Questions Remain About Prostate Drug

A drug tested to prevent prostate cancer did seem to reduce risk, a study says. More than 10,000 men were in the study. Some took dutasteride (Avodart) and others took a fake pill. After 4 years, men who took the drug were less likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer. They also had fewer problems with enlarged prostates. But men who took the drug were more likely to have sexual side effects, as well as heart failure. And men who took the drug and still got prostate cancer were more likely to have an aggressive form of cancer. The study was published in the April 1 issue of the New England Journal of Medicine. The Associated Press reported on it March 31.