Dutasteride (Avodart) Dutasteride (Avodart, Avolve) - a new, emerging treatment for hair loss Rating: (1 reviews) Retail Price: $ 100.00 » Read consumer reviews or share your experience by writing a review.

Avolve is the European brand name for Dutasteride, an oral medicine made by GlaxoSmithKline for treating symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men.

The active compound in Avolve, Dutasteride, has the added benefit of treating genetic male pattern hair loss on the vertex (top of the head) and the mid-scalp area. Dutasteride is chemically similar to Finasteride, the active compound in Propecia.

Avolve is also known by its US brand name, Avodart. The medicine has been approved by the US Food & Drug Administration, and in Europe, for treating BPH. Avolve is supplied in 0.5mg soft gelatin capsules.

How does Avolve work?
Researchers have discovered that men who suffer from benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or from male pattern hair loss, have increased levels of the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).

DHT is produced from testosterone by an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. Biochemical analysis reveals higher levels of 5-alpha-reductase in the bloodstream of men with BPH, and in the scalps of men with hair loss; and less of this enzyme in men with no BPH or no hair loss.

Avolve inhibits 5-alpha-reductase, blocking the formation of DHT. This interrupts a key trigger element in both BPH and development of male pattern hair loss.

Is Avolve safe?
Clinical trials showed that it was generally well tolerated. Most side effects were mild or moderate and generally went away while on treatment in both the Avolve and placebo groups.

Drug-related side effects during the first six months were as follows:

• impotence (4.7% vs. 1.7% for placebo)
• decreased libido (3% vs. 1.4%)
• breast tenderness and breast enlargement (gynecomastia; 0.5% vs. 0.2%)
• ejaculation disorders (1.4% vs. 0.5%).
• Avolve should not be used in women and children. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle this medicine because of possibility of absorption and subsequent potential risk to a male foetus.

Men treated with Avolve should not donate blood until at least six months after their final dose to prevent the medicine going to a pregnant woman through a blood transfusion.

Men with liver disease should talk to their doctor before taking Avolve.

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