Avodart (Dutasteride)

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Avodart

Manufacturer: GSK

Country: Canada

Dosage: 0.5 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Avodart Capsule

Manufacturer: GSK

Country: Australia

Dosage: 0.5 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Generic Equivalent of Avodart

Type

Product

Manufacturer

Country

Dosage

Qty-Price (USD)

Type:

Product: Dutasteride

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: Canada

Dosage: 0.5 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Type:

Product: Dutasteride

Manufacturer: Generic

Country: United Kingdom

Dosage: 0.5 mg

Qty-Price (USD):

Avodart Information

medically reviewed by Dr. HaVy Ngo, Pharmacist on May 20, 2025.

Avodart and Dutasteride at CanadaPharmacyOnline.com

Brand Avodart (dutasteride), manufactured by GSK, is available in many countries worldwide, including Canada and Australia.

Generic dutasteride is sourced from manufacturers that meet applicable regulatory standards. The specific manufacturer of your dispensed medication may vary.

Important Information about Generic Dutasteride:

Generic dutasteride contains the same active ingredient as brand-name Avodart and is required to meet the same safety, effectiveness, and quality standards. This means it is designed to work in the same way as Avodart. Studies have demonstrated bioequivalence between generic and brand-name dutasteride, meaning they have comparable absorption rates and overall effects. Therefore, your body will absorb dutasteride at the same rate and have the same overall effect as Avodart. However, individual responses to any medication can vary. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about using generic dutasteride.

For more information about generic drug approval and bioequivalence, you can visit the FDA website: https://www.fda.gov/drugs/buying-using-medicine-safely/generic-drugs

Dosage:

Avodart and the generic dutasteride are available as 0.5 mg oral soft capsules.

Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage based on the individual needs.

Usage:

Avodart (dutasteride) is a prescription medication used to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate gland, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). (source: the product labeling information). The prostate is a small gland in the male reproductive system located below the bladder and in front of the rectum.

It produces fluid that is a component of semen. As men age, the prostate can sometimes become enlarged or inflamed, thereby squeezing the urine tube running through it, which can cause issues like difficulty urinating, frequent urination, or pain. An enlarged prostate, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), is a non-cancerous condition where the prostate gland grows larger, potentially causing problems with urination. Avodart may also be used with another medicine, tamsulosin, to treat the symptoms of an enlarged prostate.

Mechanism of Action:
Avodart (dutasteride) is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It lowers the production of dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that makes the prostate grow more prominent than usual. By reducing this hormone, Avodart helps to shrink the prostate and relieve the symptoms of an enlarged prostate. It may take 3 to 6 months to notice an improvement in your symptoms. Consult your doctor for realistic expectations regarding the timeline of treatment. Dutasteride helps reduce the risk of acute urinary retention (a sudden blockage of urine in which you suddenly cannot urinate even though your bladder is full. It can also reduce the need for surgery on the prostate.

It is crucial to take Avodart exactly as your doctor prescribes and read the patient information leaflet. Consult your doctor before taking Avodart for personalized guidance and safe use.

The information below summarizes some, but not all, potential side effects, risks, and interactions. It is essential to discuss all potential side effects, risks, and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist before taking Avodart.

Side Effects:

This is a partial list of side effects; individual reactions can vary. Discuss all potential side effects and risks of Avodart with your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medication.

Common side effects – These are examples of some common side effects of Avodart, but others are possible. Contact your doctor promptly if any side effects are persistent, worsening, or concerning or if you experience any other concerning symptoms.
• Problems getting or keeping an erection (impotence);
• Problems with ejaculation, such as a decrease in the amount of semen released during sex;
• Reduced sex drive (libido);
• Sore or enlarged breasts in men (gynecomastia);

Serious or rare side effects – Stop taking Avodart and seek immediate medical attention right away if you experience any of the following:
• A possible increased risk of being diagnosed with a higher grade of prostate cancer has been observed in some studies. Discuss this potential risk with your doctor.
• A possible increased risk of heart failure has been suggested in some studies. Discuss this potential risk with your doctor;
• Severe allergic reactions, which can include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat (angioedema), itchy rash (hives), difficulty swallowing, and trouble breathing;

Contraindications:

This is not an exhaustive list of contraindications. It is crucial to discuss all your medical conditions, past and present, and all medications you are taking with your doctor or pharmacist before starting Avodart.

Avodart should not be used if:
• Are allergic to dutasteride or any of the inactive ingredients in Avodart;
• Are allergic to any other medicine known as a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor;
• Are a woman;
• Severe liver problems;

Tell your doctor about your medical conditions, past and present, before starting Avodart. This is crucial because certain conditions can affect whether Avodart is right for you. These conditions may include, but are not limited to:
• Liver problems;

Blood Donation:
Do not donate blood while taking dutasteride or at least 6 months after your last dose. The medicine can stay in your blood for as long as 6 months after your last dose. If a pregnant woman receives blood that contains dutasteride, it could harm her unborn baby.

Breast Enlargement and Tenderness:
Avodart may cause breast enlargement and tenderness. Unusual changes such as breast lumps or nipple discharge can be a sign of a serious condition, such as breast cancer. Although breast cancer is rare in men, inform your doctor if you notice unusual changes in your breast. Breast enlargement and tenderness may result from using dutasteride.

