Dutasteride Medications

Dutasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor used to treat symptoms of enlarged prostate gland in men.

Avodart

Dutasteride

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0.5mg

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Dutasteride Details

Dutasteride is a potent 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that reduces the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). By lowering DHT levels, it alleviates the prostate enlargement that characterizes benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and slows hair-follicle miniaturization in male pattern alopecia. The drug belongs to the class of steroid-type enzyme inhibitors and is marketed globally under the brand name Avodart, while generic versions are widely available. In Singapore, the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) approved dutasteride for BPH treatment in 2003, and clinicians sometimes prescribe it off-label for androgenic hair loss. Its dual inhibition of type I and type II isoforms distinguishes it from finasteride, which blocks only type II, resulting in a more pronounced and persistent DHT suppression.

What is Dutasteride?

Dutasteride is a synthetic, orally active inhibitor of the 5-alpha- reductase enzyme. It falls under the pharmacological class of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors, agents that interfere with the pathway that forms dihydrotestosterone, the androgen responsible for prostate growth and scalp hair thinning. The Singapore Health Sciences Authority granted marketing approval in 2003 for the treatment of BPH; the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) followed with approval in 2001. The drug’s mechanism was later recognized as effective for male pattern hair loss, though that use remains off-label. Dutasteride blocks both type I and type II isoenzymes, achieving up to a 90 % reduction in circulating DHT, compared with a 70 % reduction seen with finasteride. It is sold as the branded tablet Avodart (.5 mg) and as generic dutasteride tablets-which you can obtain from our pharmacy with the same clinical effect at a lower price.

How Dutasteride Works

Mechanism of Action

Dutasteride binds competitively to the catalytic site of 5-alpha-reductase, preventing testosterone from being reduced to DHT. By inhibiting both isoforms, the drug reduces DHT concentrations in serum, prostate tissue, and scalp skin. The biochemical effect appears within 72 hours, although full steady-state suppression requires roughly five weeks due to the drug’s long elimination half-life (≈ 5 weeks).

Therapeutic Effects

Lower DHT levels shrink the prostate gland, relieve urinary obstruction, and improve flow rates in men with BPH. In the scalp, reduced DHT diminishes follicular miniaturization, slowing hair loss and allowing thicker regrowth in many patients. The dual-isoform blockade explains why dutasteride often produces greater prostate volume reduction and more pronounced hair-loss stabilization than finasteride.

Onset and Duration

Clinical trials report noticeable BPH symptom improvement after 4 to 6 weeks of daily dosing, with maximal benefit observed at 6 months. For androgenic alopecia, visible hair-density changes typically emerge after 3 to 6 months of continuous use. Because dutasteride remains in the system for weeks after discontinuation, its therapeutic impact persists for a similar period, but DHT levels gradually return to baseline once the drug is cleared.

Approved Uses and Applications

Approved Indications

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH): Reduces prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, decreases prostate volume, and alleviates lower-urinary-tract symptoms (LUTS). The HSA and FDA label this indication for men aged ≥ 18 years.
Prostate Cancer Risk Management (adjunct): While not a treatment for established cancer, dutasteride is sometimes used in clinical trials to lower PSA and monitor disease progression.

Off-Label Uses

Male Pattern Hair Loss: Numerous randomized studies published in The Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology and Lancet show a statistically significant reduction in hair-shed rates when dutasteride (.5 mg daily) is compared with placebo. These uses are not officially sanctioned by the HSA.
Seborrheic Dermatitis (experimental): Small case series suggest modest improvement, but evidence remains limited.

Clinical Efficacy

In the pivotal REDEEM trial (n = 416), dutasteride achieved a 15 % increase in hair count after 24 weeks versus placebo. A separate BPH study (n = 3,300) demonstrated a 24 % reduction in International Prostate Symptom Score (6-month follow-up). These data underscore dutasteride’s effectiveness when prescribed according to approved guidelines.

Buying Dutasteride from Our Online Pharmacy

Why Choose Our Service

Our online pharmacy bridges the gap for patients who encounter limited stock or high out-of-pocket costs at traditional dispensaries. The platform guarantees secure payment, verified sourcing, and strict compliance with Singapore’s regulatory framework.

Brand Names and Generic Options

Avodart .5 mg (branded) - widely recognized, priced at a premium.
Generic Dutasteride .5 mg - identical in strength and bioavailability, typically 35 % cheaper.
Dutasteride .25 mg (dose-adjusted formulation) - useful for titration in sensitive patients.

Quality & Safety

We partner with licensed international pharmacies that operate under WHO-GMP standards and are audited by the HSA’s overseas equivalency program.

Pricing & Access

Generic dutasteride tablets are listed at SGD 22 per 30-day supply, while Avodart costs SGD 38. All repeat orders receive a Lifetime 10 % discount on all reorders), ensuring long-term affordability.

Discreet Delivery

Orders ship via express courier in ~7 days or standard mail in ~3 weeks. Each package arrives in plain-brown envelopes with tamper-evident seals, protecting your privacy.

Dosing, Formulations & Administration

Available Formulations

Dutasteride is supplied as oral tablets in .5 mg and .25 mg strengths. No liquid or injectable forms are approved for adult use.

