Medication for Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)

Hair loss: – It is also called as baldness is also referred to as loss of hair from a part of the head. Some people may fall into psychological distress. It may include

1. Male pattern hair loss.
2. Female pattern hair loss.
3. Alopecia areata.
4. Thinning of hair.

Hair loss is a common problem. Dutasteride is used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). But some clinical trials indicated that the drug could be helpful in treating hair loss.

How does Dutasteride work?

Dutasteride is in the class of medication called as 5-alpha- reductase inhibitors. It reduces the production of dihydrotestosterone hormone (DTH). This hormone is responsible for the enlargement of the prostate gland. The drug reduces the size of the prostate gland. It also improves the flow of urine.

The hormone is also responsible for the conversion of testosterone to DHT. This conversion cause hair to become thin and finally bald. The drug blocks both isoenzymes of 5-alpha- reductase. As a result, almost all circulating DTH is eliminated (Over 90 %). This result in superior hair growth in comparison to other drugs of the same class.

How to take Dutasteride?

It is available in the form of a capsule of strength 0.5 mg. The drug is meant for adult males. Length of the treatment depends on the condition of the disease. It may take 6 months or longer. You can take it with or without food.

Adult male dose: –1 capsule of 0.5 mg in a day.

What are the uses of Dutasteride?

1. It increases scalp hair growth in men.
2. Effective for male pattern hair growth.
3. Treats BPH disease in men with an enlarged prostate.
4. Improves urinary flow in a patient with urine retention problem.
5. May reduce the need for prostate surgery later on.
6. It can be prescribed with some other medicine called as tamsulosin to relieve symptoms of BPH.                                                       

What are the precautions in taking Dutasteride?

• Be cautious while using Dutasteride certain conditions may lead to a serious problem with this drug. Inform or ask your doctor if you are/have,
• Pregnant or plan to be pregnant.
• Allergic to Dutasteride or other medicine of the same class.
• Any other allergies.
• Liver disease.
• Breastfeeding
• The family history of prostate cancer.
• Women and children should not use this medicine.
• Pregnant women should not handle or touch the capsule.
• Men who take the medicine should avoid donating blood until 6 months have passed after the last dose.
• Inform your doctor about all other medicine you take to avoid drug interactions.
• It may lead to sexual side effects like decreased libido, impotence and others. Discuss with your doctor.

Cost of Dutasteride (Generic & Brand)

Dutasteride capsules is a generic medicine.  It is composed of a very same active ingredient found in brand versions. The cost of the branded drug is high due to the money, time and effort put towards the marketing of the brand. While this amount is saved in case of generic versions. This difference in amount is passed to our customers.

Cost of generic Dutasteride.

Pack of 30 capsules of 0.5 mg costs $ 35, per unit cost is $ 1.17.

Cost of brand Avodart.

Pack of 30 capsules of 0.5 mg costs $ 216.00 per unit cost is $ 7.2.