Avodart® (dutasteride) 0.5 mg Capsules for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia

What Avodart® Is and How It Works

Avodart® contains dutasteride, a 5‑alpha‑reductase inhibitor used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). It lowers dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which helps shrink an enlarged prostate and ease urinary symptoms. Many people search to buy avodart when once‑daily capsule treatment is preferred, including for predictable costs without insurance.

Youdrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba, and prescriptions are reviewed by licensed pharmacists before dispensing. We offer brand and generic medicines at Canadian prices, OTC health products, and convenient ordering online or by phone with chat support during posted hours.

Dutasteride blocks both type I and II 5‑alpha‑reductase enzymes, reducing serum DHT by more than 90% in most patients. Lower DHT levels reduce prostate volume over months, improve urine flow, and cut the risk of acute urinary retention and prostate surgery. Avodart is supplied as a 0.5 mg soft gelatin capsule for oral use, taken once daily with or without food.

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Dosage and Usage

• Usual dose: 0.5 mg by mouth once daily, with or without food.
• Swallow capsules whole. Do not chew, crush, or open the capsule.
• Consistency matters. Take it at the same time each day.
• Do not stop or change your dose unless your prescriber advises.
• Avodart may be prescribed alone or with an alpha‑blocker such as tamsulosin for BPH.
• Not approved for women or children. Avoid handling leaking capsules if pregnant or potentially pregnant.
• PSA is typically reduced about 50% after 6 months; clinicians account for this when interpreting results.
• Missed dose: take it when remembered the same day; if the next dose is near, skip the missed dose. Do not double up.

• Storage: keep at 15–30 °C (59–86 °F) in the original container; protect from light and moisture.
• Do not refrigerate or freeze. Keep capsules dry and intact.
• Travel: store in a carry‑on, in original labeled packaging. Bring enough for your trip and a few extra days.
• Avoid leaving capsules in hot cars or direct sun.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets. Do not use after the expiration date.
• Blood donation: do not donate blood during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose.

Benefits and Savings

Avodart can shrink the prostate, improve urinary flow, reduce nocturia, and lower the chance of urinary retention or surgery. Once‑daily dosing is simple. It can be used alone or with an alpha‑blocker when faster symptom relief is needed. The 0.5 mg capsule is small and easy to take.

Buying from a Canadian pharmacy often reduces costs. Many customers report 60–80% savings versus typical US prices for the same brand. You can compare Avodart price options and choose multi‑month supplies to lower the per‑month cost. This helps manage Avodart cost without insurance.

Looking for deals? See current offers; our avodart coupon page updates when promotions are available.

Side Effects and Safety

• Decreased libido
• Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection
• Ejaculation disorders or reduced semen volume
• Breast tenderness or enlargement
• Dizziness or fatigue
• Skin rash or itching

Serious effects are uncommon but can include allergic reactions (swelling of face/lips, hives), mood changes, or breast changes such as lumps or nipple discharge. Report any breast symptoms promptly. Dutasteride lowers PSA; clinicians adjust interpretation. There is a rare signal for high‑grade prostate cancer with 5‑alpha‑reductase inhibitors; discuss screening plans with your prescriber. Avoid use if allergic to dutasteride, finasteride, or capsule components. Use caution with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (for example, ketoconazole or ritonavir). Pregnant women should avoid handling leaking capsules due to potential risk to a male fetus.

Onset Time

DHT levels drop within 1–2 weeks of starting dutasteride. Some urinary symptoms may begin to ease within 4–8 weeks. Prostate shrinkage and maximum symptom benefit usually build over 3–6 months and can continue to improve beyond six months. When Avodart is combined with an alpha‑blocker, many patients notice earlier symptom relief from the alpha‑blocker while dutasteride works long term.

Compare With Alternatives

Finasteride (Proscar 5 mg) is another 5‑alpha‑reductase inhibitor. It targets mainly the type II enzyme, while dutasteride blocks both types. Both reduce prostate volume and symptoms over months. Some clinicians prefer dutasteride for broader DHT suppression; others choose finasteride for cost or familiarity.

Alpha‑blockers such as tamsulosin, alfuzosin, and terazosin relax prostate and bladder neck muscles. They work within days to improve flow but do not shrink the prostate. Combining an alpha‑blocker with dutasteride can deliver both fast and durable relief.

If you prefer a lower upfront price on the same active ingredient, consider the generic option Dutasteride. For hair‑loss regimens supervised by a clinician, topical or oral Minoxidil is often used; dutasteride for hair loss remains an off‑label use.

Combination Therapy

• Dutasteride + tamsulosin for BPH: often used when quick symptom relief is needed while prostate size decreases.
• Dutasteride + tadalafil 5 mg daily: can help urinary symptoms and erectile function; monitor for dizziness or low blood pressure.
• Dutasteride + minoxidil (topical or oral) for clinician‑directed hair‑loss plans; dutasteride use for hair is off label.
• When combined with agents that may lower blood pressure, doses may be adjusted to reduce dizziness risk.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Avodart is intended for adult men with enlarged prostates confirmed by exam or imaging and compatible symptoms. It is not for women or children. Avoid use with known hypersensitivity to dutasteride or other 5‑alpha‑reductase inhibitors. Use caution in significant liver disease, and review all medicines with your prescriber to assess interactions.

People planning fertility should discuss potential effects on semen parameters. PSA testing practices may change during therapy; clinicians often establish a baseline and reassess after about six months.

To manage costs, consider 90‑day supplies when your prescriber allows, since multi‑month orders can lower your per‑month price. Set gentle reorder reminders so you do not run out. Bulk promotions may apply to larger quantities. Compare Avodart 0.5 mg price listings on the product page to choose the best fit.

Authoritative Sources

GSK Avodart (dutasteride) US product information

Health Canada Drug Product Database: dutasteride listings

FDA Prescribing Information: Avodart (dutasteride)

Order Avodart® from Youdrugstore: add to cart, upload your prescription, and we ship with prompt, express, cold-chain handling.

This information is educational and does not replace your clinician’s guidance. Always follow your prescriber’s directions and the dispensing label for your specific therapy.