This evidence-based assessment from the National Prescribing Service in Australia discusses the use of dutasteride (Avodart) for lower urinary tract symptoms due to benign prostatic hypertrophy (BPH) and notes the following:

• Dutasteride prescribed with an alpha blocker is more effective than monotherapy, and should be considered for men with enlarged prostates who have moderate to severe symptoms who are at increased risk of disease progression.

• Sexual adverse effects are common with dutasteride monotherapy and combination therapy.

• Dutasteride with tamsulosin has not been directly compared with other combination pharmacotherapies for BPH.

• There is insufficient information to assess whether dutasteride prevents prostate cancer.

• The relationship between long-term use of dutasteride and male breast cancer is currently unknown.