Dutagen 0.5mg (Dutasteride)

Dutagen general information

What is Dutagen used for?

Dutagen capsules 0.5mg are used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate) to shrink the prostate and reduce the risk of urinary retention caused by restricted urine flow as the prostate gland becomes enlarged. Improving symptoms of BPH with Dutagen capsules 0.5mg also reduces the need for surgery. As a side effect of its intended use, Dutagen capsules 0.5mg are also used to treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) by increasing hair growth and preventing further hair loss from all areas of the scalp, including the front. This can reverse balding in men with mild to moderate hair loss but does not restore hair that has been lost for a long time. Dutagen 0.5mg capsules are not used to treat hair loss in women.

How does Dutagen work?

Dutagen 0.5mg capsules contains dutasteride that specifically inhibits the action of both forms (type I and type II) of the enzyme 5α-reductase, that convert the male hormone testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the androgen primarily responsible for development and growth of the prostate gland. DHT also causes benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) which is when the prostate becomes enlarged. Dutagen capsules 0.5mg reduce the levels of DHT in the blood, so that prostate growth is no longer stimulated in men with BPH allowing the enlarged prostate to shrink. DHT, which is also found in hair follicles, is the androgen responsible for hair loss, as it causes hair follicles in the scalp to gradually shrink producing smaller and thinner hairs, which eventually do not emerge from the follicle. Dutagen 0.5 mg reverses the balding process as it blocks the build up of DHT in the hair follicles of the scalp, allowing the hair to grow normally.

What does Dutagen contain?

Dutagen 0.5mg capsules contain the active ingredient of is dustasteride, which is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate) and reverses the balding process in male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).

Treating Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia with Dutagen

Dutagen capsules 0.5mg contain dutasteride, which is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate). Dutagen specifically inhibits the action of both forms (type I and type II) of the enzyme 5α-reductase that converts the male hormone testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the androgen primarily responsible for development and growth of the prostate gland. Dutagen capsules 0.5mg reduce the levels of DHT in the blood, so that prostate growth is no longer stimulated and the prostate shrinks, reducing the risk of urinary retention and restricted urine flow caused by an enlarged prostate. Treating BPH with Dutagen capsules 0.5mg improves symptoms and reduces the need for surgery.

Treating hair loss with Dutagen

Dutagen capsules 0.5mg contain dutasteride that is used to treat male pattern hair loss. Dutagen specifically inhibits the action of both forms (type I and type II) of the enzyme 5α-reductase that converts the male hormone testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is found in hair follicles and is the androgen that is responsible for hair loss. DHT causes hair follicles in the scalp to gradually shrink producing smaller and thinner hairs, which eventually do not emerge from the follicle. Dutagen reverses the balding process as it blocks the build up of DHT in the hair follicles of the scalp, allowing the hair to grow normally. This can reverse balding in men with mild to moderate hair loss but does not restore hair that has been lost for a long time. Dutagen 0.5mg capsules are not used to treat hair loss in women.

What are the side effects of Dutagen?

The most commonly reported side effects when taking Dutagen capsules 0.5mg include: temporary impotence (whilst continuing on treatment) and low libido. Less common side effects include breast tenderness and enlargement (gynecomastia) and itchy skin rash.

When should Dutagen not be used?

You should not use Dutagen capsules 0.5mg if you are:

• a woman, Dutagen is not intended for use by women and can be harmful to an unborn child
• allergic to dutasteride or any other ingredient in Dutagen
• taking medication that may interact with Dutagen and may increase your risk for side-effects, including verapamil or diltiazem (for high blood pressure), ritonavir or indinavir (for HIV), itraconazole or ketaconazole (for fungal infections) nefazodone (an antidepressant)

How should Dutagen be taken?

You should take capsules Dutagen 0.5mg with a glass of water once a day with or without food, for up to 6 months or longer, as recommended by your doctor. Do not chew the capsule or open it, as this may make your mouth or throat sore. You should continue to take Dutagen capsules 0.5mg for as long as your doctor recommends. This may be for 3 months or longer. It can take several months for new hair to grow and if you stop taking your Dutagen during this time, hair loss may resume. It can take 6 months or more for Dutagen capsules 0.5mg to improve symptoms of BPH, as the prostate shrinks slowly and if you stop taking Dutagen capsules during this time, your prostate make start to grow again.

How long should you take Dutagen?

You should continue to take Dutagen capsules 0.5mg for as long as your doctor recommends. This may be for 3 months or longer. It can take several months for new hair to grow and if you stop taking your Dutagen during this time, hair loss may resume. It can take 6 months or more for Dutagen capsules 0.5mg to improve symptoms of BPH, as the prostate shrinks slowly and if you stop taking Dutagen capsules during this time, your prostate make start to grow again.

Missed dose of Dutagen

If you miss a dose of Dutagen capsules 0.5mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Dutagen be stored?

Keep your Dutagen capsules 0.5mg in their blister packs and store in cool dry place where the temperature stays below 30°C. Keep away from direct sunlight.