An overview of Dutasteride for hair loss

Are you thinking about trying Dutasteride to stop your hair loss but don’t know much about it?  We have created this article to give you a clear overview of Dutasteride so you can make the best decision for you and your condition.

Male pattern baldness

Male pattern baldness, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is a hereditary condition which affects up to 50% of the population worldwide. 1 

People affected by this condition often experience the first signs of hair loss in their 20s. This can be quite a daunting change for many, which is why so many people search for available hair loss treatments. 

Finasteride (Propecia) and Minoxidil (Loniten) are the more popular prescription hair loss medicines, so you’re probably wondering why people choose treatment with Dutasteride. Well, Dutasteride is an effective hair loss treatment but not a first-line treatment, we will explore why this is in more detail below. 

Now, let's learn more about Dutasteride hair growth tablets…

What is Dutasteride?

Dutasteride 0.5mg is a prescription drug in oral capsule form. 

This medicine is also available in a branded version called Avodart capsules. Dutasteride is a generic medicine and is usually cheaper than the branded version (Avodart).

This hair loss medicine was manufactured to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) but is also used off-licence for male pattern baldness.

What do off-licence medicines mean?

Medicines can be prescribed even if unlicensed or intended for 'off-label' use. Off-label means the medication is used for a condition other than the one it was initially licensed to treat. For example, Avodart (dutasteride) is licensed to treat an enlarged prostate but is also prescribed off-label for male hair loss. Studies have examined the effectiveness of Avodart for this off-label use. 

This means there might be less established data on the effectiveness of the treatment for the condition it is prescribed for, and the instructions in the product information leaflet will not match the condition being treated.

Rest assured that our Dutasteride and Avodart medications are UK-sourced and have a licence for use in the UK.

To find out more read our dedicated blog article on what are unlicensed medicines for hair loss.

How does Dutasteride work?

How it works: Dutasteride works by stopping the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes hair loss.

Its effectiveness: More effective than Finasteride in treating hair loss, with significant improvements within 24 weeks. 2

Dutasteride dosage and administration

Recommended dose: One 0.5mg capsule daily.

Instructions: Swallow whole with water; do not chew or break.

Who should use Dutasteride?

Appropriate users: Men suffering from male pattern baldness. An enlarged prostate (BPH) can also be treated with Dutasteride and Tamsulosin together, although this is not a service we offer at Oxford Online Pharmacy.

First-time patients should start with Regaine topical foam and Finasteride 1mg tablets before considering Dutasteride.

Learn more about Finasteride for hair loss here.

Not for women or children: Dutasteride can cause severe harm to unborn babies. This drug shouldn’t be handled by women or children.

Dutasteride side effects

Like any medicine, there is a chance you could also experience side effects Dutasteride, these include:    

Common: Erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, ejaculation issues, breast enlargement/tenderness, dizziness when taken with tamsulosin.

Uncommon: Heart failure, hair loss (usually from the body) or hair growth.

Rare: Depressed mood, pain/swelling in testicles, allergic reactions (e.g., rash, hives, swelling).

For a full list of side effects, you can refer to the Dutasteride patient information leaflet.

Dutasteride safety and warnings

Long-term use: Requires monitoring for potential side effects like depression or sexual dysfunction.

Interactions: Inform your doctor about any other medications you're taking, especially antidepressants, treatments for fungal infections, HIV, high blood pressure, and alpha-blockers. 3

Alternative treatments

Finasteride

Another popular oral treatment for hair loss. 

So, what are the main differences between Dutasteride vs Finasteride? According to studies, Finasteride is slightly less effective than Dutasteride but a good starting point. 

Finasteride has similar side effects as those reported with Dutasteride.

Finasteride, Minoxidil and Tretinoin spray

An effective topical hair loss treatment containing three main active ingredients that all work simultaneously to tackle hair loss. This topical treatment is often preferred by those who do not like taking tablets. 

Unfortunately, there isn’t a form of topical Dutasteride UK available yet.

Combination therapy

Dutasteride can be combined with topical treatments like Regaine solution, Minoxidil solution or Alpecin shampoo for better results but should NOT be combined with Finasteride.

You can find out more about our full range of hair loss products here.

Dutasteride FAQs

What conditions does Dutasteride treat?

Primary: Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). We do not supply Dutasteride for BHP.

Secondary: Male pattern baldness (unlicensed use in the UK but can be prescribed).

How should I take Dutasteride?

One capsule should be taken at the same time each day, preferably 30 minutes after a meal.

Don’t worry if you miss a dose. You can take it as soon as you remember unless it's close to the next dose.

How long will it take to see results from Dutasteride?

In the first 6 months of use, you should notice your hair thickening, however, it may take up to one year for maximum hair regrowth and loss prevention to be observed. 4

What happens if I stop taking Dutasteride?

Similar to other hair loss treatments, when you discontinue the use of Dutasteride your hair loss may resume and any Dutasteride hair regrowth progress will be lost if you stop. 

This medicine should be used long-term for best Dutasteride results.

Is Dutasteride safe for long-term use?

Studies have indicated that Dutasteride has overall safety but regular monitoring is still required. 5

It is important to note that Dutasteride can affect PSA blood test results, so you should inform your doctor of treatment with this medicine before having your blood test. 

Dutasteride buy online

You can buy Dutasteride UK online from Oxford Online Pharmacy, simply follow these simple steps for your Dutasteride purchase:

1. Choose treatment: Select Dutasteride and either send a prescription or complete an online consultation.
2. Doctor review: An online doctor will review your suitability for the medication.
3. Delivery: Medication is delivered discreetly if approved.

Conclusion

Dutasteride is a potent treatment for male pattern baldness offering significant improvements for those who do not respond well to Finasteride. Always consult a healthcare professional before starting Dutasteride, especially to understand the potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

References

1. Androgenetic Alopecia - NIH
2. The efficacy and safety of dutasteride compared with finasteride in treating men with androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis - PMC
3. Dutasteride BNF Drugs | BNF - NICE
4. Dutasteride - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf
5. Efficacy and safety of a dual inhibitor of 5-alpha-reductase types 1 and 2 (dutasteride) in men with benign prostatic hyperplasia - PubMed