Avodart: Clinically Proven BPH Symptom Relief and Prostate Health
| Product dosage: 0.5mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per pill | Price | Buy |
| 20 | $2.01 | $40.19 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 30 | $1.91 | $60.29 $57.27 (5%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 60 | $1.81 | $120.57 $108.52 (10%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $1.78 | $180.86 $159.76 (12%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $1.76 | $241.15 $211.00 (13%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $1.74 | $361.72 $313.49 (13%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $1.73 | $542.58 $466.22 (14%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $1.55
Best per pill | $723.44 $558.66 (23%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Avodart (dutasteride) is a prescription medication specifically formulated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. As a potent 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, it works by fundamentally altering the hormonal pathway responsible for prostate growth, leading to a significant reduction in prostate volume. This action translates directly into improved urinary flow, decreased incidence of acute urinary retention, and a reduced need for BPH-related surgery. This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth, evidence-based overview of Avodart for healthcare professionals managing male urological health.
Features
- Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient: Dutasteride 0.5 mg
- Pharmacological Class: Dual 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor (Type 1 and Type 2)
- Formulation: Soft gelatin capsules for oral administration
- Mechanism of Action: Inhibits the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the primary androgen responsible for prostate growth
- Half-life: Approximately 5 weeks, supporting a once-daily dosing regimen
- Bioavailability: 60% (relative to a 2-mg intravenous dose) when taken with a fat-containing meal
Benefits
- Significant and Sustained Symptom Improvement: Leads to a marked reduction in the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), alleviating bothersome urinary symptoms such as hesitancy, weak stream, straining, and nocturia.
- Reduction in Prostate Volume: Achieves a median reduction in prostate volume of approximately 25-30% after 24 months of treatment, addressing the underlying anatomical cause of obstruction.
- Decreased Risk of Acute Urinary Retention (AUR): Long-term studies demonstrate a up to 57% reduction in the risk of developing AUR, a painful and serious complication of BPH.
- Reduced Risk of BPH-Related Surgery: Provides a up to 48% reduction in the relative risk of needing invasive surgical procedures, such as transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP).
- Dual Enzyme Inhibition: By inhibiting both Type 1 and Type 2 5-alpha-reductase isoenzymes, it suppresses serum DHT by more than 90%, offering a more comprehensive suppression than selective inhibitors.
Common use
Avodart is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. It is used to improve symptoms, reduce the risk of acute urinary retention, and reduce the risk of the need for BPH-related surgery. Treatment response begins as early as 3 months, with continued improvement observed over a 24-month period. It is important to note that a minimum of 6 months of treatment is usually necessary to determine whether an individual will respond to therapy. Avodart is not indicated for use in women or children and must not be used by women who are or may become pregnant due to the risk of serious birth defects.
Dosage and direction
The recommended dosage of Avodart is one 0.5 mg capsule taken orally once daily. The capsule should be swallowed whole and must not be crushed or chewed due to the potential for mucosal irritation from the active ingredient. Avodart may be administered with or without food; however, administration with a meal may increase bioavailability. Patients should be advised to adhere to a consistent daily dosing schedule. Because the therapeutic effect is not immediate, patients must be counseled on the importance of long-term, continuous therapy to achieve maximum benefit. Dosage adjustment is not necessary in the elderly or in patients with renal impairment. The effect of hepatic impairment on dutasteride pharmacokinetics has not been studied.
Precautions
- Pregnancy Warning (Teratogenicity): Dutasteride is absorbed through the skin. Women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant must not handle leaking Avodart capsules due to the potential risk of absorption and subsequent exposure to a developing male fetus, which can cause abnormalities of the external genitalia.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Monitoring: Avodart reduces serum PSA levels by approximately 50% after 6 months of treatment. For men taking Avodart for 6 months or more, PSA values should be doubled for comparison to normal ranges in untreated men to maintain the utility of PSA as a screening tool for prostate cancer. Any confirmed increase in PSA while on Avodart warrants further investigation.
- Blood Donation: Men being treated with Avodart should not donate blood until at least 6 months have passed after their final dose to prevent potential administration of dutasteride to a pregnant female transfusion recipient.
