Authored on 24 January 2024 by Adeel Arshad,
Reviewed 24 January 2024 by Dr Ruch Karunadasa.
Avodart
(Dutasteride)
Avodart reduces a hormone known as DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is a hormone that contributes to hair loss in most men.
Like any other prescription medication you must consult a doctor before using it. PrivateDoc offers a confidential free consultation service that may result in you receiving a prescription for Avodart if it is deemed appropriate and Avodart can prescribed safely.
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What is Avodart?
Avodart is a medicine made by GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) which contains the active ingredient Dutasteride. Avodart was originally developed for treating prostate enlargement, a condition known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in men.
It has passed stage III of FDA testing for the treatment of hair loss in men but is currently approved as a prostate treatment medication only.
Please be aware at present, when using Avodart for the treatment of hair loss, this is on an unlicensed basis. Doctor's will normally only consider using Avodart for hair loss if other treatments such as Propecia (finasteride) have already been tried.
Avodart is only suitable for men.
How does Avodart (Dutasteride) work?
Avodart reduces a hormone known as DHT (dihydrotestosterone). DHT is a hormone that contributes to hair loss in most men. DHT is also the main cause of prostate enlargement in many men (also known as BPH - Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia).
Avodart works by inhibiting the activities of two types of 5-alpha-reductase enzymes. These enzymes are responsible in the body for converting Testosterone to Dihydrotestosterone(DHT). Avodart lowers DHT levels substantially.
Get StartedHow much does Avodart cost?
Packs and prices
-
30 Soft Capsules £39.99
Avodart 0.5mg -
60 Soft Capsules £59.99
Avodart 0.5mg -
90 Soft Capsules £79.99
Avodart 0.5mg -
180 Soft Capsules £139.99
Avodart 0.5mg
How to take Avodart
Avodart
The capsules should be swallowed whole and not chewed or opened as contact with the capsule contents may result in irritation of the oropharyngeal mucosa.
Avodart may be taken with or without food.
- The recommended dose of AVODART is 1 capsule (0.5 mg) taken once daily.
Your doctor will help you to determine if Dutasteride is working for you. It is important to take Dutasteride for as long as your doctor prescribes it. Dutasteride can only work over the long term if you continue taking it.
Ingredients
- The active substance is dutasteride. Each soft capsule contains 0.5 mg dutasteride.
Other Ingredients
- Tablet core: mono and diglycerides of caprylic/capric acid and butylated hydroxytoluene (E321).
- Tablet coat: gelatin, glycerol, titanium dioxide (E171), iron oxide yellow (E172), triglycerides (medium chain), lecithin (may contain soya oil).
Possible side effects
Like all medicines, Avodart can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.
The following side effects may happen with this medicine:
- decreased libido (sex drive).
- decreased amount of semen released during sex.
- impotence (trouble getting or keeping an erection).
- breast tenderness or enlargement.
Get emergency medical help if you have any of the following:
- allergic reaction.
- hives.
- difficulty breathing.
- swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat
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