How is dutasteride different from finasteride?

Dutasteride inhibits both 5-alpha-reductase isoforms (I and II), while finasteride only acts on II. DHT blockade is more complete, which can translate into better response in some patients.

What are dutasteride's side effects?

Similar to finasteride, with a slightly higher incidence of reduced libido or reduced ejaculatory volume in some studies. The doctor reviews benefits and risks with you before prescribing.

Can I switch from finasteride to dutasteride?

Yes, under medical supervision. The switch is weighed after reviewing prior response, tolerance and your goals. It is paired with a quarterly follow-up plan.

Can I get a consultation for Dutasteride from Madrid?

Yes. Hi-Doctor runs 100 % online across the EU, so if you live in Madrid you can fill in the questionnaire and receive the medical review without travelling. The electronic prescription issued by the licensed doctor is valid in any EU pharmacy under Directive 2011/24/EU; in Spain it is dispensed directly from the prescription QR.

How does a doctor evaluate a hair-loss case in an online consultation?

Through the pattern of loss, how long it has been progressing, family history and current medication. In some cases we ask for scalp photos. The doctor proposes a tailored treatment plan and adjusts it to your tolerance.

What is the private electronic prescription and why is it valid across the EU?

The private electronic prescription (Receta Médica Privada Electrónica) is issued by a licensed doctor in Spain. It is a PDF carrying every field required by EU Directive 2011/24/EU (patient, prescriber with country of registration, active ingredient, dose), which makes it legally recognised across all 27 EU member states. In Spanish pharmacies it is dispensed from the QR; outside Spain, the pharmacist dispenses the locally marketed equivalent of the same active ingredient.

How does Hi-Doctor work step by step?

1) Fill in an online medical questionnaire in about 4 minutes. 2) An EU-licensed doctor reviews your case and replies in under 24 h through the private chat in your account. 3) If eligible, the doctor issues an electronic prescription. 4) You collect it at any EU pharmacy. The consultation costs €25 and, if the doctor decides it is not safe to prescribe, the full amount is refunded.

How much does it cost and what does the price include?

The medical consultation costs €25 and includes a licensed doctor's review of your case and, if approved, the electronic prescription. If the doctor decides the treatment is not appropriate, the €25 is refunded. The medication price is separate and paid at the pharmacy; it varies by country, pharmacy and product across the EU. Because your electronic prescription is valid at any EU pharmacy, you can compare and choose where to fill it.

DutasteridePrescription only

Online medical consultation for Dutasteride.

An EU-licensed doctor reviews your case and, if eligible, issues an electronic prescription valid at any EU pharmacy under Directive 2011/24/EU.

One capsule a day
Dual 5-α-reductase blockade (types I and II)
An option when finasteride isn't enough

€25Refund if treatment not approved

Start consultation · €25 See how it works

Medication, if prescribed, is dispensed and paid for separately at a pharmacy.

Form0.5 mg oral capsule

FrequencyOnce a day

ResultsAssessed at months 3–6

StatusPrescription only

About

What is Dutasteride?

Active ingredient: Dutasteride · Dosages: 0.5 mg / day

Dutasteride inhibits both isoforms of 5-alpha-reductase (I and II), while finasteride only acts on type II. The DHT blockade is more complete, which can translate into a better response in some patients.

It's typically considered when finasteride hasn't given a sufficient response after 6–12 months, or when the pattern of loss is particularly aggressive. It's off-label for alopecia in some countries, so the doctor weighs it case by case.

How it works in the body

By inhibiting both 5-alpha-reductase isoforms, dutasteride lowers scalp DHT more completely than finasteride — slowing follicle miniaturisation where a single-isoform block wasn't enough.

How it helps

How it protects your hair.

More complete DHT block

Acts on both enzyme isoforms, not just one.

A step-up option

Considered after 6–12 months of insufficient response to finasteride.

Case-by-case decision

Off-label for alopecia in some countries — the doctor weighs benefits and risks with you.

