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Dutasteride, a new AGA drug that has rapidly gained popularity since it was approved by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare in 2015, is expected to be a powerful treatment for those suffering from AGA and thinning hair, but there may also be concerns about side effects, such as decreased sexual function.
This article provides an easy-to-understand explanation of the pros and cons of dutasteride. It also provides information that will help in the selection of treatment, such as countermeasures against side effects and methods to maximize the effects, while also including examples of its use in outpatient thinning hair treatment.
The key to hair loss treatment is early response. Get a free consultation at Osaka AGA Kato Clinic to find the best treatment for you. You can easily contact us on Line.
Kentaro Kato, Hospital director of Osaka AGA Kato Clinic group, specializing in comprehensive hair treatment.
We specialize in cutting-edge treatments for a variety of clinically proven effective treatments for thinning hair and hair loss.
Graduated from Faculty of Medicine, Kinki University in 2001
Worked at plastic surgery of Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University Hospital as an anesthesiologist from 2001 to 2005.
Worked as a head of plastic surgery at major cosmetic surgery, Hair Transplant Department from 2005 to 2011.
Opened Osaka AGA Kato Clinic in 2011.
Japan Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Regular Member.
The Japanese Society for Regenerative Medicine, Regular Member.
World Academy of Anti-Aging & Regenerative Medicine, Regular Member.
What is dutasteride?
Dutasteride is a capsule-type drug used to treat male pattern baldness (AGA). It is an effective treatment option for those suffering from thinning hair or hair loss.
Dutasteride suppresses the production of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by inhibiting 5 alpha-reductase. Since DHT is considered a major causative substance of AGA, dutasteride is considered to be effective in preventing the progression of hair loss.
It is a relatively new drug approved in Japan in 2015, and the basic usage is to take the initial dose of 0.5 mg once a day. Continuation is important because the drug is effective over a long period of time and hair loss tends to recur when discontinued.
Dutasteride is approved in more than 70 countries.
About Zagallo
Dutasteride is a drug marketed by the pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline with the trade name “Zagallo“. It was launched in Japan in 2016 ahead of other products and is available in a single 0.5 mg tablet.
Generic drugs approved in Japan after Zagallo include;
- Sawai Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Dutasteride Capsules 0.5mgZA “Sawai”
- Nissin Pharmaceutical Co., LTD. Dutasteride tablet 0.5mgZA “NS”
- Towa Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. Dutasteride Capsules 0.5mgZA “Towa”
The price of treatment with Zagallo at Osaka Kato AGA Clinic is explained here.
Effects of Dutasteride in the treatment of AGA
Dutasteride has been shown to be effective in hair regrowth at 6 months (24 weeks) in clinical trials. The efficacy and safety of dutasteride (sham, 0.02 mg, 0.1 mg, and 0.5 mg) have been studied in a fairly large clinical trial of 917 patients, including 200 Japanese patients.
The results demonstrated a significant effect in the number of hairs on the top of the head.
The scientific evidence suggests that dutasteride has a strong effect of suppressing DHT, which is deeply involved in AGA, by about 90%, and its DHT suppression rate is much higher than that of finasteride (about 70%).
It is also excellent at maintaining hair volume over the long term, with data showing that more than 90% of the hair regrowth effect is maintained even after 5 years.
Hair thickness and the hair cycle are also improved, and the percentage of hairs in the active phase is increased, so it is reported to be effective in improving not only hair volume but also hair quality.
Who is suited for using Dutasteride?
Dutasteride is considered to be administered primarily to men with male pattern baldness (AGA), especially those in their 30s-50s.
In general, the effect tends to be enhanced in people with younger age and those in the early stages of hair loss progression, so its use is recommended before hair loss progresses and the hair becomes thinner.
Dutasteride is recommended to be used as early as possible, even for those who have already developed hair loss, and is expected to be effective for men suffering from thinning hair due to AGA, regardless of age or current hair growth status.
However, dutasteride cannot be used for AGA in women because it is not approved as a hair regrowth agent.
Side effects of dutasteride
Common side effect symptoms of dutasteride are mainly known to include sexual dysfunction, gynecomastia such as breast swelling and nipple discharge, and testicular pain.
These side effects are the result of dutasteride’s ability to suppress male hormones. However, the actual frequency of side effects is reported to be low. Most people can take it without experiencing serious side effects.
