Products / Prescription medication
Dutasteride 0.5 mg capsules
Dutasteride 0.5 mg is an off-label option for androgenetic alopecia in patients who have plateaued on finasteride.
From £89 / month as part of WMG Advanced Hair PlanAbout this product
Dutasteride is licensed in the UK for benign prostatic hyperplasia, not for hair loss, but is widely used off-label for androgenetic alopecia where finasteride has not given an adequate response. It inhibits both type I and type II 5-alpha-reductase, suppressing serum DHT by over 90 percent (median 94 percent at one year per the UK Avodart SmPC), compared with around 70 percent for finasteride 1 mg. The side-effect profile overlaps with finasteride and includes sexual side effects (reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculation disorders) and, less commonly, mood changes including low mood and depression. Following the MHRA Drug Safety Update on finasteride (29 April 2024) and the further Drug Safety Update on 11 May 2026 that explicitly extended precautionary advice to dutasteride, we counsel patients on the possibility of psychiatric or sexual symptoms (which can persist after discontinuation in a small number of cases) and the need to stop and review if these arise. The terminal half-life is around 5 weeks, which both patients and clinicians factor in when starting and stopping treatment. Women who are or may become pregnant must not handle leaking capsules, as dutasteride is absorbed through the skin and can affect the normal development of a male foetus (with particular risk in the first 16 weeks of pregnancy). If contact is made with a leaking capsule, wash the area immediately with soap and water. We discuss the off-label nature, the evidence, handling precautions and the trade-offs at clinical review.
How it works
Dutasteride inhibits both type I and type II 5-alpha-reductase, suppressing serum DHT by approximately 90 percent (versus around 70 percent for finasteride). The deeper suppression translates into greater follicular protection in some patients.
Who this product is for
- You have plateaued on finasteride 1 mg
- You have advanced or rapidly progressing male pattern hair loss
- You are comfortable with off-label use after a full discussion with your clinician
- You have no contraindications and are willing to review tolerability at each follow-up
Important information
This is a prescription-only medication. WMG Meds is an online assessment service operating under Westminster Medical Group (CQC-registered, Harley Street). Prescriptions are issued by a GMC-registered doctor after asynchronous review of your questionnaire and declared medical history. Suitability, dose and strength are decided by your clinician on a case-by-case basis. We are not a pharmacy and do not dispense in-clinic: your prescription is fulfilled and delivered by our partner pharmacy.
Prescribed under: Dr Sebastian Deme (Medical Director, GMC 7130749) or Dr Grahame Shaw (GMC 7460905), both on the GMC Register and clinically responsible for prescribing decisions on this product. Meet the team.
If you experience side effects or have any clinical concerns, contact us via the enquiry form or call 020 3239 3378. For urgent symptoms please contact your GP, NHS 111, or 999.
Safety information and regulatory updates
Please read the following before starting Dutasteride 0.5 mg capsules. Your clinician will discuss any concerns at clinical review and you can stop treatment at any time.
MHRA Drug Safety Updates and contraindications
- MHRA Drug Safety Update 11 May 2026 extended precautionary advice for 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors to dutasteride: risk of psychiatric reactions and sexual dysfunction which may persist after discontinuation.
- Women who are or may become pregnant must not handle LEAKING capsules; dutasteride is absorbed through the skin and can affect normal development of a male foetus (particular risk in first 16 weeks of pregnancy). Intact soft-gelatin capsules pose no hazard. Wash skin immediately with soap and water if contact with a leaking capsule occurs.
- Off-label use in hair loss is supported by published evidence but is not the licensed indication.
Patient Information Leaflet
The official UK Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) on the eMC, the MHRA-affiliated electronic Medicines Compendium.
Yellow Card scheme
Report any suspected side effects of Dutasteride 0.5 mg capsules to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme. Reporting helps the MHRA monitor medicines safety in the UK.
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