As it is the case with any medicine, Avodart can cause some side effects. The most common ones may affect up to 1 in 10 men and include:

• impotence (inability to achieve an erection)

• decreased libido (reduction in sex drive)

• difficulty with ejaculation

• breast enlargement or tenderness (gynecomastia)

• dizziness (when taken with tamsulosin)

Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 men) include:

• heart failure (you may experience shortness of breath, extreme tiredness and swelling in your ankles and legs)

• hair loss (usually from the body) or hair growth

Possible (frequency unknown) side effects include:

• depression

• pain and swelling in the testicles

If you suffer any side effects, or if anything unusual occurs that you think might be as a result of taking Avodart, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Very rarely, someone may experience a serious allergic reaction. Stop taking Avodart and immediately seek medical advice if you experience any of the following:

• skin rash, possibly itchy

• hives – swollen, pale red bumps on the skin that usually cause itching, but may also burn or sting

• swelling of the eyelids, face, lips, arms or legs

These are not the only potential side effects of Avodart. For a full list, see the leaflet inside your medicine packet.

There are some medicines that can react with Avodart and possibly increase the likelihood that you will experience side-effects. These medicines include: 

• itraconazole or ketaconazole (used to treat fungal infections)

• nefazodone (antidepressant)

• alpha-blockers (for enlarged prostate or high blood pressure)

• verapamil or diltiazem (for high blood pressure)

• ritonavir or indinavir (for HIV)

Tell your doctor if you are taking any of these medicines, or any other medicines, whether prescription, over-the-counter or herbal preparations. You may need to take a reduced dose of Avodart, to avoid problems.

Please note that Avodart should be stored out of the sight and reach of children. If a child should handle a broken capsule, wash the affected area(s) immediately with soap and water and seek advice from your doctor or pharmacist.

Avodart is intended to be taken only by men. If you are, or may be, pregnant, avoid handling broken capsules as dutasteride – the active ingredient in Avodart – is absorbed through the skin. It can affect the normal development of a male baby, especially if the foetus is exposed to it during the first 16 weeks of the pregnancy.

If you are, or may be, pregnant and you come into contact with Avodart, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.

Make sure your partner uses a condom during sexual intercourse, as dutasteride has been detected in the sperm of men taking the capsules.

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