Avodart

Enlarged Prostate, Prostatic Hyperplasia, Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Treatment

5 FDA approvals

20 Active Studies for Avodart

What is Avodart

Dutasteride

The Generic name of this drug

Treatment Summary

Dutasteride, 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

Avodart

is the brand name

image of different drug pills on a surface

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 5 uses including Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostatic Hyperplasia .

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Used to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in combination with Tamsulosin

Prostatic Hyperplasia

Used to treat Enlarged Prostate in combination with Tamsulosin

Enlarged Prostate

Helps manage Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Enlarged Prostate

Used to treat Enlarged Prostate in combination with Tamsulosin

symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)

Used to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in combination with Tamsulosin

Effectiveness

How Avodart Affects Patients

Dutasteride 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 body

Dutasteride 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

Enlarged Prostate

0.5 mg,

, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release

Prostatic Hyperplasia

0.5 mg,

, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

0.5 mg,

, Capsule, liquid filled - Oral, Capsule, liquid filled, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Capsule, extended release - Oral, Capsule, extended release

Warnings

Avodart has three contraindications, meaning it should not be employed along with any of the conditions mentioned in the following table.

Avodart Contraindications

Condition

Risk Level

Notes

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

intended pregnancy

Do Not Combine

Pulse Frequency

Do Not Combine

There are 20 known major drug interactions with Avodart.

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 Risk

The 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.

image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

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

22 Actively Recruiting

Not Applicable, Phase 2

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

0 Actively Recruiting

Prostatic Hyperplasia

0 Actively Recruiting

Avodart Reviews: What are patients saying about Avodart?

5

Patient Review

1/6/2017

Avodart for Enlarged Prostate

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.

4.7

Patient Review

3/17/2014

Avodart for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

4.7

Patient Review

3/26/2014

Avodart for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

Avodart has been effective for me in just a short amount of time, three months. It's made a huge difference for me.

4.3

Patient Review

1/28/2015

Avodart for Enlarged Prostate

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.

3.7

Patient Review

8/23/2014

Avodart for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

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!

3.7

Patient Review

7/17/2014

Avodart for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

I had some trouble with dizziness.

3.7

Patient Review

7/23/2016

Avodart for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

The medicine is effective, but I don't like the trade-off that came with it.

3.3

Patient Review

11/16/2014

Avodart for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

I recently had cataract surgery and my doctor informed me that this drug made the surgery more difficult and risky.

3

Patient Review

2/11/2019

Avodart for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

My breasts increased in size after using this treatment!

2.7

Patient Review

11/23/2014

Avodart for Enlarged Prostate

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.

2.7

Patient Review

6/8/2014

Avodart for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

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.

2.3

Patient Review

6/4/2014

Avodart for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

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.

2.3

Patient Review

6/8/2014

Avodart for Enlarged Prostate

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.

1.7

Patient Review

10/29/2019

Avodart for Enlarged Prostate

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.

1

Patient Review

9/13/2016

Avodart for Enlarged Prostate with Urination Problems

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.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

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

What is the side effects of Avodart?

"Sexual problems can include decreased sexual interest or ability, decreased amount of semen or sperm released during sex, or impotence. Testicle pain or swelling, increased breast size, or breast tenderness are also possible side effects."

Answered by AI

Clinical Trials for Avodart

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We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Avodart, we think they might fit your search criteria.
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Image of Southern Alberta Institute of Urology in Calgary, Canada.

Prehabilitation Program for Enlarged Prostate

18+
Male
Calgary, Canada

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a debilitating condition which is highly prevalent in older males, up to 45% of those over the age of 45 are affected and 80% of those over the age of 70 are affected. While not all men with BPH experience problematic symptoms, many will experience lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) including difficulty passing urine, recurrent urinary tract infections, bladder stones, and hematuria. Holmium Laser Enucleation of the Prostate (HoLEP) is the gold standard in terms of surgical BPH management and is associated with a low risk for requiring repeat interventions. However, in the weeks following HoLEP procedures many men will experience transient urinary incontinence which can be distressing to patients. In the setting of prostate cancer, exercise and mental health supports prior to surgery has been shown to improve incontinence and post-surgical recovery. This is often termed prehabilitation and consists of programming done in the months before surgery. The objective of this study is to assess the safety and feasibility of prehabilitation programming prior to HoLEP procedures for men with BPH. The investigators will be randomizing 40 patients into 2 groups, one receiving standard of care interventions prior to their HoLEP surgery and one receiving at least 12 weeks of comprehensive prehabilitation programming including: pelvic floor physiotherapy, access to additional informational resources, and access to mental health supports including individual and couples counselling. In both groups the investigators will be collecting key demographics and clinical information from patients as well as assessing their urinary function through several questionnaires before prehabilitation, immediately before surgery, and up to 1 year after surgery. The investigators hope to establish that prehabilitation is a safe and feasible option for these patients. Secondarily investigators hope to provide evidence that prehabilitation improves incontinence faster following HoLEP procedures and improves post-surgical recovery.

Waitlist Available
Has No Placebo

Southern Alberta Institute of Urology

Have you considered Avodart clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Avodart, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials

Have you considered Avodart clinical trials?

We made a collection of clinical trials featuring Avodart, we think they might fit your search criteria.
Go to Trials