Dutasteride

Benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), or prostate enlargement, is a condition that affects men as they age, and causes uncomfortable urinary symptoms, such as a limited flow or a loss of bladder control.

Dutasteride, also sold as Avodart, is prescribed to control and reduce prostate enlargement. As it works to suppress the effects of male hormones, it is also often used to treat hair loss and as part of a hormone replacement therapy regime for transgender women.

Dutasteride can be prescribed alone or in combination with other BPH treatments, including Tamsulosin.

A course is ongoing, with a review required after 3-6 months and then periodically every 6-12 months.

Dutasteride belongs to a family of medications known as 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors. The male body produces testosterone, and a by-product of this is dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT has lots of influences on the body, including making the prostate gland increase in size.

A large prostate can press against the bladder muscles (detrusor) and limit the flow of urine down the urethra.

Dustaradise stops your body from producing DHT, preventing the prostate from growing.

Dutasteride may also be prescribed alongside Tamsulosin, as the latter relaxes the detrusor. The combined effect of these medicines has proven effective in reducing urinary symptoms of BPH.

You should always follow the advice of your doctor when starting any new medication. However, Dutasteride is relatively simple to take on its own, and prescribing guidelines do not tend to vary:

• you should take one tablet daily
• tablets can be taken with or without food
• tablets should be taken at around the same time daily
• do not break, split or chew tablets
• if you miss a dose, take as soon as you remember
• do not take a double-dose to make up for a missed dose

For more comprehensive instructions, please consult the patient leaflet enclosed with your order, and linked on this page.

Your doctor will weigh up the advantages and disadvantages of prescribing Dutasteride alongside other medications. If they do choose to prescribe a combination therapy, the above instructions may not apply.

All prescription medication carries a risk of side effects. The vast majority of men taking Dutasteride do not experience any adverse reactions. The most common are:

• breast disorders
• decreased libido
• ejaculation problems
• impotence

You should report any side effects to your doctor. They may be able to propose an alternative treatment.

If you believe you are suffering an allergic reaction to this medication, you should stop taking it and seek immediate medical attention.

You should not use Dutasteride if you:

• have severe liver issues
• are trying for a child
• are planning to donate blood

Please note, if your partner is pregnant, it is recommended that you use a condom, as Dutasteride can be present in semen.

Pregnant and breastfeeding women and those trying to conceive should also avoid contact with this medication.

When taking this treatment, you should have regular tests for prostate cancer.

You should also report any changes to your breasts or breast tissue to your doctor, including any lumps, pain or discharge from the nipples.

You can buy Dutasteride online from HealthExpress. All we ask is that you fill in one of our medical questionnaires before making payment. Our doctors will consider your answers and approve the treatment for your use if it is safe to do so. We will then ship to an address of your choice with next-day delivery for no additional cost.

If treatment is not approved, our doctors may wish to speak to you for further medical clarification. They may also propose an alternative medicine.