Dutasteride is the active ingredient of the medication Avodart and has become popular as an alternative to Finasteride for Male Pattern Baldness.
It was originally developed to treat prostate enlargement and is chemically similar to Finasteride. In several clinical trials Dutasteride has been shown to be more effective in treating MPB.
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It inhibits 5-Alpha Reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The main difference between Finasteride and Dutasteride is that the latter inhibits both type I and type II of this enzyme, making Dutasteride more effective.
Although Dutasteride is available as an approved treatment for hair loss in countries such as Japan it is not currently a licensed treatment in the UK.
What is the dosage and how long does it take to work?
You take one tablet every day for as long as you care about your hair loss. Improvements are usually seen at the 4-6 month stage. Dutasteride cannot provide a permanent cure for hair loss, so if you stop taking it, your hair loss will resume.
Are there any side effects?
It’s important to be aware of the potential side effects of Dutasteride which are uncommon but can be significant if they do occur:
- Decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction (possibly persistent)
- Breast tenderness and enlargement (possibly contributing to male breast cancer, any breast changes should be reported to your GP immediately)
If any of these side effects occur you should stop taking Dutasteride immediately and for more people, any side effects will stop. If you are planning to have a child you should stop the treatment.
What is DHT?
DHT stands for dihydrotestosterone, a form of testosterone. Male pattern hair loss is caused by a very sensitive reaction to DHT. Dihydrotestosterone halts nutrients from being absorbed by hair follicles, which causes them to shrink and eventually fall out. In these cases, Dutasteride can be prescribed to act as a DHT blocker.
Can women take Dutasteride?
No, Dutasteride is not suitable for women or children. If you are a woman experiencing hair loss, you may way to consider options such as Pharma Hermetic Hair Loss Treatment or Minoxidil.
Can you get Dutasteride without a prescription?
Dutasteride is a prescription-only medication in the UK. It isn’t suitable for everyone and a doctor needs to assess whether you can take it. It is only appropriate for the treatment of male pattern baldness and it won’t benefit you if you suffer from a different type of hair loss. When you place your order, one of our online doctors will check whether Dutasteride will be beneficial in your case.
Please note when ordering Dutasteride 0.5mg:
We may use a range of manufacturers in order to provide you with your medication in a timely manner.
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Topical Dutasteride 0.1% And TrichoSol™ Hair Loss Treatment 100 ml
