Avodart® Capsules for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

Avodart is a prescription medicine for benign prostatic hyperplasia in adult men. This page explains how it works, who it suits, and key safety points. US delivery from Canada is available through YouDrugstore, and patients can explore Avodart without insurance.

What Avodart Is and How It Works

Avodart® contains dutasteride, a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor. It reduces dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the prostate, which can help shrink an enlarged gland. Lower DHT may ease urinary symptoms such as weak flow, hesitancy, and frequent nighttime urination.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy in Manitoba. Pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing.

This medicine may be used alone or with an alpha-blocker, such as tamsulosin, when your prescriber recommends combination therapy. By decreasing DHT, the treatment can reduce prostate volume and support better urine flow over time. It can also help reduce the risk of urinary retention and the need for surgery in appropriate patients. Because dutasteride can lower PSA levels, clinicians often account for this when interpreting PSA test results.

Learn more about the condition in our Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia hub, or explore related care under Urology and Mens Health categories.

Who It’s For

This treatment is indicated for adult men with signs and symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia. It is not for women or children. People with known hypersensitivity to dutasteride or other 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors should not take it. Those with severe liver impairment may require additional medical review before use.

Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle leaking capsules because dutasteride can be absorbed through the skin and may harm a developing fetus. Men should not donate blood during therapy and for a period after the last dose, to avoid exposing a pregnant transfusion recipient.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescription exactly as written. The usual regimen on product labels is one capsule taken once daily, with or without food. Swallow capsules whole. Do not open, crush, or chew them. If a capsule leaks and contacts skin, wash the area right away with soap and water.

Try to take the dose at the same time each day. Consistent daily use helps maintain steady levels. If your clinician prescribes combination therapy with an alpha-blocker, take each medicine as directed, even if urinary symptoms improve.

Strengths and Forms

Avodart 0.5 mg capsules are the commonly available presentation. Packaging and manufacturers may vary by market and supply. Availability can change over time.

Missed Dose and Timing

If you miss a dose, take the next dose at your regular time. Do not take two doses at once. If you frequently forget doses, set a reminder, use a pill organizer, or ask your pharmacist about adherence tools.

Storage and Travel Basics

Store capsules at room temperature in a dry place, away from direct light. Keep the bottle tightly closed and out of reach of children and pets. Do not use capsules that are cracked, leaking, or discolored. Dispose of damaged capsules safely.

When traveling, keep the medicine in its original labeled container. Pack enough for the entire trip plus a small buffer. Carry a copy of your prescription or a pharmacy receipt. Place capsules in your carry-on to avoid temperature extremes in checked luggage. If crossing borders, allow extra time for medication review at security.

Benefits

This class can reduce prostate size and improve urine flow. Many patients experience fewer nighttime bathroom trips and less urgency. When used with an alpha-blocker, some patients may notice symptom relief sooner while the 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor works in the background. The therapy may also lower the chance of urinary retention and reduce the need for surgery in eligible men.

For some, symptom control supports better sleep and daily comfort. Effects can vary. Regular follow-up with your healthcare professional helps confirm that the plan remains appropriate.

Side Effects and Safety

• Sexual effects: decreased libido, erectile difficulties, changes in ejaculation
• Breast tenderness or swelling
• Dizziness or fatigue
• Skin rash or itching

Serious reactions are uncommon but can include allergic responses such as swelling of the face, lips, or throat, and difficulty breathing. Contact a clinician right away if you suspect an allergy. Dutasteride can lower PSA levels; clinicians consider this when interpreting prostate cancer screening labs. Rare reports of high-grade prostate cancer have been described; discuss individual risk and screening plans with your prescriber.

Drug Interactions and Cautions

Strong inhibitors of CYP3A4 (for example, certain azole antifungals, some macrolide antibiotics, and specific HIV medications) may increase dutasteride levels. Always share a complete medication list, including supplements and herbal products, with your pharmacist or clinician.

Use caution with other 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors. Combination treatment with an alpha-blocker may be appropriate when directed by your prescriber. Tell your clinician about liver problems, prior prostate procedures, or a history of breast changes. Do not donate blood during therapy and for a period afterward.

For other men’s therapies and context, you can read What Is Tadalafil, How Long Does It Take, or see Mens Health Month.

What to Expect Over Time

Symptom changes often build gradually. Some patients notice urinary flow improvements during steady daily use. Others may be advised to combine an alpha-blocker for added symptom control. Keep taking the medicine as prescribed even if early changes feel modest. Routine follow-up visits help monitor progress, check side effects, and adjust the plan if needed.

If goals are not met, your prescriber may consider dosage timing, combination therapy, or alternative options. Do not change your regimen without medical guidance.

Compare With Alternatives

Two common options for enlarged prostate include:

• Finasteride: another 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor used for BPH
• Tamsulosin Cr: an alpha-blocker that relaxes prostate and bladder neck muscles

Your prescriber may recommend a single therapy or a combination based on symptoms, prostate size, and tolerability. Other alpha-blockers such as Terazosin may also be considered. ED medicines like Cialis are approved for other uses and sometimes for BPH in select scenarios; clinicians decide if that is appropriate. Finasteride is also sold as Proscar for prostate indications.

Pricing and Access

Many patients review Avodart price before discussing options with their clinician. Canadian sourcing can help with predictable costs across refills. Ships from Canada to US services are available for eligible prescriptions through our pharmacy.

You can check product availability, see current options, and view detailed product pages before ordering. If you prefer to buy Avodart from Canada, compare branded and generic presentations where available. For updates on seasonal offers, visit our Promotions page. We support encrypted checkout for a secure experience.

Availability and Substitutions

Generic dutasteride is widely used for BPH in many regions. If a specific brand is unavailable, a prescriber may recommend an appropriate alternative based on clinical judgment. Patients who plan to buy Dutasteride online should confirm the exact strength, quantity, and manufacturer-specific details with their clinician and pharmacist. We do not promise restock dates; availability can change.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Good candidates often include adult men with bothersome urinary symptoms due to an enlarged prostate, especially those with larger prostate volume. It is not for women or children, and it should be used carefully in patients with liver problems. Discuss goals, family planning, and PSA monitoring with your prescriber.

To manage costs, consider multi-month fills when appropriate, align refills with routine labs or visits, and set refill reminders. Some patients explore Dutasteride pay out of pocket strategies when navigating benefits. Ask about manufacturer or pharmacy programs when available. Keep your medication list updated to prevent duplications and unnecessary expenses.

Questions to Ask Your Clinician

• Is this therapy right for my symptoms and prostate size?
• Would I benefit from adding an alpha-blocker now or later?
• How will dutasteride affect my PSA testing and follow-up schedule?
• What side effects should I watch for, and when should I call?
• How long should I try this plan before we reassess?
• Could any of my medicines interact with this treatment?
• What are my alternatives if I cannot tolerate this option?

Authoritative Sources

DailyMed: Avodart (dutasteride) Capsules

US Prescribing Information (FDA)

Health Canada DPD: Dutasteride

Ready to buy Avodart online from YouDrugstore? Place your order with prompt, express, temperature-controlled handling when required, and US shipping from Canada. This information is not a substitute for medical advice; always follow your prescriber’s guidance.