Patient information and frequently asked questions about our prescription topical Dutasteride hair loss formula.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any questions or concerns about your health, please talk to a doctor.
Strut Men’s Dutasteride Hair Loss Formula is a pharmacist and physician formulated mixture of pharmaceutical-grade ingredients that may help reduce hair loss and increase hair growth in men when used regularly and as prescribed. Dutasteride being used for hair loss treatment is considered an off-label use of Dutasteride.
A compounded medication is a prescription that is mixed up specifically for you based on your doctor’s request for a specific strength and dosage form. Compounded medications are not manufactured, but made in compounding pharmacies that follow a formula ‘recipe’ customized to your condition to create an individualized medication for you.
Strut Men’s Dutasteride Hair Loss Formula contains a combination of prescription and nonprescription ingredients that target hair loss prevention and potential hair regrowth. Dutasteride is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor medication used off-label to reduce the amount of DHT in the scalp and help preserve your existing hair. Minoxidil is a vasodilator that may help reduce shedding, increase hair growth, and thicken hair follicles. Tretinoin is a vitamin A derivative that may help stimulate hair growth and exfoliate the scalp to help the medications penetrate deeper. Your doctor will choose the ingredients and strengths that are best suited for you and your hair loss goals.
Use the medicine exactly as directed. Using more medicine or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and may increase side effects. Do not take by mouth. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes or mouth, if this does occur, rinse with water. Apply once daily at night to dry, clean scalp, and wash hands after application. Wash any non-treatment area that this medication may have accidentally come into contact with to avoid unwanted hair growth. Allow to dry thoroughly and wash off in the morning, or after at least 4 hours. You may need to take Dutasteride for 3 months or more before you start seeing the benefits. You will need to continue the medication to keep your hair growth results.
There is not usually a shedding period if you are switching from an oral Finasteride or Dutasteride to topical Finasteride or Dutasteride, or from a topical to an oral form. However, if you have been using a topical Minoxidil (the active ingredient in Rogaine) product and you are switching to a medication that does not contain Minoxidil, you may see shedding. To help avoid this shedding, you can do a slow taper of the Minoxidil product over 6-8 weeks while transitioning to the new product, or you can make sure there is Minoxidil in your new formula.
This is a topically applied medication, so very little of the medication will get into systemic circulation and whole-body side effects should be rare. The most common side effects may include: Itching, burning, flaking, dryness, scaling, changes in the color or texture of your hair, increased sensitivity to the sun, or irritation at the application site.
Store your Men’s Dutasteride Hair Loss Formula closed in its original container at room temperature in a dry environment. Store Strut Men’s Dutasteride Hair Loss Formula safely away from pets and children. Dutasteride is in Strut Men’s Dutasteride Hair Loss Formula and is a category X medication, meaning that it can cause birth defects. For this reason, women who are currently or may be pregnant or breastfeeding should not even handle Strut Men’s Dutasteride Hair Loss Formula.
Dutasteride and Finasteride are both 5-alpha reductase inhibitor medications that are commonly used for hair loss in men by helping to block DHT production. Dutasteride has been found to block DHT more strongly than Finasteride, potentially because Dutasteride blocks both 5-alpha reductase type 1 & 2, while Finasteride only blocks 5-alpha reductase type 2. Both medications are effective for male pattern hair loss, but Dutasteride may lead to more hair regrowth than Finasteride.
Dutasteride may have reduced scalp penetration as compared to topical Finasteride formulations due to larger molecule size of Dutasteride. To help overcome the increased molecular size of Dutasteride, we have formulated our topical Dutasteride formula with DMSO to increase solubility and drive the formula into the scalp, as well as Tretinoin which has shown promise in increasing the bioavailability of topically applied hair loss ingredients like Minoxidil. If patients are concerned about the bioavailability of a topical formulation, we would suggest that they use the formulation along with a microneedling device which can help enhance penetration. In this study, researchers looked into microneedling with topical Dutasteride + Minoxidil vs microneedling with Minoxidil alone, and found better androgenetic alopecia improvements with the Dutasteride group: https://smj.journals.ekb.eg/article_42083_24b61cbba4be9982db23c318414034c0.pdf
This is a topically applied medication, so very little of the medication should get into systemic circulation and whole-body side effects should be rare (although more studies need to be done comparing topical to oral Dutasteride). The most common side effects may include: Itching, burning, flaking, dryness, scaling, changes in the color or texture of your hair, increased sensitivity to the sun, or irritation at the application site.
