Dutasteride is the active ingredient associated with Avodart; current U.S. labeling describes 0.5 mg capsules for symptomatic BPH in men with an enlarged prostate.
Dutasteride / Avodart 0.5 mg for BPH
Dutasteride is a prescription 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor used for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Avodart is a brand name associated with dutasteride. Current U.S. labeling for dutasteride capsules describes a 0.5 mg oral capsule and indicates the drug for symptomatic BPH in men with an enlarged prostate, including reducing the risk of acute urinary retention and the need for BPH-related surgery.
Dutasteride vs Avodart: active ingredient and product identity
The key product question is the active ingredient. A prescription for dutasteride refers to the generic drug name; Avodart refers to a branded dutasteride product. FDA-approved generic drug products are evaluated under the applicable approval pathway, but individual products can differ in manufacturer, appearance, inactive ingredients and package configuration.
If a prescription specifies a particular product or if a patient wants to know which manufacturer is currently obtainable, that should be confirmed at the time the prescription is filled.
What does 0.5 mg mean?
Current dutasteride labeling lists 0.5 mg soft gelatin capsules. This page does not provide an individualized dosing plan. Patients should follow the directions on their own prescription and the current product labeling rather than changing dose or schedule based on general website information.
Dutasteride and finasteride
Dutasteride and finasteride are both 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors used in BPH treatment, but they are different active ingredients. A useful comparison includes the exact prescription, the product the prescriber intends, prior treatment, tolerability, current price, insurance coverage and availability. See finasteride and the broader BPH treatment options guide.
Important safety and product context
Dutasteride is not approved for prevention of prostate cancer. Current labeling also contains pregnancy-related handling warnings and other precautions. Because urinary symptoms can have causes other than BPH, a diagnosis and treatment plan should come from an appropriate health professional.
Legacy claims that Avodart is an approved hair-loss treatment should not be used as a basis for product selection. The current U.S. dutasteride labeling cited here is centered on BPH.
Prescription, price, availability and refills
Dutasteride is a prescription medicine. Current pharmacy cost can depend on manufacturer, quantity, insurance rules and supply. Access Care Pharmacy does not claim a fixed price or guaranteed inventory on this page. Patients can ask whether the prescribed product can currently be obtained, whether a generic option is available for the prescription, what the current cash price is, and whether refill authorization remains.
For additional BPH navigation, visit Urology & BPH prescription options. For a current product, refill or cost question, use the pharmacy consultation page.