Avodart

What is Avodart?

Avodart is a tablet that’s approved to treat moderate to severe symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). When it comes to hair loss, it’s prescribed off-label, meaning it’s not formally approved for that use, even though studies show it can be effective for male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia).^[1]

Male androgenetic alopecia (AGA) usually shows up as a receding hairline around the temples and thinning at the crown of the head.

If you feel like it impacts your self-confidence and quality of life, there are treatments that can prevent further hair loss, improve the overall thickness and appearance of hair, and promote hair regrowth.

Avodart is one of the more effective options for stopping further hair loss. But it’s important to know that it likely won’t bring back dormant hairs, which are harder to reactivate. These follicles are still alive, but they’re no longer actively growing hair.

How does Avodart work?

Dutasteride, the active ingredient in Avodart, works by blocking an enzyme that produces DHT, a hormone made from testosterone. DHT causes the hair on your scalp to fall, even though it can actually stimulate hair growth in other areas like your face, chest, and genitals.^[2]

Taking 0.5mg of dutasteride daily has been shown to reduce DHT levels by 95%.^[3]

What doses of Avodart are there?

Avodart is only available in one strength: a soft capsule containing 0.5mg of dutasteride. You should take it exactly as your clinician advises, but in most cases, it’s one capsule a day. It can take at least three to six months of daily use, or sometimes even longer, before you’ll start noticing results.

Will I get side effects from Avodart?

It’s possible that you may get some side effects from Avodart, although not everyone gets them. Some common ones that may affect up to one in ten men taking Avodart include:

• not being able to have or maintain an erection
• decreased libido
• decreased semen amounts released during sex
• breast enlargement or tenderness

Some of these side effects may continue after you stop taking the medication. If this happens, contact your clinician for advice on what to do next.

In a clinical study, dutasteride, the active ingredient in Avodart, was responsible for less side effects than finasteride (brand name Propecia), although the difference wasn’t found to be statistically significant.^[3]

Serious side effects like low mood, depression, or suicidal ideation, are also possible, although their frequency is not known.^[4] Stop taking your medication immediately and contact your clinician if you experience any of these symptoms.

How to use Avodart

Take one capsule daily, preferably around the same time, with or without food. You should take them whole with water, without crushing, opening, or chewing them.

To see the best results, it’s important to take the capsules consistently.

Follow your clinician’s instructions when taking Avodart, and if you have any questions, ask your clinician for more information.

How long does Avodart take to work for hair loss?

Dutasteride, the active ingredient in Avodart, usually takes at least three to six months to start showing results, and it can take up to a year of consistent use to see the full benefits. That’s because it often causes weaker hairs to shed first, making way for healthier, thicker hair to grow in their place.

What if I make a mistake while using Avodart?

It’s quite a simple treatment schedule to stick to (one tablet daily), but if you ever take more Avodart than you should, it’s best to check in with your doctor or pharmacist.

If you forget a dose, don’t take two to catch up. Just take your next one at the usual time.

And don’t stop taking Avodart without speaking to your doctor first. It can take six months or more to start seeing results, so it’s very important to stick to your treatment.