Avodart is a branded medicine commonly prescribed for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (or BPH for short). Developed and marketed by GlaxoSmithKline, this medicine is based on dutasteride as an active ingredient. This compound is at the root of Avodart’s unique mechanism of action – this medicine will interfere with the conversion of testosterone in the body, but we will dive into details a bit later in the text.

Available in a soft capsule form, Avodart is the leading BPH treatment for the 21st century which achieved exceptional results with just one capsule per day.

What’s on this page:

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): A short introduction

Benign prostatic hyperplasia, often abbreviated to BPH and also known as enlarged prostate is a condition affecting men, usually aged 50 and over. The prostate is an important gland in the male body that plays a crucial role in the production of semen. Situated between the penis and the bladder, prostate produces the white liquid that acts as a vehicle for sperm cells produced by the testicles.

However, in some men, this gland can become enlarged later on in life due to reasons which are still debated in the medical community. As of now, the best lead medical experts have is a naturally synthesised compound called dihydrotestosterone. This substance is naturally present in the male body, but its production tends to increase during the middle age, but aside from this link there is not much more scientists can do now to find the root cause of this issue.

When enlarged prostate manifests the usual tell-tale symptoms will include difficulty when urinating, expelling urine with less force, increased frequency of urination and in very rare cases, the appearance of blood.

Treatment of BPH

While BPH isn’t a serious condition in itself, treatment is considered necessary since it can cause further complications including kidney or bladder infections or bladder stones. In some cases, untreated BPH can even result in surgery and complete removal of the prostate.

In addition to this, enlarged prostate has also been linked to prostate cancer, so if you notice any symptoms of BPH, you should immediately visit a doctor so he can rule out this option and issue appropriate treatment. The sign that you should be most aware of is the presence of blood in the urine.

As this condition is directly related to the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, available BPH treatments aim to decelerate this hormonal conversion. The same is true for dutasteride, the active ingredient in Avodart. It achieves this by inhibiting a specialized enzyme called 5-alpha reductase which plays a crucial role in the conversion, acting as a catalyst.

Can I buy Avodart online?

If you are looking to buy Avodart online in the UK, there are several things you should keep in mind.

First of all, Avodart is a prescription only medicine, so in order to obtain it you will have to get a valid prescription from a certified medical professional. Even when buying this medicine online, you will have to provide the online clinic of your choice with a prescription. If it is your first time buying Avodart, you can consult with a doctor online – through a live chat app or via customized questionnaire – in order to provide him with all the relevant information regarding your medical profile and history, so that your suitability for this treatment can be properly assessed.

How is Avodart used?

Avodart pills are very simple to use. However, it is still important to follow the directions provided to you by your doctor exactly. In this way, you will increase the chances of successful treatment while at the same time minimising the risk of unwanted side effects. Additional in-depth guidelines can be found in the official patient information leaflet that is issued within every box of the medicine.

Some of the most general considerations you should keep in mind include:

  • The usual dose is one capsule daily
  • Take the capsules whole, with water
  • Avodart is a long-term treatment and it may take as much as six months before the results are noticeable
  • Never exceed the prescribed amount
  • If you forget to take a dose, simply skip it and continue with the treatment as usual

Are there any documented Avodart side effects?

In case you notice any symptoms similar to allergic reaction, be sure to contact your doctor or emergency service immediately. Allergic reaction to Avodart usually manifests with a typical array of symptoms, including swelling of the face, lips, arms or legs, as well as the appearance of skin rash and hives.

When we take into consideration the frequency of occurrence of other documented side effects, we can list them in the following manner:

Frequency of occurrence

Side effects

Common (1 in 10 users)

Impotence, ejaculatory problems, decreased libido, gynecomastia, dizziness

Uncommon (1 in 100 users)

Heart failure, hair loss or excessive hair growth

 

It is important to note that this is not an in-depth overview of Avodart side effect. For a more comprehensive list, please refer to the official patient information leaflet.

Is Avodart safe for me?

As one can assume, the only way to know for sure if any medicine is suitable and safe for them is to disclose all the relevant details to your doctor so he can make an informed assessment of your condition and your suitability for Avodart. However, there are some cases where it can be deduced relatively easily that this medicine might cause problems. This can be the case, for example, if you are currently using any of the following medicines:

  • Verapamil
  • Diltiazem
  • Ritonavir
  • Indinavir
  • Itraconazole
  • Ketaconazole
  • Nefazodone
  • Alpha-blockers

In addition to this, Avodart use might be contraindicated for people who have:

  • Soya or peanut allergy
  • Severe liver disease
  • Liver disease or a history of liver disease

Finally, it is very important to note that Avodart has been developed for use in men only and should never be used by women, children or adolescents. In fact, even the contents of a leaking capsule shouldn’t ever be handled by those who are not intended to use the medicine, so extra caution is necessary in this regard. In addition to this, the active ingredient can also be present in the sperm, so use of barrier contraception is necessary for men using this medicine.

Finally, yet very importantly, pregnant women who might come into contact with this medicine should seek immediate medical attention right away!