Dutasteride
AVODART
Pronunciation: doo-TAS-teer-ide (AV-oe-dart)
“Dutiful asteroid Avoids darts”
What it isDual 5-alpha reductase inhibitor of both type 1 and type 2; benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Why this oneBlocks both isoenzymes, giving more complete DHT suppression than finasteride.
What limits itHalf-life of weeks means effects and teratogenic risk persist long after stopping — no blood donation for six months. It halves PSA.
Dutasteride prescription history
Animated chart of estimated U.S. prescriptions per year, BPH meds (1987–2026). Dutasteride enters in 2002 (estimated).
FDA-approved for
- BPH (2001)
Principal riskSexual dysfunction; halves PSA
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Legacy pregnancy categoryX
Defining liabilityGenerally tolerated at therapeutic doses; clinically important risks are agent-specific and increase with interactions or organ impairment.
FDA label
Read the full label on DailyMed ↗
NO BOXED WARNINGS
| FDA dosing | Population | Start | Target | Max |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Benign prostatic hyperplasia | Adult men | 0.5 mg QD | 0.5 mg QD | 0.5 mg QD |
Renal No adjustment needed
Hepatic Undefined (not studied; exposure may be higher)
May be given with tamsulosin 0.4 mg QD (same dutasteride dose)
Instructions
- Swallow whole; do not chew or open (contents may irritate oropharyngeal mucosa)
- Take with or without food
- Do not donate blood until at least 6 months after the last dose
Available strengths
- cap 0.5 mg
Contraindications
- Pregnancy; women who are or may become pregnant (risk to male fetus)
Cautions
- Reduces serum PSA by ~50% (interpret PSA accordingly; any confirmed rise may signal prostate cancer)
- May increase risk of high-grade prostate cancer
- Evaluate for other urological conditions before treatment
- Pregnant/potentially pregnant women should not handle capsules
- No blood donation for 6 months after last dose
- Reduces sperm count/semen volume/motility
Adverse reactions
- Impotence
- Decreased libido
- Ejaculation disorders
- Breast disorders (enlargement/tenderness)
Pregnancy Contraindicated; may cause harm to a male fetus.
Lactation Not indicated for use in women; no data.
Cost
| Strength | #/mo | generic $/mo | CostPlus | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0.5 mg | cap | 30 qd | $4.71 | offered |
Generic entry2010
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Memory aids: interaction avatars
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Self-check
- How long must blood donation be avoided with dutasteride?
Six months. - How does dutasteride affect PSA?
Halves it.