GEL - The hair gel formula has a gel-like consistency, made from propanediol, biotin, and Copasil silicone gel. It has no parabens, sulfates, alcohol, and propylene glycol. It has a mild peppermint shampoo scent. The pros of using a gel is that it has greater adhesion to the scalp and does not run off your scalp. The active ingredients are slightly visible inside of the gel, so it will have a slightly gritty or medicinal look. This is normal, and occurs due to all of the active medications present in the formulation. Be sure to shake and invert the bottle 2 times per week to prevent settling of the medication.
SOLUTION - The hair solution is a liquid made from alcohol, propanediol, and biotin which is a thinner consistency than the gel. It has no parabens, sulfates, and propylene glycol. It has a mild peppermint shampoo scent. The solution does have a tendency to run off your scalp during application, so apply slowly and rub it into the area. Shake well prior to using the solution.
Each formula is custom prescribed based on each patient’s medical history. Here are some common medications used and potential drug concentrations. Medications can be removed or adjusted based on symptoms. Your formula may have a combination of the medications listed below depending on what the doctor found to be the best fit for you. Look on your medication label in order to determine your exact medications and concentrations.
Drug Name, how it works, concentration, drug amount in mg per 0.2gm pump:
Minoxidil: A vasodilator that can reduce shedding, increase hair growth, and thicken the hair when combined with finasteride. 0.0%-7.5%. Up to 15mg per pump.
Finasteride: A 5-alpha reductase medication used to reduce the amount of DHT in the scalp and help preserve your existing hair. 0.1%-0.25%. Up to 0.5mg per pump.
Tretinoin: A vitamin A derivative that may help stimulate hair growth and exfoliate the scalp to help the medications penetrate deeper. 0.0125%. Up to 0.05mg per pump.
Dutasteride: Dutasteride is a more powerful DHT inhibitor in that it prevents two enzymes, 5-alpha reductase type 1 and type II (Finasteride blocks only type II) from converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, the primary hormone that causes male pattern hair loss. 0.1% strength available, which is 1mg per gram.
Latanoprost: Coming Soon A prostaglandin analog originally used for glaucoma when it was discovered to have hair growth properties. 0.0015-0.003%. Up to 0.006mg per pump.
This product should be applied over the entire scalp. Even though some other products recommend application just on the bald spot or hairline, you may get additional hair benefits from whole scalp treatment over just spot treatment.
This product has been available from Strut Health since 2021, and it is not unheard of for compounding pharmacies to make topical Dutasteride for individuals pursuant to a prescription from a doctor. Although, you will still not be able to find this formulation at non-compounding pharmacies, since there is no currently manufactured Dutasteride topical medication. The use of Dutasteride for hair loss in a topical or oral formulation is considered FDA off-label use. We utilize a compounding pharmacy to mix up topical Dutasteride treatments individually for patients, so this is not a widely manufactured medication, but a treatment crafted by a US licensed compounding pharmacy after our doctors order the prescription.
Krisgel® [Polyacrylamide, C13-C14 Isoparaffin, Laureth-7, Xanthan Gum, Hydroxypropylcellulose], Caprylic/Capric Triglycerides, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, Lavender Oil (Fragrance), Peppermint Oil (Fragrance), Dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), Biotin, Copasil® [Isododecane Cyclopentasiloxane Dimethicone/Bis-Isobutyl PPG-20 Crosspolymer Dimethicone Cyclohexasiloxane Dicaprylyl Ether Plukenetia Volubilis Seed Oil Copaifera Officinalis (Balsam Copaiba) Resin Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer Prunus Amygdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil Tocopheryl Acetate Pentaerythrityl Tetra-di-t-butyl Hydroxyhydrocinnamate Tocopherol]
In general, when a medication is applied externally to a local area like the scalp, there is a good chance that the medication is getting into your whole-body circulation to a much lesser extent as compared to an oral medication. This may potentially reduce the risks of whole-body side effects. The specific studies for topical Dutasteride aren’t as thorough yet as compared to the capsule form, since there is not a current FDA-approved topical Dutasteride manufactured product which would help develop those large-scale studies. More studies need to be done to conclusively know that topical Dutasteride comes along with fewer side effects.
Use enough medication to absorb and massage into your scalp for 30 seconds, start with 2 pumps and see if that is a good amount for your head. If you use too much medication it will clump up on your head. Wipe the excessive amount off and use less next time.
If you don’t wash your hair each day, the medication will accumulate on your scalp and it will become flaky or irritating. In order to help avoid scalp buildup, try to wash your hair and scalp each morning after your nightly application.
Yes, we encourage using a dermaroller or derma pen 3-4 times per week to help enhance the penetration of the medication even more. Apply the hair formula after using the device. Using these tools properly along with the medication may optimize your hair growth results.
