Dutasteride: What it is and how its sale is regulated

What is dutasteride and what is it used for?

Dutasteride is a prescription drug used primarily to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), a common condition in older men. Its main function is to reduce levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to prostate growth and hair loss. Although its use for androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) has been investigated, the FDA in the United States has not approved this indication.

How is the sale of dutasteride regulated?

Dutasteride is a regulated drug in most countries and requires a prescription. In the United States, the FDA classifies it as a prescription drug due to its potential side effects and the need for medical supervision. Regulations are in place for several reasons: By inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into DHT, it can cause side effects such as decreased libido, and contact with the drug can cause malformations in male fetuses, so pregnant women or women of childbearing age should avoid handling opened or damaged capsules. In addition, its use can alter prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels, a marker used in the detection of prostate cancer. Therefore, periodic monitoring by a health professional is recommended.

Is dutasteride used to treat hair loss?

Although the FDA has not officially approved dutasteride to treat androgenic alopecia, some studies have investigated its effectiveness in this area. According to a study published in PubMed, dutasteride has shown better results than finasteride in reducing hair loss in men with androgenic alopecia. In some countries, such as Spain, there are specific presentations of dutasteride for hair loss, but its use is still subject to local regulation and should be supervised by a doctor.

What are the brand names of dutasteride?

Dutasteride is marketed under several brand names, depending on the laboratory that manufactures it and the region where it is sold. Some of the best-known brands include:

Avodart (GlaxoSmithKline): FDA-approved for the treatment of BPH. GlaxoSmithKline is a British multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Brentford, United Kingdom.

Duprost (Cipla): Manufactured by Cipla Limited, an Indian pharmaceutical company with a global presence, recognized for its focus on generic and affordable medicines.

Dutas (Dr. Reddy’s): Produced by Dr. Reddy's Laboratories, a multinational pharmaceutical company headquartered in Hyderabad, India, specializing in generics and biosimilar products.

Avidart (Teva): Developed by Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, an Israeli pharmaceutical company leading the production of generic drugs.

Is it safe to buy dutasteride online?

While some online pharmacies offer dutasteride, it is important to ensure that they are authorized distributors. There are risks associated with purchasing medications from unverified sources, such as the possibility of receiving counterfeit or dubious quality products.

Before purchasing dutasteride online, it is recommended to consult with a doctor and verify that the pharmacy is licensed to sell prescription drugs. In addition, local regulations regarding the sale of controlled drugs should be followed.

Conclusion

Dutasteride is an effective medication for treating BPH and has potential use in androgenic alopecia, although it is not approved for this purpose in all countries. Its sale and use are regulated due to its side effects and potential risks. For its safe use, it is essential to have medical supervision and to ensure that it is purchased from reliable sources.

sources

Roehrborn, C. G., Boyle, P., Nickel, J. C., Hoefner, K., & Andriole, G. (2010). Efficacy and safety of dutasteride in the four-year treatment of men with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Journal of Urology, 183(6), 2451-2458. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20605255/

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2011). Avodart (dutasteride) [Prescribing information]. GlaxoSmithKline. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/021319s023s025lbl.pdf

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2008). Avodart (dutasteride) [Prescribing information]. GlaxoSmithKline. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2008/021319s015lbl.pdf

U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2010). Avodart (dutasteride) [Prescribing information]. GlaxoSmithKline. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2010/022460s000lbl.pdf