The Independent Pharmacy
Dutasteride 0.5mg Capsules
  • Free standard delivery on orders over £40
    Spend £40.00 more for free delivery
  • Fast, discreet delivery

    Delivered in secure, plain packaging on fully tracked delivery from just £2.95

  • 100% UK-based pharmacy

    Our team of doctors and pharmacists, and our support staff, are all UK-based.

  • Free advice and support

    Have a question? Telephone support is always free; Monday - Friday, 9am - 5pm.

  • We're rated 4.9 out of 5

    based on over 24,000 reviews collected on Google and Reviews.io.

  • Suitable for pregnancy?no
  • Suitable for breastfeeding?no
  • Suitable for age:18 years +
  • Maximum per order:6
  • Consultation required?Yes
    This treatment requires an online consultation for review by our medical team. The decision to supply the specific treatment and quantity requested will be based on whether our medical team are satisfied that it will be safe, appropriate, and effective.
Type of medicineHair loss
Works byBlocking the creation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — the hormone which is responsible for hair loss and male pattern baldness
Active ingredientDutasteride
Effective within6 months
Pack size30
Strength0.5mg
Common side effectsErectile dysfunction, loss of libido
ManufacturerRivopharm UK Ltd, Aurobindo Pharma - Milpharm Ltd
GenericYes
Use with alcoholNo known issues

Dutasteride Information

  • What is Dutasteride and what is it used for?

    Dutasteride is an active agent in an oral medication that effectively treats genetic male pattern hair loss on the top of the head and the mid-scalp area.

    Dutasteride was developed to treat symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men. Chemically similar to Finasteride - the active compound in Propecia - dutasteride has proven to be effective in clinical trials. Like Propecia, dutasteride treats both male pattern hair loss and BPH.

    How does Dutasteride work?

    Male pattern baldness (hair loss) is caused by a combination of genetic factors and the male hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone). Blocking the production of DHT reduces hair loss and increases the production of thicker hair.

    The mode of action of Dutasteride is similar to Propecia. They both block the enzymes in the male body, 5-alpha reductase 1 and 2, that produce DHT. Propecia mainly blocks 5-alpha reductase 2 whilst Avodart blocks them both. It also blocks these enzymes much more potently so the production of DHT is inhibited to a greater extent - resulting in less hair loss.

    How long does Dutasteride hair loss treatment take to work?

    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.

    While dealing with male pattern baldness can be distressing, it’s crucial to keep in mind that treating hair loss is a gradual process, and results won’t occur overnight.

    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.

    Avodart contains the active ingredient dutasteride, which blocks the creation of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) — the hormone which is responsible for hair loss and male pattern baldness. Click here to read studies on the effectiveness of Dutasteride in treating male hair loss 'off label'.

    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.

    Avodart tablets can be used to effectively treat genetic male pattern hair loss, particularly on the top of the head and the mid-scalp area.

    Will Dutasteride regrow hair?

    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.

    Dutasteride vs Avodart vs Propecia

    In head-to-head studies, Dutasteride is more effective than Finasteride. Men at the end of a study had more hair growth and less overall loss.

    Avodart and Propecia are the branded versions of the generic medications Dutasteride and finasteride respectively. Generic medications are made to the same rigorous standards as branded medications but offer a more cost-effective alternative.

    Dutasteride & erectile dysfunction

    Erectile dysfunction can occur as a side effect of using oral hair loss treatments. This means you may experience the inability to achieve or maintain an erection during your course of treatment. This side effect may persist after you stop taking Dutasteride as it remains in your system for up to 6 months. Dutasteride erectile dysfunction can affect up to 1 in 10 men who use this medicine, so most men will not be bothered by this.

    The good news is that if this does affect you there are a range of treatments that can improve the ED symptoms which can be found here.

    Non-medicinal alternatives to treat hair loss

    There are a range of non-medical treatments such as Wigs/Hairpieces and Hair transplants that offer a more permanent solution but do come with a range of negative problems.

    People may see other solutions such as Homoeopathy, Acupuncture and Aromatherapy. However, there is little evidence that these are effective treatments and can be costly.

    Sources

  • Dutasteride dosage

    The recommended dosage to treat hair loss is ONE capsule daily. It is important to take the medication every day to ensure that you get the best results.

  • Dutasteride ingredients

    The active ingredient included in each capsule is: 0.5 mg dutasteride

    The inactive ingredients include Capsule contents: glycerol monocaprylocaprate, butylhydroxytoluene (E321),

    Capsule shell: gelatin, glycerol, purified water, iron oxide yellow (E172), titanium dioxide (E171), Opacode Red ink,

    Printing ink: shellac glaze, iron oxide red (E172), isopropyl alcohol, n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, ammonium hydroxide, simethicone

  • 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.

    If you are worried about any of the side effects listed above or you experience any other adverse effects not listed, speak to your pharmacist or doctor for advice on how to proceed.

    In a medical emergency (such as an allergic reaction or any painful or severe side effects), contact the emergency services or go straight to your local A&E.

  • 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:

    • In clinical studies, some patients taking dutasteride with an alpha-blocker experienced heart failure. In patients taking only dutasteride or only an alpha blocker heart failure was less common.
    • Women, children and adolescents should not handle the capsules, as the active ingredient can be absorbed through the skin. Wash the affected area immediately with soap and water if there is any skin contact.
    • Use a condom during sexual intercourse. Dutasteride can enter the semen. If your partner is or may be pregnant, avoid exposing her to your semen as dutasteride may affect a male boy’s normal development. Dutasteride can decrease sperm count, semen volume and sperm motility which could affect your fertility.
    • 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.

    Other medications and 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.

    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.

Dutasteride 0.5mg Capsules Price Comparison

View all the available prices for Dutasteride 0.5mg Capsules from The Independent Pharmacy

Related Treatments for Hair Loss
  • Propecia

    Propecia

    • 1mg
    • 28 tablets
    • Branded treatment, Once daily
    StarStarStarStarStar
    £51.99
    7 reviews
    Propecia
  • Avodart (Dutasteride)

    Avodart (Dutasteride)

    • 0.5mg
    • 30 capsules
    • Branded treatment, Most potent treatment
    StarStarStarStarStar
    £43.00
    21 reviews
    Avodart (Dutasteride)
  • Regaine

    Regaine

    • 5%
    • 60ml bottle
    • Clinically proven, Minoxidil, Thicker, fuller hair
    StarStarStarStarStar
    from
    £27.99
    2 reviews
    Regaine
  • Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo

    Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo

    • Caffeine helps stimulate new hair growth
    • Strengthens existing hair to prevent further loss
    • Slows down hereditary hair loss
    Alpecin Caffeine Shampoo

We stock 7 other treatments for Hair Loss

Visit our Hair Loss page for treatments, advice and FAQs.

Ordering as easy as 1, 2, 3...

  • Find the ideal treatment

    We can provide over 964 leading medicines to treat over 88 conditions.

  • Get a free consultation

    Our qualified healthcare professionals will assess your condition and needs.

  • Enjoy our speedy delivery

    And when the time comes to re-order, it'll only take a couple of clicks.

A helpful pharmacist looking to give advice

Need something else?

We stock 964 treatments for 88 conditions

Or browse all treatments or conditions

A helpful pharmacist looking to give advice