Dutas (dutasteride) is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. Dutas capsules are available in generic form and under the brand name Avodart.
Dutas is also used for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
Side effects of Dutas include:
sexual problems (decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm)
tenderness, pain, or swelling of your breasts
nipple discharge
dizziness
weakness
tired feeling
skin rash
runny nose
flu-like symptoms
Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Dutas including:
lumps in your breasts
pain or burning when you urinate
urinating less often or not at all
nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).
The recommended dose of Dutas is 0.5 mg once daily. Dutas may interact with ritonavir, saw palmetto, St. John's wort, or warfarin. Tell your doctor all medications you use.
During pregnancy, Dutas should be used only when prescribed. This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
With BPH, the prostate gland is enlarged but not cancerous. Dutas works by preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. DHT is involved in the development of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).