Sexual dysfunction and countermeasures
For many people, the side effect of most concern with dutasteride is sexual dysfunction. In clinical trials over 18 months (one year of treatment and six months of follow-up), there was no effect on sperm concentration and sperm form, although semen volume was reduced by approximately 20%.Furthermore, it is reported that no clinically important changes (30%) were reached throughout the period.
This means that even if side effects appear during the dosing period, they are known to recover after dutasteride is stopped.
As the condition will largely return to normal after a period of time, the first option for dealing with side effects is to discontinue oral medication. It is important to prevent a decline in quality of life by providing counselling and, if necessary, considering the use of other therapies in combination.
It is recommended that measures are taken in consultation with your doctor.
Comparison of dutasteride and finasteride
Dutasteride and finasteride are both 5-alpha reductase inhibitors used to treat AGA, but their effectiveness varies.
Dutasteride is a stronger DHT inhibitor and therefore more effective against severe hair loss. Clinical trials have also shown higher rates of hair growth and user satisfaction with dutasteride.
Finasteride, on the other hand, is also a safe drug with proven efficacy and is sufficient for mild hair loss. Finasteride is often less expensive.
Ideally, both drugs should be used according to the situation and symptoms, and dutasteride further expands this option.
Dutasteride and finasteride cannot be used together because they have the same mechanism of action.
Reasons and scenarios to select
One case in which dutasteride is specifically selected is when hair loss is rapidly progressing in the early 30s or younger. Strong DHT suppression is required, making dutasteride an advantageous choice.
On the other hand, people in their 40s and over, when the progression of hair loss is relatively slow, may often be able to cope with the cheaper finasteride.
Since resistance to side effects also varies greatly from person to person, it is important to make the best choice between both drugs while taking this into account. A decision must be made based on the balance between the hair loss situation and quality of life.
How to take dutasteride
The correct dosage of dutasteride is to take a 0.5 mg tablet once a day after meals. It should not be taken on an empty stomach and should be taken with food to increase absorption.
As the treatment requires continuous use over a long period of time, it is basically important to continue taking the medication every day without fail. A minimum of three to six months of use is recommended for effectiveness.
Precautions when taking
The main precaution when taking dutasteride is to deal with side effects. If side-effect symptoms such as sexual dysfunction occur, it is advisable to temporarily stop taking the medication after consultation with your doctor.
Condoms must also be used during sexual intercourse with women of childbearing potential. This is because dutasteride can be taken into the body via semen.
In addition, regular monitoring of liver function tests and PSA levels is essential, and drug management based on continuous blood tests is essential.
Tips for maximising the effectiveness of dutasteride
One tip to get the most out of dutasteride is to improve lifestyle habits.
Stress can influence the triggers and progression of hair loss, so it is important to keep life as stress-free as possible. Getting enough sleep and taking up moderate exercise can also help.
In terms of diet, try to eat a nutritionally balanced diet, with sufficient vitamins and minerals. An unbalanced diet can make it easier to become unwell.
It is important to make positive lifestyle improvements in parallel with taking dutasteride.
Combination of dutasteride and minoxidil
Dutasteride in combination with minoxidil is an effective combination. Minoxidil is also a hair growth-promoting drug, but has a different mechanism of action to dutasteride. Therefore, combination of dutasteride and minoxidil is synergistically expected to effect preventing hair loss and promote hair regrowth.
Particularly for early hair loss, the dual approach of hair loss control with dutasteride and new hair production with minoxidil is attractive.
On the other hand, safety data for long-term use are insufficient and there is a cost burden, so careful decisions must be made according to individual circumstances. However, the expected benefits are significant.
It is recommended to determine the best combination after careful consultation with your doctor.
Conclusion
Dutasteride is a powerful AGA treatment that suppresses DHT by approximately 90%. Clinical trials have demonstrated a high hair-growth effect and, if used appropriately, can improve hair loss and thinning.
On the other hand, side effects such as sexual dysfunction should be noted. We hope that you will make use of dutasteride, a revolutionary drug that has expanded the options for hair loss treatment, in consultation with your doctor or a hair loss outpatient clinic.
Your thinning hair treatment, leave it to the specialists. Find the right treatment for your problem with a free consultation at the Osaka AGA Kato Clinic. Please feel free to contact us on Line.
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