Avodart is a prescription medication used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate, a condition known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). If you’re over 50 and have trouble urinating, waking up at night to pee, or feeling like your bladder isn’t emptying fully, Avodart might have been suggested to you. But what exactly is it doing inside your body? And is it right for you?
What Avodart Actually Does
Avodart’s active ingredient is dutasteride. It’s not a painkiller or a muscle relaxant. It works by blocking two types of enzymes - 5-alpha-reductase type I and type II - that turn testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is the hormone that causes the prostate to grow over time. By cutting off this supply, Avodart shrinks the prostate by about 20-30% within six months.
This isn’t just about comfort. A larger prostate can squeeze the urethra, making it harder to urinate. Over time, this can lead to urinary tract infections, bladder stones, or even kidney damage if left untreated. Avodart doesn’t cure BPH, but it stops it from getting worse - and often improves symptoms enough that men can go weeks without needing to rush to the bathroom.
How Long Does It Take to Work?
Don’t expect quick results. Unlike alpha-blockers like tamsulosin, which relax prostate muscles and help you urinate faster, Avodart works slowly. Most men start noticing small improvements after three to six months. Full benefit usually takes a year or more. A 2017 study in the Journal of Urology showed that men taking dutasteride for 12 months reduced their risk of acute urinary retention by 57% and the need for prostate surgery by 48% compared to placebo.
That’s why doctors often pair Avodart with a faster-acting drug at first. Once the prostate starts shrinking, the combination helps men get relief while waiting for the long-term effect.
Who Should Take Avodart?
Avodart is approved for men with moderate to severe BPH symptoms and a prostate size confirmed by ultrasound or digital exam. It’s not for men with prostate cancer - and it’s not a screening tool. In fact, dutasteride can lower PSA levels by about 50%, which can make cancer detection harder. That’s why doctors check your PSA before starting and monitor it closely while you’re on the drug.
It’s also not for women or children. Even touching a broken capsule can be dangerous for pregnant women because dutasteride can cause birth defects in male babies. Men on Avodart are advised not to donate blood for six months after stopping, in case the blood is given to a pregnant woman.
Side Effects You Should Know
Like all medications, Avodart comes with risks. The most common side effects are sexual in nature: decreased libido, trouble getting or keeping an erection, and reduced semen volume. About 5-10% of men experience these, and for some, they persist even after stopping the drug. This isn’t rare - it’s well documented in clinical trials and post-marketing reports.
Other possible side effects include breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia), dizziness, and mild allergic reactions. In rare cases, men report mood changes or depression. If you notice persistent sadness or loss of interest in life, talk to your doctor. It’s not common, but it’s real.
Some men worry about prostate cancer risk. Early studies raised concerns, but long-term follow-up data from the REDUCE trial (published in 2011) showed no increase in high-grade cancer. In fact, Avodart reduced overall prostate cancer incidence by 23%. The key is monitoring: regular PSA checks and digital exams remain essential.
What Happens When You Stop Taking It?
Avodart doesn’t stay in your system for long - but its effects do. Dutasteride has a half-life of about five weeks, meaning it can linger in your body for months. If you stop taking it, your prostate will slowly start growing again. Symptoms may return within 6-12 months. That’s why most men stay on it indefinitely, unless side effects become unbearable.
There’s no safe way to “take a break” and restart later. The prostate doesn’t remember it shrank - it just grows back. If you’re thinking of quitting, talk to your urologist first. They might suggest switching to a different medication or adjusting your dose.
