Avodart Uses (Cont.)

Using Avodart for BPH

Avodart is licensed as a BPH treatment for men who have symptoms. It is licensed to help improve enlarged prostate symptoms, decrease the risk of acute urinary retention (being unable to urinate at all), and decrease the chance of needing BPH surgery.
 

How Avodart Works

Avodart works by blocking the enzyme 5-alpha reductase. There are two types of this enzyme (Type I and Type II). Avodart blocks both types. The 5-alpha reductase enzyme is responsible for converting the male hormone testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is necessary for enlargement of the prostate. By decreasing DHT levels, Avodart helps to shrink the prostate over time, relieving the enlarged prostate symptoms.
 

Avodart for Hair Loss

Avodart is not approved for the treatment of hair loss. While Avodart is very similar to Propecia®, a medication for hair loss, it is not licensed for this use.
 

Avodart Use in Children

Avodart has not been adequately studied in children and is not approved for use in children. Because Avodart affects certain hormones, the benefits of Avodart in children may not be worth the risks.
 

Off-Label Avodart Uses

On occasion, a healthcare provider may recommend Avodart for something other than the condition(s) discussed above. This is called an "off-label" use. At this time, there are a few off-label Avodart uses, such as:
 
  • Treatment of prostate cancer after surgical removal of the prostate
  • Treatment of male pattern baldness.

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;