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Dutasteride

Dutasteride 0.5MG

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What is Dutasteride?

Dutasteride (Avodart) is a prescription medication used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. It is also commonly prescribed off-label to treat male pattern hair loss by lowering levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for prostate enlargement and hair follicle miniaturization.

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What is Dutasteride ?

Dutasteride (Avodart) is a prescription medication used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. It is also commonly prescribed off-label to treat male pattern hair loss by lowering levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for prostate enlargement and hair follicle miniaturization.

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
  • Do not donate blood for at least 6 months after you stop taking this medicine.
  • Women who are pregnant should avoid touching or handling this medicine because it can harm an unborn male baby. If a pregnant woman gets this medicine on her skin, wash the area immediately with soap and water.
  • Tell your doctor if you have liver disease.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.
  • This medicine may increase your risk of high-grade prostate cancer.
  • Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
What is dutasteride used for?
Dutasteride is FDA-approved to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) — an enlarged prostate — in men. It can improve urinary symptoms, reduce the risk of sudden inability to urinate (acute urinary retention), and reduce the need for prostate surgery. It is used alone or combined with tamsulosin (Jalyn). It is not approved for use in women or children.
How long does it take for dutasteride to work?
Dutasteride works gradually by lowering DHT and shrinking the prostate over time, so improvement in urinary symptoms is not immediate. Many men need to take it consistently for several months to notice the full benefit. Keep taking it as prescribed and talk to your doctor about what to expect for your situation.
What is the difference between dutasteride and finasteride?
Both are 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors used for BPH that work by lowering DHT. The key difference is that dutasteride blocks more forms of the enzyme, while finasteride blocks one form. Your prescriber chooses between them based on your individual needs.
What are the most common side effects of dutasteride?
The most common side effects are sexual: decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, and breast enlargement or tenderness (gynecomastia). These can sometimes persist after stopping the drug. Dutasteride also lowers PSA levels, which affects prostate cancer screening. Contact your doctor if you have any concerning symptoms.
Can dutasteride be used for hair loss?
Dutasteride is FDA-approved only for benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) in men. It is sometimes prescribed off-label for male pattern hair loss, but that is not an approved use. Only a licensed prescriber can decide whether any off-label use is appropriate for you.
How much does Dutasteride 0.5MG cost without insurance?
The price of Dutasteride 0.5MG without insurance varies by pharmacy, dosage, and quantity. Rx.com compares cash prices at more than 60,000 US pharmacies so you can find the lowest price near you. Many people save 60–90% off retail prices with a free Rx.com coupon.
What are the common side effects of Dutasteride 0.5MG?
Common side effects of Dutasteride 0.5MG may include: Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing, Decrease in how much or how often you urinate. This is not a complete list — consult your pharmacist or doctor for full side effect information.
Is there a generic version of Dutasteride 0.5MG?
Generic versions may be available for Dutasteride 0.5MG. Generics contain the same active ingredients as brand-name drugs and are typically 80–90% cheaper. Search Dutasteride 0.5MG on Rx.com to compare generic and brand prices at pharmacies near you.
What is the cheapest pharmacy for Dutasteride 0.5MG?
The cheapest pharmacy for Dutasteride 0.5MG depends on your location and dosage. Rx.com compares prices at CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and thousands of independent pharmacies. Enter your ZIP code on Rx.com to find the lowest price for Dutasteride 0.5MG near you.

Dutasteride Coupons & Prices

Dutasteride 0.5MG

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Dutasteride Capsule — prescription drug image
Prescription
Dutasteride 0.5mg (15)
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Compounded GLP-1 medications are not FDA-approved and are prepared by state-licensed compounding pharmacies. They are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or equivalent to any brand-name medication or manufacturer. Prescription required; eligibility is determined by a licensed provider. Prices are estimates and may vary.

Looking for a dutasteride coupon? Dutasteride is the low-cost generic version of Avodart, a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor used to treat symptoms of an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia). Because it is already available as a generic, the cash price is usually modest — but what you actually pay can vary widely from one pharmacy to another. Rx.com compares dutasteride prices across more than 60,000 pharmacies so you can find today's lowest price near you. Enter your ZIP above to see current pricing and print or show your free coupon at the pharmacy counter.

What is dutasteride and how does it work?

Dutasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor (5-ARI). It is FDA-approved to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate. It can be used on its own or in combination with the alpha-blocker tamsulosin (sold together as Jalyn). Dutasteride works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that drives prostate growth.

In men with BPH, dutasteride can improve urinary symptoms, reduce the risk of acute urinary retention, and lower the need for BPH-related surgery. It is sold under the brand name Avodart. Dutasteride is not approved for use in women or children.

Dutasteride cost and savings without insurance

Dutasteride is a generic, so it is typically far cheaper than the brand-name Avodart. Even so, the cash price can differ significantly between pharmacies in the same area — which is exactly why comparing before you fill matters. Rx.com checks dutasteride prices at more than 60,000 U.S. pharmacies and shows you the lowest option near you. Enter your ZIP above to see today's price and get a free coupon; there is no membership or insurance required to use it.

If you are prescribed brand-name Avodart, the manufacturer offers its own savings program at goavodart.com/savings. Eligibility and terms vary, so review the manufacturer's page for details. For most people, comparing the generic cash price on Rx.com is the simplest way to keep costs down.

Dutasteride vs. finasteride and other alternatives

Dutasteride and finasteride are both 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors used for BPH, and they work in a similar way by lowering DHT. The main difference is that dutasteride blocks more forms of the enzyme, while finasteride (brand name Proscar for prostate use) blocks one form. Your prescriber decides which is the better fit for you.

Related and combination options include:

  • Avodart — the brand-name version of dutasteride.
  • Finasteride — another 5-ARI used for BPH.
  • Tamsulosin — an alpha-blocker that relaxes prostate and bladder muscles.
  • Jalyn — a single capsule combining dutasteride and tamsulosin.

You can compare the price of each on Rx.com to see which combination fits your budget.

Important safety information

This is general information, not medical advice — always talk to your doctor or pharmacist about your own situation. Dutasteride is contraindicated in women who are or may become pregnant and in children, because it can cause abnormalities in a male baby's genitals. Pregnant or potentially pregnant women should not handle the capsules, especially if a capsule is leaking. Men taking dutasteride should not donate blood during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose, to avoid exposing a pregnant transfusion recipient.

Common sexual side effects include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation problems, and breast enlargement or tenderness (gynecomastia); these may sometimes continue after stopping the medicine. Dutasteride lowers PSA levels by about half, which your doctor must factor into prostate cancer screening, and it has been linked to a possible increased risk of high-grade prostate cancer. Rare but serious allergic reactions (swelling of the face, tongue, or throat; serious skin reactions) can occur — seek medical help right away if these happen. Some men may also notice a lower or depressed mood. Report any concerning symptoms to your provider.

Sources & accuracy

This Dutasteride information was written and reviewed against authoritative U.S. medical sources — MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), DailyMed, and FDA prescribing information — and checked for accuracy. It is provided for education and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.

Verify the official label: Dutasteride on DailyMed (FDA)

Reviewed against FDA labeling · Last reviewed July 2026

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Medical disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a licensed physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication or treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.


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