Typical Dosing Ranges

BPH: Most clinicians initiate treatment with one .5 mg tablet taken once daily. Some patients may start at .25 mg if they have hepatic impairment.
Male Pattern Hair Loss (off-label): Dermatologists often prescribe a single .5 mg tablet nightly, sometimes reduced to .25 mg after 3 months to assess tolerance.

These examples reflect common practice; a qualified healthcare provider must individualize the dose based on prostate size, PSA trends, liver function, and concomitant medications.

Administration Guidelines

Dutasteride can be taken with or without food; however, high-fat meals may modestly delayed absorption, which does not affect overall efficacy. Swallow tablets whole with water; do not crush or chew. Consistency-taking the dose at the same time each day-helps maintain steady plasma levels.

A healthcare professional should determine the exact regimen after evaluating your complete medical profile.

Safety Profile & Considerations

Common Side Effects

Decreased libido (≈ 12 % of users)
Erectile dysfunction (≈ 9 %)
Ejaculatory disorder (≈ 8 %)
Breast tenderness or enlargement (≈ 4 %) These events are typically mild to moderate and may improve with continued therapy.

Serious Adverse Events

High-grade prostate cancer: Long-term surveillance in the REDUCE study suggested a slight increase in detection of aggressive tumors; patients should undergo regular PSA monitoring.
Severe allergic reactions (rash, angioedema) - require immediate medical attention.

Contraindications

Women of child-bearing potential (teratogenic risk)
Pregnant women (Category X) - accidental exposure can cause birth-defect anomalies in a male fetus.
5-alpha-reductase inhibitor hypersensitivity.

Drug Interactions

CYP3A4 inhibitors (e.g., ketoconazole, erythromycin) may raise dutasteride concentrations; dose adjustment may be needed.
Warfarin: occasional reports of altered INR; monitor coagulation parameters when initiating or discontinuing dutasteride.
Other androgen-modifying agents (e.g., testosterone therapy) can diminish dutasteride’s DHT-lowering effect.

Special Populations

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Contraindicated; advise male partners to use barrier contraception.
Elderly: Renal and hepatic function decline may warrant the .25 mg starter dose.
Hepatic Impairment: Moderate dysfunction (Child-Pugh B) suggests dose reduction; severe disease lacks sufficient data.
Renal Impairment: No dose adjustment required, but monitor for fluid-balance changes in advanced disease.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between dutasteride and finasteride? Dutasteride blocks both type I and type II 5-alpha-reductase , achieving up to 90 % DHT suppression, whereas finasteride inhibits only type II, resulting in a 70 % reduction. This broader inhibition often translates to greater prostate volume decrease and more robust hair-loss control.
How long does dutasteride take to work for BPH symptoms? Patients usually notice improvement in urinary flow within 4 weeks, with maximal symptom relief observed after 6 months of continuous therapy.
When can I expect visible hair regrowth after starting dutasteride for androgenic alopecia? Clinical studies report a noticeable reduction in shedding after three months and measurable hair-density gains by six months of daily dosing.
What should I do if I experience decreased libido while on dutasteride? Discuss the symptom with your prescriber; they may adjust the dose, switch to an alternative therapy, or add a supportive medication. Abrupt discontinuation without guidance can lead to rebound hormonal changes.
Are there foods or drinks that interfere with dutasteride absorption? High-fat meals may delay absorption slightly, but the overall exposure remains unchanged. Taking the tablet with a glass of water, regardless of meal timing, is acceptable.
Can dutasteride be taken together with other prostate medications? Yes, it is often combined with alpha-blockers (e.g., tamsulosin) to provide rapid symptom relief while dutasteride works on gland size. However, drug-interaction checks are essential to avoid additive side effects.
Is dutasteride safe for older adults with kidney disease? The drug is primarily eliminated via hepatic pathways; renal impairment does not significantly affect plasma levels. Nonetheless, older patients should be monitored for cardiovascular comorbidities that could amplify side-effect risks.
What monitoring is required while using dutasteride? Routine PSA testing every 6-12 months, liver function panels annually, and periodic assessment of sexual function are recommended.
Can women be exposed to dutasteride through skin contact? Dermal exposure is minimal, but because of its teratogenic potential, men should avoid handling broken tablets and practice good hygiene to prevent accidental transfer.
What information should I provide my doctor when discussing dutasteride?
- Complete list of current medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.
- History of hormonal-related conditions (e.g., prostate issues, hair loss).
- Any prior adverse reactions to 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors.
- Goals of therapy (symptom relief, hair preservation, etc.).

Disclaimer

The information provided about dutasteride is for general knowledge only. It does not replace professional medical consultation or the official prescribing information for medications containing this ingredient. All treatment decisions, including dosing, formulation selection, and monitoring, should be made under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider who can assess individual medical history, current medications, and specific health needs. We assume all readers are responsible adults capable of making informed decisions about their health. Our online pharmacy offers access to medications containing dutasteride for individuals who may have limited availability through traditional pharmacies, prescription-based insurance schemes, or who are seeking affordable generic alternatives. Always consult your doctor before starting, changing, or discontinuing any medication containing dutasteride.