- Hepatic Impairment: The safety and pharmacokinetics of dutasteride in patients with hepatic impairment have not been formally studied. Use with caution in this population.
- Identification of Prostate Cancer: Prior to initiating therapy, patients should be evaluated to rule out other urological diseases, including prostate cancer, that might mimic BPH symptoms. Avodart is not a treatment for prostate cancer.
Contraindications
Avodart is contraindicated in the following patient populations:
- Patients with a known hypersensitivity to dutasteride, other 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, or any component of the formulation.
- Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant.
- Pediatric patients.
Possible side effect
As with all medications, Avodart can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following adverse drug reactions are associated with dutasteride therapy, primarily related to its endocrine effects:
- Very Common (≥1/10): Erectile dysfunction, decreased libido.
- Common (≥1/100 to <1/10): Ejaculation disorders (including decreased ejaculate volume), breast disorders (including gynecomastia and breast tenderness).
- Uncommon (≥1/1,000 to <1/100): Allergic reactions, including rash, pruritus, urticaria, and localized edema.
- Rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000): Testicular pain and depression.
- Post-marketing reports: Male infertility and poor semen quality have been reported, which may normalize after discontinuation of therapy.
Drug interaction
The potential for pharmacokinetic drug-drug interactions with Avodart is low due to its extensive metabolism by the CYP3A4 and CYP3A5 enzymes and its high degree of plasma protein binding. However, the following interactions should be considered:
- Potent CYP3A4 Inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir, ketoconazole, verapamil, diltiazem, cimetidine): Coadministration with a potent CYP3A4 inhibitor (e.g., ritonavir 500 mg twice daily) for 9 days increased the steady-state exposure of dutasteride by 60%. This increase is not considered clinically significant for most patients, but the combination should be approached with awareness.
- Alpha-adrenergic antagonists (e.g., tamsulosin, terazosin): Coadministration of dutasteride and tamsulosin for 4 years did not appear to significantly change the pharmacokinetic profile of either drug compared to monotherapy. The combination is used clinically for enhanced efficacy.
- WarFARIN: Coadministration of dutasteride and warfarin did not alter the steady-state pharmacokinetics of either drug or affect the pharmacodynamics of warfarin (as measured by prothrombin time/international normalized ratio).
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, the patient should take it as soon as remembered on that same day. If a day is missed, the patient should resume the usual schedule of one capsule once daily the next day. Patients should be instructed not to take a double dose to make up for a forgotten capsule. The long half-life of dutasteride means a single missed dose is unlikely to significantly impact the drug’s therapeutic effect.
Overdose
There is no specific antidote for dutasteride overdose. In clinical trials, doses of up to 40 mg/day (80 times the therapeutic dose) for 7 days have been administered without significant adverse effects. In the event of a suspected overdose, symptomatic and supportive care is recommended. Due to the high plasma protein binding, dutasteride is not expected to be dialyzable.
Storage
- Store Avodart capsules at room temperature, between 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F).
- Keep the bottle tightly closed and stored in the original container to protect from light and moisture.
- Keep out of the reach and sight of children and pets.
- Do not use after the expiration date printed on the bottle.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or medication. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The information provided is based on the product’s prescribing information but may not be exhaustive.
Reviews
- “As a urologist with over 20 years of experience, Avodart is a cornerstone of my medical management for moderate-to-severe BPH. The volume reduction and consequent symptom improvement I see in my compliant patients are consistently impressive and have demonstrably reduced surgical referrals.” – Dr. A. Reynolds, MD
- “The 4-year CombAT trial data is compelling. The combination of dutasteride and an alpha-blocker provides a synergistic effect that is highly effective for patients with significant prostate enlargement and bothersome symptoms, offering a robust non-surgical option.” – Clinical Pharmacist Specialist
- “While the sexual side effects are a legitimate concern and must be discussed during informed consent, for many of my patients, the trade-off of regaining control over urinary function and reducing long-term risks is a worthwhile benefit.” – Urology Nurse Practitioner
- “The long half-life is a double-edged sword. It supports adherence, but patients and clinicians must understand that side effects may persist for a considerable time after discontinuation. This necessitates a thorough pre-treatment discussion.” – General Practitioner