market
Right now you can buy Avodart in our online pharmacy. If you are looking for the best place to order Avodart or other medicines containing dutasteride for BPH, then you have come to the right place.
Advantages of our pharmacy:
- Confidentiality. Most men prefer to keep urological treatment private. By ordering Avodart online, you avoid unnecessary face-to-face discussions.
- Price. Buying Avodart online is more beneficial than purchasing at a clinic or local pharmacy.
- Quantity. Doctors often issue a prescription for one or two packs. Our pharmacy allows you to buy the required number of Avodart packs to ensure an adequate supply.
- Convenience. You make a purchase at a convenient time for you, without sacrificing service or security. You do not need to make an appointment or visit a clinic.
- Information. On our website, you can find details on dosage, side effects, safe use, and other information necessary for treatment.
We work hard to provide the best possible customer service and to ensure that our medications help relieve BPH symptoms and reduce long-term risks under medical supervision.