The topical formula is fine to use with the iRestore laser helmet. However, you should avoid using an oral Vitamin A supplement with the helmet.
How fast results develop depends on many factors, including hair type, family genetics, lifestyle habits, stress, exercise, and your general nutritional status. Typically 2-3 months of daily continual usage may be long enough to see results if you are losing hair. If you have been bald for several years, it can take 4-6 months before you start to see results.
Yes, more than likely. As with many hair loss treatments, the hair which was regained using the medication may regress if the treatment stops. Using the topical hair formula is usually a long-term commitment in order to maintain the hair benefits.
Yes, but it’s best to follow your physician’s original directions. If you are not noticing any topical side effects such as redness, dryness, or irritation at the application site, then it can be used twice a day.
If you have a pump bottle, there will be a small round hole on the bottom of the bottle. Stick a paperclip tip inside the hole and press up to ensure that the pumping mechanism is flush with the medication inside.
Your doctor will prescribe a one month supply based on your hair loss needs, which is typically 30gms. If you are prescribed double the quantity that will be 60 grams. The order may vary based on each person's medical history.
Make a commitment to yourself that your hair will improve by using your medication consistently. Follow a strict daily application regimen. Avoid skipping applications.
This medication is developed for men. Women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant soon must avoid Dutasteride, Minoxidil, and Tretinoin. Dutasteride is a category X medication during pregnancy. Dutasteride is normally not used for women or children at all, and they should avoid handling the product. Speak to your doctor about using other ingredients that may be safe alternatives for women.
Yes, you should stop taking the oral Dutasteride to avoid having double dosages of the same medication.
There are some instances where you can use both. Speak to your physician prior to using both to come up with an appropriate dosage plan, or see if this is appropriate for you.
The beyond-use-date of medications represents the date after which you should not use the medication. The date set is based on the specific formulation, and represents that we are confident that the potency of the medication will not reduce significantly during that time. After the beyond-use-date we cannot confirm that the formulation is still at the potency reflected on the label. In general, most gel formulations have a beyond-use-date of 90 days, while the water-based solution formulations have a beyond-use-date of 35 days.
Our topical Dutasteride formulas are not liposomal. However, they are made in a propanediol & dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) lipophilic transdermal base to enhance delivery and provide optimal drug penetration to the scalp.
The side effects that may develop when men use Dutasteride oral capsules include: decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorder. These side effects occur in a low percentage of the users.It is thought that these side effects develop due to the DHT in the serum being reduced. Since the topical Dutasteride products are thought to reduce serum DHT less than the tablet, while still increasing the local DHT reduction in the scalp, there may be even fewer instances of sexual side effects when using the topical formulations of Dutasteride.Local side effects like redness, itching, dryness, and scalp irritation may develop when using the topical formulations of Dutasteride.
As with most medications, the best way to avoid or reduce any side effects which occur is to reduce your dosage, and only use the lowest dose which is still giving you benefits. For topical Dutasteride, if you are experiencing side effects, speak to your doctor about reducing the amount you are using. For instance, you can try applying 1 pump of the formula vs. 2 pumps each night. It is easier to regulate the amount of medication you are using with a topical formulation than with a tablet or capsule medication which must be split. With topical Dutasteride, you can help avoid scalp irritation issues by making sure that you wash off the medication each morning after applying the formula to avoid scalp build-up.
Dutasteride, Minoxidil, Tretinoin
This treatment plan may help: Reduce hair loss and increase hair growth when used regularly and as prescribed. It may take 2-4 months to begin seeing results, and up to 6-12 months for full results. Hair growth will revert to previous state if medication is stopped. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Using more medicine or applying it more often than prescribed will not make it work any faster, and may increase side effects. Do not take by mouth. Topical medication is to be applied to the indicated area only and not to be ingested. Avoid getting this medication in your eyes or mouth, if this does occur, rinse with water. Apply once daily at night to dry, clean hair, and wash hands after application. Wash any non-treatment area that this medication may have accidentally come into contact with to avoid unwanted hair growth. Allow to dry thoroughly and wash off in the morning, or after at least 4 hours.
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep the bottle tightly closed when not in use. Avoid using other products that also contain Dutasteride, Minoxidil, or Tretinoin unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Do not use other scalp medications while using this product unless directed otherwise by your doctor. Do not use on the scalp if the skin is infected, irritated, or has open wounds.
You may experience increased sensitivity to the sun with this medication at the application site.
Dutasteride is a medication for men only, women and children should never use Dutasteride containing medications.
Dutasteride is not indicated for use in women or pediatric patients.
Women who are pregnant or potentially may be pregnant should not handle or use Dutasteride containing medications due to the risk of birth defects in a male fetus.
