Dutasteride 0.5mg Capsules

Dutasteride Overview

Dutasteride has been scientifically shown to treat male pattern baldness by blocking the production of the male hormone DHT. By blocking this hormone, Dutasteride reduces the rate at which hair loss occurs, while promoting the growth of thicker, healthier hair.

While dutasteride is highly effective at preventing hair loss, it can’t repair dead hair follicles. This is why it’s best to start treatment as soon as you notice your hair thinning or shedding at an unusual rate. If you’re already in the advanced stages of male pattern baldness, dutasteride can still help, but it’s crucial to manage your expectations accordingly.

Like Propecia, dutasteride treats both male pattern hair loss and BPH.

Improvement in symptoms of male pattern hair loss is typically seen within a few months of starting treatment; however, it's important to note that results may vary from person to person. As with Finasteride, you may need to take Dutasteride for one year or more before you begin to notice any hair regrowth.

As it does take time for the medication to start working you may even continue to see hair loss while you are taking it. Though rest assured this will slow and for some even reverse over time as the medication begins to work in your body.

Does Dutasteride treat hair loss?

Dutasteride is normally prescribed to treat an enlarged prostate. However, as it works in the same way as finasteride (Propecia) only in a much more potent way, it can be seen as an alternative option to help men retain their hair.

As this medication was never designed to be used in this way it is prescribed 'off-label' to treat hair loss in men. ‘Off label' means that a medicine is being used to treat a condition other than the one it was initially licensed to treat. Despite this, there is a long and extensive amount of scientific and medical data to support this medicine being used safely to help with hair loss.

Alternatives to Dutasteride

Tell your doctor if you take, have recently taken, or might take any other medication.

Some can react with Dutasteride and include side effects. These medicines include:

• Verapamil or diltiazem (for high blood pressure)
• Nefazodone (an antidepressant)
• Itraconazole or ketoconazole (for fungal infections)
• Alpha-blockers (for enlarged prostate or high blood pressure)

Inform your doctor if you are taking any of these medications as you may need a reduced dose of Avodart.

Dutasteride Side Effects

Like all medicines, there is a chance that you may experience side effects with this treatment. Dutasteride is generally well tolerated by most users.

However, as with any medication, there is always a chance that you may experience negative effects as well as positive results.

Below are the most common side effects (affecting up to one in 10 users):

• Difficulty in getting or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
• Decreased sexual desire/sex drive (libido)
• Difficulty with ejaculation
• Decreased production of seminal fluid (this does not affect sexual function)
• Breast enlargement or tenderness (gynecomastia)

For a full list of side effects, you can read the Patient Information Leaflet enclosed with this medicine.

Dutasteride Warnings

Talk to your doctor before taking this medicine if any of the following apply to you:

• You have liver problems
• Dutasteride can affect a blood test for the prostate, which detects prostate cancer. If you are tested for PSA, tell your doctor that you are taking dutasteride.
• Dutasteride can cause the following problems to occur, if you are concerned, speak to a GP or pharmacist:

Avodart may result in breast tenderness and enlargement. If this becomes troublesome, or if you develop breast lumps or nipple discharge, talk to your doctor as these may signal a serious condition like breast cancer.

Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility

Women who are pregnant or may be pregnant must not handle Dutasteride capsules. They can absorb Dutasteride through the skin which can affect a male baby’s normal development. This is a severe risk in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy.

Contact your doctor if a pregnant woman has touched dutasteride.

Before using this medication please read the Patient Information Leaflet thoroughly.