Dutasteride and BPH
A medication that can treat benign prostate hyperplasia symptoms and reduce prostate size, is the FDA-approved 5-alpha reductase inhibitor dutasteride.
Dutasteride, also known by its brand name Avodart, works by inhibiting the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, by converting some of the body’s testosterone into dihydrotestosterone– which can cause further prostate growth.
The overproduction of dihydrotestosterone, also known as DHT, also plays a significant role in hair loss, leading to it also being FDA-approved to treat male pattern baldness.
The 5-alpha reductase inhibitor approved to treat male pattern baldness is finasteride, also known by its brand name Propecia or Proscar.
Though 5-alpha reductase inhibitors show promising results in their ability to shrink the prostate and reduce benign prostate hyperplasia symptoms, they are not without their own set of side effects and risks.
Some of the side effects of using dutasteride in the treatment of an enlarged prostate are dizziness, testicular pain, and swelling, as well as:
Decreased sex drive and other sexual problems
Increased risk of depression and anxiety
Increased risk of heart failure
Increased risk of diabetes and other metabolic diseases
Other serious side effects of dutasteride include:
- Peeling Skin
- Difficulty breathing
- Increased breast size
- Swelling of the face, tongue, or throat
- Increased risk of prostate cancer
Dutasteride does come with its side effects and risks. In fact, this is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. Therefore it’s important to speak at length with your healthcare provider regarding all of these possible side effects as well as any drug interactions dutasteride may have.
For men that wish to avoid taking medication for an enlarged prostate due to the risks and side effects of these drugs, they may wish to explore the option of a non-invasive surgical procedure that we specialize in here at MidAtlantic Vascular and Interventional called Prostate Artery Embolization.
Please call us to learn more and set up a consultation.
