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What is Avodart?
Avodart is the brand name for dutasteride, a prescription-only medication.
How does Avodart work?
Avodart works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase, which converts testosterone into the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
Avodart (Dutasteride) 0.5mg Capsules reviews
How to use Avodart (Dutasteride) 0.5mg Capsules
The recommended dose of Avodart is one capsule (0.5 mg) taken orally once a day. The tablets should be swallowed whole and not chewed or opened, as contact with the capsule contents may result in irritation of the oropharyngeal mucosa (the lining of the throat and pipe that travels from your mouth to your stomach). The capsules may be taken with or without food.
This medicine should only be taken by men and should not be taken or handled by women, children or adolescents. Avodart hair loss medication may be absorbed through the skin.
Women, children or adolescents who come into contact with leaking capsules of Avodart must immediately wash it off their skin with soap and water.
Side effects of Avodart (Dutasteride) 0.5mg Capsules
Avodart should not be taken by those with severe liver disease. Those who take verapamil, diltiazem, nefazodone, alpha-blockers, itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir or indinavir should make sure the doctor is aware. Avodart is a prescription-only product.
Avodart is licensed for men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP).
This medicine is for men only and must not be handled by women, children or adolescents. If your female partner is or may be pregnant, you must wear a condom to avoid exposing her to semen which may harm a baby.
Tell your doctor if you’re taking, or have recently taken, any other medicines. These include any medicines you’ve bought without a prescription.
This medicine may contain soya oil.
Finasteride (Propecia) and Avodart (dutasteride) cause the lowering of your natural testosterone levels (rarely) leading to side effects such as impotence and prostate problems. In addition, a very small number of patients have reported symptoms of depression and (rarely) suicidal thoughts.
A recent study has concluded:
The incidence of erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction and decreased libido resulting in discontinuation from therapy was significantly higher in the dutasteride (5.1%, 2.4%, 2.7%, respectively) compared with the finasteride (2.1%, 1.8%, 1.4%, respectively) group (p < 0.01) (reference Science Direct comparisons of finasteride and dutasteride)
A recent study has shown that patients taking dutasteride (or finasteride) have a lower overall risk of low-grade prostate cancer but a higher risk of more serious (high-grade) prostate cancer. If you have any symptoms such as blood in the urine or difficultly urinating (passing water) you should contact your doctor for advice.
You will need to be aware of the potential longer-term side-effects of taking finasteride - known as Post Finasteride Syndrome - which may also apply to dutasteride - please see our PFS article for more information.
Please speak to our pharmacist if you have any concerns about these issues.
General warnings from our Clinical Lead Dr Roisin McHugh:
- Finasteride/ Dutasteride has in rare cases caused depression. If you develop any symptoms of depression such as low mood please stop the medication straight away and discuss it with a health care professional.
- Infertility has been reported in men who took finasteride for a long time and had other risk factors that may affect fertility; this should improve on discontinuation of finasteride/ dutasteride. Long-term clinical studies about the effects of finasteride on fertility in men have not been conducted.
- Finasteride/dutasteride can affect a PSA blood test result, you must inform your own doctor that you are taking it.
- You should promptly report to your doctor any changes in your breast tissue such as lumps, pain, enlargement or nipple discharge as these may be signs of a serious condition, such as breast cancer (very rare).
- It can cause erectile dysfunction. If you have any questions regarding any of this please email or telephone the pharmacy.
- A small number of men (less than 1%) may experience heart palpitations when taking finasteride for the first time, especially if they are aged over 60, this could also apply to dutasteride.
If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects of Avodart capsules directly via the Yellow Card Scheme here or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects, you help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.