If a pregnant woman comes in contact with Dutasteride medications, wash the contact area with soap and water right away and a healthcare provider should be contacted.
Dutasteride normally causes a decrease in PSA levels. If your PSA levels go up while you are taking Dutasteride it may signal the presence of prostate cancer and should be evaluated by a physician.5-Alpha Reductase Inhibitors may increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer.
Do not take Dutasteride if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in the formulation.
This medication may cause allergic reactions if you are allergic to a component of the medication or medications similar to the ingredients in this product. If you are allergic to any of the ingredients listed (Ingredients: Dutasteride, Minoxidil, Tretinoin) please stop the compound, reach out to us and contact your doctor. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: hives, difficulty breathing, rapid or weak heartbeat, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, you may be having an acute allergic reaction and you need to get emergency medical help immediately.
We have evaluated your health history and the specific health information you provided us, however, if anything changes and you develop or discover any new conditions please contact us and your doctor to make sure this medication is still appropriate for you. This medication may have interactions with certain disease states, tell your doctor if you have any of the following:
Minoxidil and Dutasteride should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Tretinoin products are to be avoided during pregnancy. Do not use or come into contact with this medication if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning on becoming pregnant in the near future. This medication is meant for men only, and should not be used by women or children.
This is a topically applied medication, and very little medication should be distributed throughout the entire body. However, you may experience side effects with this medication. Side effects may reduce or go away as your body adjusts to the medication with time. Common side effects:
This is a topically applied medication, so very little of the medication will get into systemic circulation and systemic or severe side effects should be rare. Uncommon side effects may include:
More serious but less common side effects include:
Stop the medication and seek medical treatment right away if any of these occur. Avoid other products known to cause skin irritation on the area of treatment such as: medicated or abrasive soaps, chemical hair colorants, removers, or waxes, electrolysis, products with alcohol or astringents, and cosmetics with an irritating or strong drying effect.
We have evaluated your health history and the specific health information you provided us, however, if anything changes and you start or discover that you are taking any additional medicines or supplements please contact us and your doctor to make sure this medication is still appropriate for you. Some medications can have interactions and we will help you evaluate that risk and decide on an appropriate treatment plan. Dutasteride is contained in this medication, and Dutasteride and other drugs in the same class are also found in oral medications Avodart, Proscar, and Propecia. If you are already taking these medications it may not be appropriate for you to take this medication. Tell your doctor if you are already taking Dutasteride or Finasteride by mouth in tablet or capsule form.
Tell your doctor if you are taking:
We have evaluated the specific health information provided by you to identify if this product is appropriate for you. If you forgot to provide us with any information or incorrectly provided the information we may misdiagnose or fail to diagnose conditions that you may have which could affect our recommendation for treatment. If you need to update or clarify any information about your health you can call us and update your profile so that we may reevaluate if this is appropriate for you.
This treatment is not 100% effective for every patient. It may not work for every patient or may only work partially to resolve the condition that it is meant to treat. If the treatment is not working, or if you find that you are experiencing new or worsening symptoms, contact us as well as your doctor to identify if you should continue this treatment. If it is an emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical help. We are providing this treatment for you because the potential benefits outweigh the risks in our estimation based on the medical information provided. You should evaluate this information and any input from your in-person healthcare team, and any other relevant information to decide if this treatment plan is appropriate for you.
We recommend that you update all of your physicians, pharmacists, and the rest of your healthcare team to let them know about any new medicines or supplements that you are taking or any changes in your health. You can also ask us questions anytime regarding your therapy and we are happy to help you share any information about your health with anyone in your personal healthcare team.
The following links provide further information on the potential risks and benefits of this medication:
Disclaimer The drug and medical information provided on this website is not meant to cover all adverse effects, drug interactions, warnings, medical uses, directions and precautions. The information provided is a medical resource and the judgment of your physician and/or healthcare practitioner should not be substituted. Strut has made every effort to ensure the information on the website is accurate and current based on present medical literature. Strut does not make any guarantees regarding the drug and medical information, and does not assume responsibility regarding the content. The drug safety and drug information contained on the website may be time sensitive and should not be utilized as a medical reference beyond the date hereof. The deficiency of a warning for prescription medications and vitamins provided on this website in no way should be construed to indicate safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for any given patient. If you have questions or concerns about your medications, please do not hesitate to contact us and/or your medical practitioner, including your pharmacist. If your medication was compounded: compound prescription products have not been tested or approved by the FDA for their intended use. No claims are made as to the safety, efficacy or use of this compound. Active ingredients used are FDA approved and follow strict United States Pharmacopeia (USP) guidelines when pursuant to a valid prescription.
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