Dutasteride Capsules 0.5mg

What Is Dutasteride?

Dutasteride is an oral medicine that helps prevent hair loss by lowering levels of a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT). High DHT in the scalp can shrink hair follicles and lead to male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia). By reducing DHT, dutasteride may slow thinning and, in some men, support regrowth.

In the UK, dutasteride is licensed for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a condition where the prostate gland becomes enlarged. Using dutasteride for male pattern hair loss is an off-label option that some prescribers consider, especially if finasteride has not worked well or has not been tolerated.

As a prescription-only medicine, an online or in-person assessment is needed to check if this treatment is appropriate for you.

How Does Dutasteride Work for Hair Loss?

Dutasteride blocks both Type I and Type II 5-alpha reductase, the enzymes that convert testosterone into DHT. Finasteride blocks mainly the Type II enzyme. Because dutasteride targets both types, it produces a deeper reduction in DHT. This can protect hair follicles from further miniaturisation and may help maintain or improve hair density over time.

Benefits are typically greatest at the crown and mid-scalp. The hairline can be slower to respond. Results vary between individuals.

Benefits of Dutasteride Capsules for Hair Loss

Dutasteride may provide:

• Powerful DHT reduction: Greater suppression than finasteride in many men.
• Hair maintenance: Can slow ongoing hair loss and help retain existing hair.
• Potential regrowth: Some men notice visible thickening after sustained use.
• Simple dosing: Once-daily capsule for consistent routine.

Response is not guaranteed. Your prescriber will discuss benefits and risks for your situation.

How to Take Dutasteride

Take one capsule at the same time each day, with or without food. Swallow whole with water do not crush, chew, or open the capsule. If you miss a dose, take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take extra capsules to make up for a missed dose.

Hair loss treatment needs consistency. It often takes 3-6 months to see early changes, with best results around 12 months and beyond. If you stop, hair loss may gradually resume.

How Long Does It Take to Work?

Most users notice reduced shedding or stabilisation within 3-6 months. Visible thickening can take longer. Maximum benefit is often seen around 12 months. Keep taking the medicine as directed even if results are slow at first.

Is Dutasteride Right for Me?

This medicine is considered for adult men with male pattern hair loss, especially if finasteride has provided limited benefit or caused side effects. It is not suitable for women and should never be used during pregnancy. Your clinician will check your medical history, current medicines, and goals before prescribing.

Dutasteride, BPH and the Prostate

Dutasteride is licensed to treat urinary symptoms caused by an enlarged prostate. It works slowly over months by shrinking prostate tissue and lowering DHT in the prostate. If you are taking dutasteride for hair loss and also have urinary symptoms (poor flow, getting up at night, hesitancy), discuss this with your clinician, as treatment choices may overlap.

Important: dutasteride reduces PSA (prostate-specific antigen) blood levels by about half after several months. If you ever have a PSA test, tell your doctor you are taking dutasteride so they can interpret the result correctly.

Dutasteride Results

Most men who take 0.5mg daily notice a gradual improvement in hair coverage and a slowing down of further hair loss. Visible changes usually begin after around 3 to 6 months, with the best results seen after 9 to 12 months of continuous use. In some men, hair regrowth continues to improve for up to two years.

The effect is maintained only while treatment continues. If you stop taking it, any hair that has regrown will generally be lost again within 6 to 12 months. Regular use and patience are key, as results vary between individuals and depend on the extent of hair thinning before starting treatment.

Will it work?

Dutasteride can be effective for many men with male pattern baldness, particularly those in the early or moderate stages of hair loss. Clinical studies show that the majority of men experience either a reduction in hair loss or some regrowth after consistent daily use for several months. However, response differs from person to person, and not everyone will see visible regrowth.

It works best on the crown (top) and mid-scalp areas, and is less effective for receding hairlines or complete baldness. Combining with other treatments such as topical minoxidil solution may help enhance results for some men. Always discuss combination use with your pharmacist or prescriber before starting.

Dutasteride vs Finasteride comparison

Both medicines lower DHT levels, but only Finasteride 1 mg is licensed in the UK for male pattern hair loss. Dutasteride may be considered off-label under medical supervision for certain patients.

