Dutasteride

Dutasteride, used by men to treat hair loss, is an effective treatment which comes in an oral capsule form. Dutasteride only comes in 0.5mg strength. 

It is a more affordable version of Avodart that contains the same active ingredient.

It blocks the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase. Dutasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the androgen responsible for male pattern hair loss. The effect of dutasteride on the scalp will only last as long as it is taken.

Please note that both men and women should not handle or take Dutasteride and Finasteride. These drugs have teratogenic side effects and are only meant for use by men.

Take one 0.5 mg tablet of Dutasteride daily, with or without food. It may take three to six months of continuous daily use to notice any stabilisation of hair loss. To sustain the benefits of the treatment, it is recommended to continue its use. If you stop taking the medication, its positive effects may start reversing within six months and return to baseline by 9 to 12 months.

Dutasteride reduces the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a byproduct of hair follicles. When there is too much DHT, it causes hair follicles to shrink, resulting in hair growing thinner and shedding more quickly. This eventually leads to a smaller hair follicle and thin hair that does not grow out to the skin surface. Dutasteride prevents the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, slowing down this progression and allowing for hair regrowth. It’s important to note that only men can use this treatment, and it can also minimize and resolve hair thinning.

Dutasteride generally causes no major side effects. However, we do not recommend its use for men who are hypersensitive to Dutasteride or have severe liver disease.

The most common side effects of Dutasteride include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorder. Sexual dysfunction is more likely to occur during the first year of treatment, but it usually decreases with the duration of treatment and resolves when treatment is stopped.

If patients experience mood alterations while taking Dutasteride, they should stop taking the medication immediately if they feel depressed or develop any suicidal ideation.

You must speak to a clinician immediately if you experience a lump in your chest or breast. For full side effects please refer to the patient information leaflet.

On rare occasions seek medical attention if you experience depression, breast enlargement, tenderness, lumps, or nipple discharge, pain in the testicles. Please see more advice from the MHRA regarding potential risk of male breast cancer.

The data indicates that treatment may have a quicker response in younger men who have been balding for a shorter period and have smaller areas of baldness. However, the response to treatment varies individually, and there is no solid evidence to support this claim.

Stabilization of hair loss can be expected following continuous use of Dutasteride for 3-6 months. By the end of the year you should notice clear signs of hair regrowth. You will notice peak hair growth after 2 years, but treatment must be continued to maintain results. The beneficial effects begin to reverse by 6 months and return to before taking medication by 9-12 months.

Hair loss may occur due to an underlying cause. Patients should visit the GP if they suffer from the following as treatment of the underlying cause normally allow hair to regrow:

• Any profound shedding or rapid onset of hair loss
• Absent or reduced eyebrows or eyelashes
• Inflammation, papules or pustules, scaling or scarring of the scalp
• Severe infection, iron deficiency or hypothyroidism
• Some medication such as antidepIf you experience any significant hair loss, reduced eyebrows or eyelashes, inflammation, papules or pustules, scaling or scarring of the scalp, severe infection, iron deficiency or hypothyroidism, or if you are taking medications such as antidepressants or anticoagulants that may be causing hair loss, it is important for you to visit your GP. Treatment of the underlying cause can often allow hair to regrow. Also, if you are planning to father a child, it is advisable to stop the treatment and consult with your doctor.ressants or anticoagulants
• Change in diet or rapid weight loss
• Patients who are planning to father a child should consider to stop treatment.

Regaine (Minoxidil) is readily available over the counter from pharmacies.

Finasteride and dutasteride are prescription-only medicines and can only be prescribed by a clinician. Unfortunately, not all hair loss treatments are available to prescribe from the NHS, and therefore, GPs will charge for private consultations and prescriptions. You will also pay for the medication from a pharmacy. However, The Family Chemist clinician can prescribe Finasteride (Propecia), dutasteride, and Regaine free of charge, and pharmacies readily provide Regaine (Minoxidil) over the counter. Clinicians can prescribe Finasteride and dutasteride, which are prescription-only medicines. Unfortunately, the NHS does not offer hair loss treatment prescriptions. Therefore, GPs require a private consultation fee and a prescription fee. However, The Family Chemist clinician can prescribe Finasteride (Propecia), dutasteride, and Regaine at no cost and only charge for the medicines. They can also deliver your medication to you within 24 hours.ly charge for the medicines and have it delivered to you in 24 hours.

Dutasteride 0.5mg Capsules PIL

Hair loss – NHS (www.nhs.uk)

Alopecia UK Support Group

British Association of Dermatologists (bad.org.uk)

British Hair and Nail Soceity Leaflet