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Oral medication taken once daily to shrink an enlarged prostate and improve urinary symptoms of BPH.
Reviewed by:
Dr. Steve Malen, PharmD
Dr. Steven Blikstein, PharmD
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Dutasteride (Avodart) is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor taken as one 0.5 mg capsule daily to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), an enlarged prostate, in men. It works by lowering levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shrinks the prostate over time, improving urinary flow and reducing the risk of acute urinary retention and the need for BPH-related surgery. It may take several months of continuous use to see full benefit. Capsules should be swallowed whole and not opened or chewed, since dutasteride can be absorbed through the skin. Women who are or may become pregnant should not handle leaking or damaged capsules, as this medication can cause serious harm to a male fetus. Dutasteride lowers PSA test results by about half, so it's important for your provider to know you're taking it when interpreting prostate cancer screening results. Common side effects include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, and breast tenderness or enlargement. Men should wait at least 6 months after stopping this medication before donating blood.
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Pregnancy and skin exposure warning: Women who are or may become pregnant should not handle dutasteride capsules, especially if they are leaking or damaged, because the medication can be absorbed through the skin and may cause serious harm to a male fetus. Capsules should always be swallowed whole and never opened or chewed.
PSA test interference: Dutasteride lowers prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels by about 50%, even in the presence of prostate cancer. Tell your provider you are taking this medication so PSA results can be interpreted correctly.
Blood donation: Men should not donate blood for at least 6 months after their last dose, to prevent exposing a potentially pregnant transfusion recipient to the medication.
It may take 3 to 6 months of continuous use to see improvement in urinary symptoms.