Using Dutasteride and Minoxidil together

Dutasteride and Minoxidil can be used together safely and are often recommended as a combination treatment for male pattern hair loss. Dutasteride works internally by reducing levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles, while Minoxidil helps to stimulate hair growth and improve blood flow to the scalp.

Using both medicines at the same time may enhance results, especially in men with early to moderate thinning. Dutasteride helps to prevent further hair loss, while Minoxidil supports new hair growth and thicker strands.

Minoxidil is available in two forms:
As a topical scalp solution, such as Regaine for Men Extra Strength Solution
As an oral medicine available by private prescription through our pharmacy - Minoxidil Tablets.

Consistent, long-term use is key to maintaining results. If either medicine is stopped, any regrown hair may gradually be lost again within several months.

Who cannot take Dutasteride

Do not take this medicine if you are allergic to dutasteride or other 5-alpha reductase inhibitors, or to soya/peanut (some capsules contain soya lecithin — check the pack). Seek medical advice before use if you:

1. Have liver problems (dosage and monitoring may be needed)
2. Have significant urinary symptoms or severe bladder problems
3. Are trying to conceive (see fertility advice below)
4. Have a partner who is pregnant or may become pregnant — handling precautions apply

Side Effects & Safety

Most men tolerate dutasteride well, but side effects can occur. Commonly reported:

• Lowered libido or erectile difficulties
• Problems with ejaculation (for example, reduced volume)
• Tenderness or enlargement of breast tissue
• Dizziness or mild skin reactions

These effects are usually mild and may improve with time. Very rarely, sexual side effects can persist after stopping. Seek medical advice if symptoms continue or trouble you.

Report any breast lumps, pain, or nipple changes to a clinician promptly. If you experience mood changes or low mood, speak to a healthcare professional.

Fertility, Pregnancy and Handling

Dutasteride is for men only. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not handle broken or leaking capsules. The medicine can be absorbed through the skin and may affect the baby.

Dutasteride can be present in semen. If your partner is or may become pregnant, discuss condom use with your prescriber. Some men notice changes in semen quality; this is usually reversible after stopping.

Do not donate blood while taking dutasteride and for a period after your last dose (ask your blood service for current guidance) to avoid exposing a pregnant recipient to the medicine.

Dutasteride and mental health

Although it is not a reported side effect for Dutasteride when taking Finasteride some men have reported mood changes, including low mood, depression, anxiety, or in rare cases, suicidal thoughts and as Dutasteride works in a very similar way it may carry the same risks.

If you have a history of depression, anxiety, or any other mental health condition, you should speak to your doctor. They can help assess whether this treatment is appropriate and discuss alternative options if needed.

Monitor your mood closely and let a healthcare professional know straight away if you experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or any thoughts of self-harm. Stop taking the medicine and seek immediate medical help if these symptoms occur.

If you ever feel in crisis or think you might harm yourself, contact your GP, call 111 for urgent advice, or call 999 in an emergency. You can also speak to the Samaritans for free at 116 123 any time.

Other Hair Loss Treatments

Other hair loss treatments we offer include:

• Finasteride tablets - These contain 1mg of Finasteride, which is another 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor used to treat hair loss.
• Minoxidil tablets - These are used to stimulate hair growth and can be used alongside Dutasteride.
• Regaine - this is a topical treatment that contains Minoxidil and can be used alongside Dutasteride.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Contact a clinician if you notice breast changes, persistent sexual side effects, severe rash, swelling of the lips/tongue, or any new urinary symptoms. If you stop the medicine and hair loss restarts, discuss ongoing options with your prescriber.

How to Store Dutasteride

Store in the original blister at room temperature, away from heat and moisture. Keep out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use after the expiry date. Return unused capsules to a pharmacy for safe disposal.

More information

For full prescribing details, including dosing, side effects, and clinical data, please refer to the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) on the Electronic Medicines Compendium (EMC) website.

You can also visit the NHS overview of hair loss for advice on causes and available treatments.