Avodart (dutasteride). The medicine has been approved for prescription by the US Food & Drug Administration, and in Europe. The US brand name for the new medicine is Avodart. It is also known by its European brand name, Avolve. Avodart (dutasteride) prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
Avodart (dutasteride) is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. This medicine helps improve urinary flow and may also reduce your need for prostate surgery later on.
Avodart (dutasteride) may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

USAGE:

 The recommended dose of Avodart (dutasteride) is 1 capsule (0.5 mg) taken orally once a day. The capsules should be swallowed whole. Avodart (dutasteride) may be administered with or without food.
No dosage adjustment is necessary for subjects with renal impairment or for the elderly (see CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY: Pharmacokinetics: Geriatric and Renal Impairment). Due to the absence of data in patients with hepatic impairment, no dosage recommendation can be made.

SIDE EFFECTS:

Clinical trials showed that it was generally well tolerated. Most side effects were mild, and generally went away while on treatment in both the Dutasteride and placebo groups.
Drug-related side effects during the first six months were as follows:

    - impotence (4.7% vs. 1.7% for placebo)
    - decreased libido (3% vs. 1.4%)
    - breast tenderness and breast enlargement (gynecomastia; 0.5% vs. 0.2%)
    - ejaculation disorders (1.4% vs. 0.5%).

Avodart (dutasteride) should not be used by women and children. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle this medicine because of possibility of absorption and subsequent potential risk to a male foetus.
Men treated with Avodart (dutasteride) should not donate blood until at least six months after their final dose to prevent the medicine going to a pregnant woman through a blood transfusion.
Men with liver disease should talk to their doctor before taking Dutasteride.