What to expect

A steady, monitored routine.

One 0.5 mg capsule daily, assessed over months. Switching from finasteride is done under medical supervision with a quarterly follow-up plan.

Months 1–3 · Daily 0.5 mg; changes build silently
Months 3–6 · Shedding stabilises
Months 6–12 · Visible improvement is assessed
Ongoing · Quarterly follow-up reviews

Doses your doctor can prescribe

Standard dose0.5 mg / day
Pharmacy price~€20–35 / month

Your schedule is personal

These are typical steps only. Your doctor adjusts the plan to how you respond and tolerate it — and you can message them at any point.

Safety first

Safety, in full.

Dutasteride is an effective medicine — and like any medicine it carries risks. Your doctor screens for all of this before prescribing. Here's the honest picture, not just reassurance.

Adult men with androgenetic alopecia, often after an inadequate finasteride response, or for benign prostatic hyperplasia.

0.5 mg orally once a day, with or without food.
Half-life is long (3–5 weeks): plasma levels persist after stopping, side effects can take time to resolve.
Stopping treatment reverses hair-loss gains over 6–12 months.

Who should not take it

Women, especially during pregnancy or planning pregnancy — dutasteride causes feminisation of male foetuses and is absorbed through the skin.
Children and adolescents under 18.
Known hypersensitivity to dutasteride or other 5α-reductase inhibitors.
Severe liver impairment.

When to seek urgent care

For severe, sudden or unexpected symptoms, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department. Then let your doctor know through your account chat.

Read the full Dutasteride safety summary

PRICING

One price. No surprises.

€25 per online medical consultation. If the doctor does not approve treatment, we refund you in full within 48 hours.

SINGLE CONSULTATION

What our patients say.

Verified reviews from Hi-Doctor patients · names changed for privacy · individual results vary.

The doctor was upfront that results would take months. By month five the shedding had clearly slowed.

Marc R.

8 months in treatment

Renewals and check-ins all happen in the account chat. No waiting rooms, no awkward conversations.

Jonas T.

1 year in treatment

They reviewed my history first and explained the risks honestly before prescribing anything.

Adrián M.

6 months in treatment

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Questions about Dutasteride.

Find out if it's right for you

See if Dutasteride is appropriate for you.

Answer a few questions and a licensed EU doctor reviews your case within 24 hours. Refunded in full if it's not right for you.

Start consultation · €25 See Hair growth

OTHER HAIR GROWTH TREATMENTS

Explore related treatments.

Finasteride Propeciafinasteride Avodartdutasteride Minoxidil Oral minoxidilminoxidil Topical minoxidilminoxidil Rogaineminoxidil Regaineminoxidil

Dutasteride is prescribed on Hi-Doctor when the licensed doctor considers it appropriate within hair growth.

Active ingredient: dutasterideArea: hair growthPrescription-only

WHAT TO KNOW

Dutasteride in context.

Dutasteride is among the options a licensed EU doctor may consider for hair growth. The decision is made case by case after reviewing your questionnaire, history and current medication.

The doctor reviews your questionnaire, rules out contraindications and explains the available options clearly. If your case is not eligible, the doctor tells you at no extra cost and the €25 consultation is refunded.

HOW HI-DOCTOR WORKS

Your consultation step by step.

1) You fill in the online medical questionnaire in about 4 minutes.

2) An EU-licensed doctor reviews your case in under 24 hours.

3) If appropriate, the doctor issues a prescription electronic prescription valid at any EU pharmacy under EU Directive 2011/24/EU.

4) You collect the medication at your nearest pharmacy and follow up through the private chat in your account — no WhatsApp, no SMS.

REVIEWED BY HI-DOCTOR LICENSED PHYSICIANS · EDUCATIONAL CONTENT, NOT A SUBSTITUTE FOR A CONSULTATION

ALSO AVAILABLE IN

The Dutasteride consultation works the same way across the EU.

AVAILABLE ACROSS SPAIN