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What is Avodart
DutasterideThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryDutasteride, sold under the brand name Avodart, is a medication used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. It works by blocking the action of the enzymes that convert testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that contributes to the enlargement of the prostate gland. Dutasteride is approved by the FDA and found to be as effective as finasteride, another 5α-reductase inhibitor, in treating BPH. While not yet approved for the treatment of androgenic alopecia, studies have shown that it can be effective for this condition as well
Avodartis the brand name
Avodart Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Avodart
Dutasteride
2002
57
Approved as Treatment by the FDA
Dutasteride, also called Avodart, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses including Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Enlarged Prostate .Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Used to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in combination with Tamsulosin
Enlarged Prostate
Helps manage Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
Enlarged Prostate
Used to treat Enlarged Prostate in combination with Tamsulosin
Effectiveness
How Avodart Affects PatientsDutasteride is a medication that is designed to lower levels of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT). It does this by blocking the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into DHT. After taking dutasteride for one or two weeks, DHT levels are decreased by 85-90%. This decrease can be maintained for up to one year. Dutasteride can also reduce the size of the prostate gland, improve urine flow, and lessen symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It can also help reduce levels of prostate specific antigen (PSA) in people with prostate cancer.
How Avodart works in the bodyDutasteride works by blocking the enzyme 5α-reductase, which turns testosterone into a more active form called dihydrotestosterone. This active form is the main hormone responsible for prostate growth. By blocking 5α-reductase, dutasteride reduces the amount of dihydrotestosterone in the body, causing the prostate to shrink. Dutasteride binds to both type I and type II of the 5α-reductase enzyme and blocks its action very effectively. It does not bind to the androgen receptor.
When to interrupt dosage
The advised dosage of Avodart is determined by the recognized condition, including Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia, Enlarged Prostate and Enlarged Prostate. The measure of dosage is contingent upon the mode of delivery (e.g. Capsule or Capsule, extended release - Oral) featured in the chart beneath.Condition
Dosage
Administration
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
0.5 mg,
, Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral
Enlarged Prostate
0.5 mg,
, Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral
Enlarged Prostate
0.5 mg,
, Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release, Capsule, extended release - Oral
Warnings
Avodart has three contraindications, meaning it should not be employed along with any of the conditions mentioned in the following table.Avodart ContraindicationsCondition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
intended pregnancy
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Common Avodart Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Alfuzosin
Major
Dutasteride may increase the hypotensive activities of Alfuzosin.
Astemizole
Major
The metabolism of Astemizole can be decreased when combined with Dutasteride.
Axitinib
Major
The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Dutasteride.
Cabazitaxel
Major
The metabolism of Cabazitaxel can be decreased when combined with Dutasteride.
Carbamazepine
Major
The metabolism of Carbamazepine can be decreased when combined with Dutasteride.
Avodart Toxicity & Overdose RiskThe toxic dose of dutasteride in rabbits is more than 2000mg/kg. People who take too much dutasteride may experience reduced sex drive, impotence, enlarged breasts, and difficulty ejaculating. There is no known antidote for an overdose. Taking too much of this drug during pregnancy or while breastfeeding can harm a male baby. In elderly people and those with kidney problems, the half-life of dutasteride may be longer. It is safe to use in these patients but the dose may need to be adjusted.
Avodart Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Avodart?
21 active clinical trials are currently being conducted to assess the potential of Avodart to alleviate Enlarged Prostate, Enlarged Prostate and Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Enlarged Prostate
0 Actively Recruiting
Enlarged Prostate
21 Actively Recruiting
Phase 4, Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
0 Actively Recruiting
Avodart Reviews: What are patients saying about Avodart?
5Patient Review
1/6/2017 I've been using this medication for 8 years now, and I'm very happy with it. The only side effect I've experienced is loss of semen, but that's not a big deal to me.
4.7Patient Review
3/17/20144.7Patient Review
3/26/2014 Avodart has been effective for me in just a short amount of time, three months. It's made a huge difference for me.
4.3Patient Review
1/28/2015 Negative effects I experienced while on this medication were a stuffed nose, difficulty breathing when doing physical labor, and trouble swallowing dry foods--my throat felt swollen. Based on these side-effects, I stopped taking the medication without consulting my doctor first.
3.7Patient Review
8/23/2014 Avodart has been helpful for me in terms of reducing urinary frequency at night and lowering my SPA level. I've been taking it for three years now, even though there are some side effects. Recently, I developed purple toenails and am wondering if there is a connection. If anyone knows anything about this, please let me know. Thanks!
3.7Patient Review
7/17/2014 I had some trouble with dizziness.
3.7Patient Review
7/23/2016 The medicine is effective, but I don't like the trade-off that came with it.
3.3Patient Review
11/16/2014 I recently had cataract surgery and my doctor informed me that this drug made the surgery more difficult and risky.
3Patient Review
2/11/2019 My breasts increased in size after using this treatment!
2.7Patient Review
11/23/2014 Since taking Avodart, I have seen an increase in prostate size which has led to urination problems. My sex drive has also completely disappeared, which is very frustrating. Additionally, my breasts have grown to an embarrassing size. Overall, Avodart has only been marginally satisfactory for me.
2.7Patient Review
6/8/2014 I took this drug for two years and it had some serious side effects. It all but eliminated my penis and I have no semen. Additionally, it started to turn me into a woman.
2.3Patient Review
6/4/2014 Unfortunately, I had a really negative reaction to Avodart. It started about five days in, and by the time I stopped taking it 12 days later, I was dealing with a painful rash and swelling feet.
2.3Patient Review
6/8/2014 I took this drug for several years. It resulted in a drastic reduction in size of my penis and testicles, as well as the complete loss of my semen.
1.7Patient Review
10/29/2019 After using this for an extended period of time, I experienced some very serious side effects including heart arrhythmia and the complete loss of my sense of smell and taste. It may have also caused permanent nerve damage. After taking a year off from Avodart, my taste and smell returned and the arrhythmia subsided. However, the benefits did not outweigh the many negative side effects.
1Patient Review
9/13/2016 I have been taking Jalyn (Flowmax and Avodart) for a while now and it has done nothing but give me side effects. I have no energy, my penis is smaller, my sex drive is gone, I don't produce semen anymore, and my breasts are enlarged. My prostate hasn't shrunken and my urinary symptoms are only getting worse. Now I have to catheterize myself four times a day and I'm only 53! I don't know what to do but this drug is trouble so stay away unless you have no other choice.
Patient Q&A Section about avodart
These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.What is Avodart drug used for?
"This will relieve the symptoms of BPH and improve urine flow.
This medication is used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate in men. It works by reducing the size of the enlarged prostate. This will relieve the symptoms of BPH and improve urine flow."
Answered by AI
How long should you take Avodart for?
"It is important to continue taking AVODART for the amount of time your doctor prescribes, even if you do not feel an immediate benefit. Some men notice an early improvement in their symptoms; however, others may need to continue for 3-6 months to see if AVODART helps them."
Answered by AI
Does Avodart shrink prostate?
"Alpha blockers work by relaxing the smooth muscle of the prostate and bladder neck, which improves urinary flow. They provide symptomatic relief within 48 hours, but maximum effect may not be seen for 4–6 weeks. Alpha blockers do not reduce prostate size, or prevent BPH progression."
Answered by AI