Dutasteride

Dutasteride cuts DHT much more than finasteride, and that's why people use it for prostate enlargement and off-label for hair loss. If you're thinking about dutasteride, this page gives practical facts: how it works, common doses, side effects, buying tips, and how it compares to finasteride.

Quick facts

Dutasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor. It lowers dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body, which helps shrink an enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia, BPH). Lowering DHT also slows hair loss in many men. Doctors usually prescribe it for BPH; hair use is off-label in most places.

Typical dosing is 0.5 mg once daily. For BPH that's the standard adult dose. Some doctors use lower doses or alternate-day dosing for hair loss, but you should follow your prescriber's advice. Never change doses without medical guidance.

Common side effects include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced semen volume. Some men report mood changes, though evidence is mixed. Side effects often improve after stopping the drug, but sexual effects can persist in rare cases. If you notice new or severe symptoms, contact your doctor.

Important precautions: dutasteride can affect a prostate cancer blood test (PSA). Tell providers you're taking it before PSA screening. It's not for women and can be harmful if a pregnant woman is exposed to the drug or semen from a man taking it. Handle capsules carefully and wash hands after contact.

Drug interactions and monitoring: dutasteride has few major drug interactions, but check all medicines with your pharmacist. Your doctor may check prostate size, symptom scores, and PSA during treatment. If you have liver problems, discuss suitability; the drug is processed in the liver.

Buying tips: buy from licensed pharmacies that require a prescription. Avoid sites that sell without any verification. Look for clear contact info, a pharmacy license, and secure payment methods. Cheap prices are tempting, but low offers can mean fake pills or wrong dosages.

How it compares to finasteride: dutasteride blocks both type I and II 5-alpha-reductase, while finasteride mainly blocks type II. That makes dutasteride more potent at lowering DHT. It also stays in the body longer. For hair loss, some men respond better to dutasteride, but it may carry a higher risk of sexual side effects. Discuss pros and cons with your doctor.

If you're worried about side effects, ask about starting at the lowest effective dose, trying finasteride first, or combining treatments like topical minoxidil. Get medical advice before starting, stopping, or switching medications.

How long to see results? For prostate symptoms many men notice improvement in 3 to 6 months. For hair, expect at least 6 months and often 12 months to judge effect. Keep pills in original container away from heat and moisture. Compare prices across licensed pharmacies and include shipping and prescription fees. If you switch brands, check active ingredient and tablet strength to avoid doubling the dose. Ask about generics.

Want to learn more about safe suppliers? Check resources from respected medical sites and talk to your healthcare provider before ordering online.