Avodart side effects are something that may concern men who take this medication for BPH symptoms. Avodart (dutasteride) is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that treats symptoms of BPH by slowing the growth of the prostate. The drug also can help reduce the size of the prostate by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotesterone (DHT), a hormone that stimulates prostate growth. As the prostate shrinks over time, urinary tract symptoms can resolve.
Avodart side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Lightheadedness
- Stuffy or runny nose
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduce sperm count, semen volume, and sperm movement
- Loss of libido
- Breast enlargement and tenderness
- Ejaculation problems
- Risk of high-grade prostate cancer
- Testicular pain or swelling
Using other drugs with Avodart
In the past, doctors frequently prescribed Avodart along with another drug, Flomax (tamsulosin), because they address BPH symptoms in different ways. Both drugs are available in a single formulation called Jalyn, which was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in June 2010. Jalyn combines dutasteride and tamsulosin for treatment of BPH in a once-a-day pill.
Results of clinical trials of Jalyn (0.5 mg dutasteride, 0.4 mg tamsulosin) showed that men who used the drug experienced significantly better relief of BPH symptoms than did men who took the same amount of either Flomax or Avodart alone. Men who take Jalyn may experience adverse reactions that are similar to the Flomax side effects and Avodart side effects individually.
Other safety warnings
In 2011, the FDA issued a safety warning regarding an increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer associated with the use of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, including Avodart, Jalyn, Proscar, and Propecia (the latter two are forms of finasteride). All of these drugs now have a warning box on their labels indicating this increased risk.
Avodart side effects, as well as those associated with Jalyn, can have a significant impact on the lives of men who use these drugs. Before starting any of these medications, be sure to discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider. Make sure your doctor and pharmacist have a complete list of medications you take. Both Avodart and Jalyn can have bad interactions with other medications.
