Dutasteride

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Apr 29, 2024

Common Questions


Common Questions about Dutasteride (Avodart)


Is dutasteride safe for hair loss?

Dutasteride is not an FDA-approved treatment for male pattern hair loss. Another medication from the same drug class, finasteride (Propecia), is used to treat androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). Dutasteride is sometimes used off-label for this purpose.



How long should dutasteride be taken?

Treatment with dutasteride is usually long-term. It takes at least 3 months for this medication to start relieving symptoms and up to 6 months for it to have its full effects.



Which is better: dutasteride or finasteride?

Dutasteride is an inhibitor of both type I and type II isoenzymes of 5-alpha reductase, whereas finasteride is a selective inhibitor of the type IIisoenzyme. Studies have shown that dutasteride and finasteride may be equally effective in improving BPH symptoms. They have almost similar side effects. Your healthcare provider may prefer one over the other based on what other medications you're taking. This is because finasteride has fewer drug interactions as compared to dutasteride. You can discuss with your provider which option is better for you.



Does dutasteride reduce prostate size?

Dutasteride can help to reduce prostate size, but these effects last only as long as you continue taking the medication.



What is the best time to take dutasteride?

You can take dutasteride at any time of the day without regard to meals. Take the medicine at the same time every day.



Can I take dutasteride with Flomax?

Yes, you can take dutasteride with Flomax (tamsulosin), which is another type of medication used to treat symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate). A combination pill containing dutasteride and tamsulosin is sold under the trade name Jalyn.



What is the price of dutasteride without insurance?

Without insurance, dutasteride can be as high as $532.69, but with a free BuzzRx prescription discount coupon, you could pay as low as $23.93 for the most common version of this medication. Use the BuzzRx drug price look-up tool to find the lowest discounted price, and be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity for the most accurate pricing. While generics tend to have the best savings, you can also use your BuzzRx card and coupons to purchase brand-name versions. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescription drugs—whether you have insurance or not.



What is the price of dutasteride with insurance?

Ask your pharmacist or insurance provider for your copay price on dutasteride—Copay amounts vary depending on the type of insurance plan you have and if there is a deductible to reach before prescription drug coverage begins.

You could save up to 80% on your prescription medication with a free BuzzRx discount coupon for dutasteride. When using the BuzzRx lookup tool to find the price of your medicine, be sure to enter the correct dosage, form, and quantity to receive the most accurate discounted pricing. It never hurts to ask your pharmacist to try BuzzRx when filling or refilling any of your prescriptions—whether you have insurance or not.