What is Dutasteride?

Table of Contents

• How Does Dutasteride Work?
• Who is it Suitable for?
• How to Take Dutasteride?
• How Effective is Dutasteride in Hair Loss?
• Where Can I Get Dutasteride?
• Does it Have Any Side Effects?
• Is There an Alternative to Dutasteride?

How Does Dutasteride Work?

Dutasteride is a medication that was originally used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate. It has also been shown to treat androgenetic alopecia. Dutasteride is part of a class of medications called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. It works by inhibiting both type I and type II isoenzymes of 5-alpha reductase. This enzyme is believed to be responsible for the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Research suggests that Dutasteride inhibits up to 90% of DHT levels. [2] High levels of DHT in the body can contribute to male androgenetic alopecia. By lowering DHT levels, hair loss can be minimised and hair growth can be restored.

As of yet, Dutasteride is not FDA-approved for male androgenetic alopecia. It may be prescribed by healthcare providers for off-label use.

Who Is It Suitable For?

Dutasteride is primarily used to treat androgenetic alopecia in men only and may be prescribed to women in rare cases. It must not be taken or handled by children or women who are pregnant, may become pregnant or are breastfeeding. Dutasteride could be absorbed through the skin and cause birth defects in male fetuses. [3]

How To Take Dutasteride?

Dutasteride mainly comes as oral tablets with the usual dosage of one 0.5mg tablet daily. It can also come in a topical solution. It is important to take the medication at the same time every day to maintain a consistent level of the drug in the body. 

Dutasteride contains a low dosage because it is more potent than other 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. It is also a long-acting drug with a half-life of approximately 5 weeks. [2] A half-life refers to how long it takes the body to eliminate half of the medication. A half-life of 5 weeks means it can be taken at a low dosage to achieve effective hair growth results. 

How Effective is Dutasteride in Hair Loss?

Clinical studies have shown Dutasteride can improve male androgenetic alopecia. One study was conducted between 2009 and 2016 to investigate the long-term efficacy and safety of Dutasteride 0.5mg. 99 Korean men with androgenetic alopecia aged over 18 years were treated with Dutasteride 0.5mg for at least 5 years. The study found 89 men showed an improvement and 93 men reported disease progression was prevented. [4]

Where Can I Get Dutasteride? 

Dutasteride is only available through a private prescription. In terms of cost, Dutasteride can be costly, depending on the quantity, manufacturer and seller. Dutasteride is often sold under the brand name, Avocart. Branded Dutasteride typically costs more than unbranded versions. As of August 2024, a 30-tablet box of Dutasteride costs between £15 and £45.

Does it Have Any Side Effects? 

Most Dutasteride users do not experience side effects. Due to the nature of Dutasteride, it may cause some unwanted side effects including:

• Decreased sex drive
• Erectile dysfunction
• Depression
• Breast tenderness or enlargement

In rare cases, Dutasteride has been linked to an increase in the risk of prostate cancer. In some cases, individuals may have an allergic reaction to Dutasteride. If you experience skin rashes, hives, severe itching or swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, discontinue the medication and seek medical help immediately. 

Is There An Alternative to Dutasteride?

A common alternative to Dutasteride in treating male androgenetic alopecia is Finasteride 1mg. Finasteride is part of the same class of medication as Dutasteride, but it is less potent. Dutasteride blocks both type I and type II isoenzymes, while Finasteride only blocks the type II isoenzyme. This means Dutasteride can reduce DHT levels further and has a greater impact on stopping or reversing male androgenetic alopecia.

Finasteride is still effective in treating male androgenetic alopecia. Since Finasteride is FDA-approved and UK-licensed, it is usually the first-line treatment for male androgenetic alopecia. Dutasteride is yet to be approved. If you want to take an approved and widely studied medication for male pattern baldness, you may feel more comfortable taking Finasteride.

Before taking Dutasteride or Finasteride or any other hair loss treatment, consult with your healthcare provider to determine the right medication regarding your medical history and other specific needs.

Sources

1. Piraccini BM, Alessandrini A. (2014). Androgenetic Alopecia. Retrieved on 27th August 2024, from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24566563/
2. Nickel JC. (2004). Comparison of Clinical Trials With Finasteride and Dutasteride. Retrieved on 27th August, from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1472914/
3. Mayo Clinic. (2024). Dutasteride (Oral Route). Retrieved on 27th August 2024, from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/dutasteride-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20063575?p=1
4. Choi S, Kwon SH, Sim WY, Lew BL. (2024). Long-term efficacy and safety of dutasteride 0.5 mg in Korean men with androgenetic alopecia: 5-year data demonstrating clinical improvement with sustained efficacy. Retrieved on 27th August 2024, from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38321615/

Whilst all of our content is written and reviewed by healthcare professionals, it is not intended to be substituted for or used as medical advice. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please speak to your doctor.