Liver Problems:
Your liver breaks down dutasteride. If you have severe liver problems, you should not take this medicine. Use dutasteride with caution if you have mild to moderate liver impairment.

PSA Blood Test:
Avodart can lower the amount of a substance called prostate-specific antigen (PSA) in your blood, usually by about 50% after 6 months of treatment, though this can vary. PSA levels are often checked to screen for prostate cancer. Because Avodart lowers PSA, it can make it harder for doctors to interpret the results of prostate cancer screening tests. Avodart does not prevent prostate cancer. It only affects the PSA test. Tell your doctor you are taking this medicine when testing for prostate cancer. Although some studies suggest that dutasteride may reduce the risk of developing prostate cancer, there is a potential increase in the risk of higher-grade cancer in those who do develop it. This is a complex aspect that should be discussed with a doctor.

Sexual Intercourse:
Dutasteride has been found in the semen of men using Avodart. If your sexual partner is pregnant, you must avoid exposing her to your semen. This medicine can affect the normal development of a male fetus. Use a condom during sexual intercourse to prevent exposure of a pregnant partner to dutasteride in semen. Dutasteride can decrease your sperm count and semen mobility. This may affect your fertility. The impact on fertility may vary. If you have concerns about this, talk to your doctor before using Avodart.

Women, Children, and Adolescents:
Women, children, and teenagers should avoid touching Avodart capsules. The medicine can be absorbed through the skin. If contact with the skin occurs, wash the affected area with soap and water immediately.

Drug Interactions:

Before taking Avodart, it is essential to discuss all possible risks and interactions with your doctor or pharmacist. For complete information about potential drug interactions, consult the official Avodart prescribing information: https://ca.gsk.com/media/6149/avodart.pdf, and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. It is important to note that prescribing information can vary by country.

Provide your doctor with a complete list of all your medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter (OTC) drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Avodart can interact with several other medicines, including verapamil, ritonavir, ketoconazole, clarithromycin, nefazodone, and alpha-blockers. It can also interact with other strong medications that affect a specific liver enzyme (CYP3A4). It is crucial to tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking.

Grapefruit:
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while taking Avodart. They can change how your body processes the medicine, potentially leading to higher levels of dutasteride in your blood and increasing the risk of side effects.

Soy Allergy:
Avodart contains lecithin from soya, which may contain soya oil. Use caution if you have a known soy allergy. It is best to speak to your doctor if this is of concern to you.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

Women who are pregnant or may be pregnant should not handle leaking Avodart capsules. The skin can absorb dutasteride, which can affect the normal development of a male fetus. Pregnant women should avoid any exposure to dutasteride throughout their pregnancy.

Frequently Asked Questions about Avodart at Canada Pharmacy Online

Why is Avodart more affordable in Canada than in the United States?

Prescription drug prices, including Avodart, are generally lower in Canada than in the US due to a combination of factors, primarily government price regulations, differing market dynamics, and other economic considerations. In Canada, provincial and federal governments negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies, which often results in lower costs than in the US, where market forces play a more significant role. For more information, see the FAQs on Prescription Drug Importation from the Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF): https://www.kff.org/health-costs/issue-brief/faqs-on-prescription-drug-importation/

Can I cut or split an Avodart capsule?

Do not crush, chew, or split Avodart capsules. Swallow the capsule whole with water. Crushing, chewing, or splitting the capsules may affect the medication's work. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have difficulty swallowing the capsule.

When is the best time to take Avodart?

Take dutasteride once daily. It's generally recommended that you take it at the same time each day to maintain consistent blood levels.

Can you take Avodart on an empty stomach?

You can take dutasteride with or without food. However, taking the medicine with food can reduce your risk of stomach upset.

How much is the shipping?

Our shipping fee is a flat rate of $10.00 per order. Our pharmacy focuses on offering you the lowest prices on high-quality products.

How do I order from your pharmacy?

Ordering from us is very simple. You can purchase online or call Customer Service at 1866.920.3784. For additional information or to learn about ordering, visit our How to Order page.

Is there a limit on how many Avodart capsules I am allowed to order at one time?

CanadaPharmacyOnline.com can only dispense a maximum of a three-month supply of Avodart at once, as per your doctor's prescription.

Can I buy Avodart over the counter from you?

No, Avodart requires a valid prescription from your doctor. We do not sell this product without a valid prescription.

Do you ship to the United States?

Yes, we do. It usually takes 7 to 18 business days to receive your order from our pharmacy.

Is there a generic for Avodart?

Yes, there is a generic alternative for this product called dutasteride.

Blog Posts:

Keep it Up: 6 Ways to Beat Erectile Dysfunction
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News:

New surgery for benign prostate hyperplasia provides long-lasting benefits (news published on January 23, 2025)

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The information on this page is sourced from independent third parties contracted by CanadaPharmacyOnline. While we cannot guarantee its medical accuracy, we strongly recommend consulting a healthcare professional for personalized advice regarding medications or medical conditions.

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