Avodart (Dutasteride)

What is Avodart?

Avodart is a medicine that is generally prescribed for men who are suffering from an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia). However, it is also prescribed as an 'off-label' treatment for men who are being affected by hair loss (alopecia). Avodart is the brand name for a medicine called dutasteride.

It is an oral treatment that can treat genetic male pattern hair loss on the top of the head and the mid-scalp area.

You must have a prescription to buy Avodart.

What is Avodart used to treat?

Avodart Dutasteride for benign prostate hyperplasia

Avodart is a prescription medicine that is usually prescribed for treating an enlarged prostate as it inhibits the production of dihydrotestosterone. Dihydrotestosterone has many effects on the body, including causing the prostate gland to increase in size.

Avodart Dutasteride for male hair loss

Avodart Dutasteride is also an effective hair loss treatment for men. An 'off-label' treatment is one that is also used to treat something other than just the condition it was originally licensed for. Because of this, there is less data to prove Avodart’s effectiveness for hair loss.

It also means that the instructions contained in the product's information leaflet may not match the condition you are using the product for.

Hair loss is the result of testosterone in the scalp mixing with the enzyme 5 alpha-reductase (a powerful derivative of testosterone) and producing dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This enzyme is believed to cause male pattern baldness when it binds to the receptor sites in hair follicles. In time, DHT binds with the receptors and hinders the follicle from being able to create healthy and strong hair.

Why is Avodart (Dutasteride) recommended for hair loss?

The active ingredient in Avodart is dutasteride, which was originally developed to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men, but it has also proven to be effective for male pattern hair loss in clinical trials.

Clinical studies found that dutasteride is more effective at treating hair loss than finasteride, which is another commonly prescribed medication for hair loss. 

Clinical studies have also found that it is generally safe to take this medicine as a long-term treatment. It is advised that patients who require it for hair regrowth and enlarged prostates take it for as long as their doctor tells them to.

How does Avodart (Dutasteride) treat hair loss?

Dutasteride is a novel dual 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor. Testosterone is produced by a man’s body and a by-product of testosterone is a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is more powerful than testosterone and is important for hair growth in other parts of the body. However, it can attach to hair follicles for a long time, which can lead to miniaturised hair follicles.

Avodart inhibits the production of DHT, which reduces hair loss and helps to increase the production of thicker hair. It inhibits both Type I and Type II forms of this enzyme, making it a highly effective hair loss treatment.

How long does Avodart take to work?

Avodart is designed to be taken in the long term. It may take six months or longer before you start to notice any serious improvement to your hair loss. Therefore, it is vital that you take it each day and for as long as your doctor tells you; this will ensure you are getting the best results possible.

Who can take Avodart?

Avodart is not a suitable medication for everyone.

This treatment is only available on prescription and is for men only. It is not suitable for women as a treatment for any condition.

It is not suitable for anyone who is under the age of 18.

Do not take Avodart if:

• You are allergic to dutasteride, any other 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, soya, peanut, or any of the other ingredients contained in this medicine
• You have a severe liver disease

Tell your doctor that you are taking Avodart if you are going for a prostate examination, as this medicine can affect your results.

This list is not exhaustive. Always read the patient information leaflet for a comprehensive list of warnings.

Can you buy Avodart over the counter?

Avodart is a prescription-only medicine (POM). Therefore, you cannot buy it over the counter.

Can you buy Avodart online in the UK?

You can buy Avodart online from regulated pharmacies, such as ours. However, as this medicine is only available on prescription, you will need to complete an online consultation before you can order it. All you need to do is answer a confidential online questionnaire about your condition and medical history; this will be reviewed by one of our prescribers, who will ensure Avodart is safe for you to take.

Avodart Alternatives 

Propecia tablets for hair loss are also available to buy from Medicine Direct. This medication contains finasteride as its active ingredient, which works to inhibit the production of DHT and can often produce noticeable results in 3-6 months.

Generic Finasteride tablets are also available to buy from our online pharmacy. This option is normally much cheaper than the branded version.

How to take Avodart Dutasteride

This medicine can be taken with or without food.

Take Avodart once a day.

Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water. Do not open or chew the capsule.

Read the patient information leaflet for full instructions before you start to take it.

Avodart dose

If your doctor prescribes you a different dose than the ones stated above, follow their dosage instructions.

Avodart Side Effects

Like all medicines, Avodart comes with the risk of side effects, although not everyone who takes this prescription medicine will be affected by them.

Common side effects may affect 1 in 10 men who take this medicine and include:

• Breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia)
• A decreased sex drive (libido), which may continue even after you stop taking the medicine
• Not being able to achieve or maintain an erection (impotence), which may continue after you stop taking the medicine
• Problems ejaculating, such as smaller amounts of semen being released during sex, which may continue after you stop using the medicine
• Dizziness when taken with tamsulosin

For rarer and more serious reactions you may experience, please read the patient information leaflet for comprehensive details.

Does Avodart cause withdrawal symptoms?

Most people will not suffer withdrawal symptoms. However, if a man is over 60 and has been taking medicine that contains dutasteride for more than 10 years, suffers from a prostate disorder and takes specific medicines, their likelihood of withdrawal symptoms is 50% more likely.

Speak to your doctor about this if you are concerned about withdrawal symptoms

Avodart Warnings and Drug Interactions

Please inform your doctor of any other medicines you are already taking, including prescription and non-prescription medications.

In particular, make sure your doctor is aware if you are currently taking:

• Alpha-blockers, for an enlarged prostate or high blood pressure
• Ritonavir or indinavir, for HIV
• Verapamil or diltiazem, for high blood pressure
• Itraconazole or ketoconazole, for fungal infections
• The antidepressant nefazodone

Avodart contains lecithin from soya, which may contain soya oil. If you are allergic to soya or peanuts, you should not take this prescription medicine.

Always read the patient information leaflet for full details on drug interactions and warnings.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding 

Dutasteride has been found in the semen of men who take this medicine. You must not expose your partner to your semen if she is pregnant, so it is very important that you use a condom if you have sexual intercourse while taking Avodart. 

If your pregnant partner has come into contact with your semen, you should speak to your doctor immediately.

You may also have a reduced sperm count, semen volume and semen movement while taking Avodart.

If you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine, please do not hesitate to speak to your doctor before starting your course.

Avodart (Dutasteride) Ingredients

The main active ingredient within this medicine is: Dutasteride

For a full list of the inactive ingredients, please read the Summary of Product Characteristics.

How much does it cost to buy Avodart online in the UK?