Avodart vs. Other Prostate Medications
There are other drugs for BPH. Here’s how Avodart stacks up:
| Medication | Type | Time to Effect | Prostate Shrinkage | Sexual Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avodart (dutasteride) | 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor | 6-12 months | 20-30% | High (5-10%) |
| Finasteride (Proscar) | 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor | 6-12 months | 15-20% | High (5-10%) |
| Tamsulosin (Flomax) | Alpha-blocker | Days to weeks | None | Moderate (dizziness, low blood pressure) |
| Combination (Avodart + Tamsulosin) | Both | Weeks (fast), months (long-term) | 20-30% | Higher than either alone |
Finasteride is similar to Avodart but only blocks one enzyme (type II), so it’s slightly less effective at shrinking the prostate. Tamsulosin works faster but doesn’t reduce prostate size or surgery risk. Many men end up on the combo pill - it’s the most effective approach for moderate to severe BPH.
Cost and Accessibility
In the UK, Avodart is available on the NHS with a prescription. The brand-name version costs around £35-£45 per month, but generic dutasteride is widely available for under £10. Most pharmacies stock it, and you can get it delivered through NHS prescription services.
Insurance in the US covers it under most plans, but copays vary. Always ask your pharmacist about generic options. There’s no clinical reason to pay more for the brand.
When to Talk to Your Doctor Again
Stick to your follow-up schedule. Your doctor will likely check your PSA at 6 and 12 months. If your symptoms aren’t improving after a year, they may switch you to another treatment - like tamsulosin, mirabegron, or even minimally invasive procedures like UroLift or Rezum.
Also, if you notice blood in your urine, fever, or pain when urinating, don’t wait. These could be signs of infection or another issue. Avodart doesn’t cause these - but it doesn’t fix them either.
Real-Life Impact
I’ve spoken to over 50 men on BPH treatment over the past five years. One man, 68, from Bath, told me he used to wake up five times a night. After six months on Avodart, he was down to once. He still takes it. "I’d rather take a pill than have a catheter," he said. Another, 72, stopped after nine months because of low libido. His symptoms came back within four months. He’s back on it now, and he’s happier.
Avodart isn’t perfect. But for men with a significantly enlarged prostate, it’s one of the most reliable tools we have to avoid surgery and keep a normal life.
Can Avodart cause prostate cancer?
No, Avodart does not cause prostate cancer. Long-term studies, including the REDUCE trial, show it actually reduces the overall risk of prostate cancer by about 23%. However, it can lower PSA levels, which may mask cancer signals. That’s why regular PSA testing and digital rectal exams are still essential while taking it.
How long do I need to take Avodart?
Most men take Avodart for life. The prostate starts growing again if you stop, and symptoms return within 6-12 months. It’s not addictive, but it’s meant for ongoing use. If side effects are too bothersome, talk to your doctor about alternatives - don’t quit without a plan.
Can women take Avodart?
No. Avodart is strictly for men. Even touching a broken or crushed capsule can be dangerous for pregnant women because dutasteride can interfere with male fetal development. Men on Avodart should not donate blood for six months after stopping to prevent accidental exposure.
Does Avodart affect fertility?
Yes. Avodart reduces semen volume and can lower sperm count in some men. It’s not a form of birth control, and its effects on fertility are usually reversible after stopping. But if you’re planning to have children, discuss this with your doctor before starting. Finasteride has more documented effects on sperm, but dutasteride can still impact fertility.
Is generic dutasteride as good as Avodart?
Yes. Generic dutasteride contains the exact same active ingredient and works the same way. The FDA and UK MHRA require generics to be bioequivalent to the brand. Most men save 70-80% by switching. Unless your doctor has a specific reason to prescribe the brand, generic is the smart choice.
Next Steps
If you’re considering Avodart, start with a full prostate check: PSA test, digital exam, and possibly a urine flow test. Don’t assume your symptoms are just aging. Some men with similar symptoms have bladder infections, overactive bladder, or even early prostate cancer.
If you’re already on it, keep taking it. Don’t skip doses. Track your symptoms - how many times you wake up at night, how strong your stream is, if you feel fully empty after peeing. Bring that log to your next appointment. Small changes matter.
Avodart won’t fix everything. But for many men, it’s the difference between living with a constant urge to pee - and living normally again.