Dutasteride is a popular medication for prostate enlargement, also known as benign prostatic hyperplasia, and it is increasingly becoming a prominent off-label medication for hair loss treatment.
As with most medications, there are potential side effects that may develop during the course of treatment.
Below, we will cover some of the common side effects that may occur when you are using Dutasteride in both its oral and topical forms.
What is Dutasteride?
Dutasteride is in the class of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors. The popular prostate and hair loss medication, Finasteride, is also in this same class.
Dutasteride and Finasteride are very similar medications in that they both inhibit the enzyme 5-alpha reductase in order to decrease the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), although Dutasteride may block the enzyme more strongly than Finasteride.
This is helpful for both prostate enlargement and hair loss as DHT is known to be a culprit in both of these conditions.
Oral dutasteride is currently only FDA-approved for prostate enlargement (BPH), not for hair loss.
Learn More: What Is Dutasteride Used For?
What formulations does Dutasteride come in?
Dutasteride is manufactured as a 0.5mg capsule for prostate enlargement. Compounded dutasteride is also available in different capsule strengths or topical formulations for the scalp, from a compounding pharmacy with a prescription from Strut Health.
Here at Strut Health, we offer both capsule and topical formulations of Dutasteride as well as online consultations with a doctor to see if this prescription is a good fit for you.
The potential side effects for Dutasteride may differ between the oral and topical formulations of the medication, as normally when a medication is applied, it gets into the rest of the body less than with an oral formulation.
Potential side effects for oral Dutasteride capsules
The following side effects have been reported with oral Dutasteride. Patients should consult their prescribing physician regarding potential risks associated with this medication.
- Impotence
- Decrease libido
- Ejaculation disorders
- Breast disorders
If you are experiencing these side effects while taking Dutasteride, speak with your doctor to see if any adjustments should be made or if you should stop treatment.
Watch Related: Dr. Bauman: Is Topical Dutasteride a Game-Changer for Receding Hairlines?
Potential side effects for topical Dutasteride formulas
Since topical Dutasteride is not available as a manufactured topical medication, it can only be made by a compounding pharmacy with a prescription from a doctor for hair loss in men.
Because of this, there are not many studies thus far to determine all potential side effects of topical Dutasteride, or see if they are the same as the oral Dutasteride capsules.
Topical formulations may still cause systemic (whole-body) side effects, and more studies are needed.
The potential side effects of topical Dutasteride may be found to be similar to the closely related medication, Finasteride, which has been found to have mainly minor reactions focused on the application site.
Finasteride topical may have the following potential side effects when used in a topical formulation along with Minoxidil:
- Skin rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Skin inflammation
- Dry skin
- Skin redness
Strut Dutasteride Oral And Topical Formulas Prescribed Online
We carry Dutasteride and Finasteride formulas in both oral and topical formulations to help you find the best fit for your hair goals.
You can have a free online questionnaire-based consultation with our U.S. licensed doctors in 10-15 minutes.
If you are a good fit for Finasteride or Dutasteride capsules or topical formulations, your prescription hair loss medication can be shipped to your front door with our free 2-day shipping.
During your treatment, our staff and doctors will be available for free unlimited follow-ups to help you through your treatment plan.
*Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA. Rx required.
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