Avodart (Dutasteride) dose

[FarmerMike5]

I take Avodart (Dutasteride) 0.5 mg tabs twice a week for the past 6 months. I lowered the dose when I developed gynecomastia (breast tissue). Avodart has a long half life. Will it still work to help my benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)?  I have been taking Avodart for 5 years and it has been very helpful.

[FarmerMike5]

Thank you.   I have been taking Avodart one .5 mg capsule every other day for 5 years and I am very pleased with the results.  When I developed gynecomastia (which is minor and I ignore) I lowered the dose of AVODART to one twice a week which is 8/month (from 15/month).  AVODART has a long half life.  Will 8/month still work?  I wrote to GLaxo who make Avodart and they said what you said "ask your physician".  My physician is very busy and I don't want to waste his time.  My next appointment is in June and I will ask at that time if I don't have an answer by then.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Avodart or dutasteride may indeed cause side effects such as gynecomastia. However, you may need to check with your doctor also especially if  dosage adjustment has been considered. Discuss this with your doctor also for proper management. Factors such as your medical history and presence of co-morbid conditions are important considerations also. Take care and regards.