Some people want to begin hair loss treatment but find taking medication every day burdensome, or hesitate because they experienced side effects while taking it in the past. However, leaving male pattern hair loss untreated can cause hair to gradually thin and the affected area to widen, so it is important to explore the available treatment options together with a medical professional.
One option that can be considered in such cases is a dutasteride injection (dutasteride shot). In this article, we will explain the principle behind dutasteride injections, how they differ from oral medication, the changes that can be expected, who they may be suitable for, and points to keep in mind.
What is a dutasteride injection?
In male pattern hair loss, the male hormone testosterone is converted into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) by 5-alpha reductase, and hair follicles sensitive to DHT gradually become thinner as the condition progresses. Dutasteride is an ingredient that inhibits 5-alpha reductase and thereby reduces DHT production.
While oral dutasteride delivers the drug systemically, a dutasteride injection is a localized treatment in which the drug, prepared at a low concentration, is injected directly into the dermal layer of the scalp where hair loss has progressed. At Modi Hair Plant, after checking the condition of the scalp and hair loss, dutasteride diluted to 0.05% is injected using a fine needle.
Local injection aims to deliver the drug to the area where it is needed while reducing the total dose and systemic exposure. However, being an injection does not mean the drug is not absorbed systemically at all, or that the possibility of side effects is completely eliminated. In addition, accumulated research and long-term data are more limited than for oral treatment, so the decision should be made after receiving a full explanation of the advantages and disadvantages of the treatment.
How does it differ from oral dutasteride?
- Method of administration: Oral medication involves taking a set dose regularly, whereas injections are administered directly into the scalp at a medical institution.
- Treatment interval: Oral medication is generally taken daily. Injections are performed at intervals of several weeks depending on the scalp condition and stage of treatment.
- Systemic exposure: Local injection aims to reduce systemic exposure, but systemic absorption cannot be completely ruled out.
- Convenience and burden: Oral medication is simple and the cost burden is relatively low. Injections require regular visits, and pain during the procedure or cost burden may arise.
Therefore, it is difficult to say that dutasteride injections are superior to oral medication in every respect. If treatment can be carried out stably with oral medication, oral treatment may be considered first, and injections may be an alternative when taking medication is difficult or the response to existing treatment is not sufficient.
What effects can be expected?
The main purpose of dutasteride injections is to reduce the influence of DHT in order to slow the progression of male pattern hair loss and inhibit further weakening of hair that has become thinner. In some patients, changes in hair thickness or density may be expected, but the response to treatment varies depending on the duration and degree of hair loss, the condition of the hair follicles, age, and concurrent treatments.
Because the hair growth cycle is long, it is difficult to judge the outcome from only one or two treatments. Generally, treatment is performed at regular intervals in the early stage, and the response is evaluated over approximately 3 to 6 months by comparing the amount of shedding, hair thickness and density, and clinical photographs. At Modi Hair Plant, depending on the patient's condition, an approach may be used in which treatment is performed at 2-week intervals for approximately the first 3 months and then adjusted to monthly intervals. The actual number of sessions and intervals vary according to the results of the consultation.
Who may consider a dutasteride injection
- Those diagnosed with male pattern hair loss who find it difficult to continue taking oral medication
- Those in whom hair loss progression is still observed after taking finasteride
- Those concerned about the systemic side effects of oral hair loss medication
- Those who prefer regular in-clinic treatment rather than taking medication daily
- Those who can accept the burden of injection pain and repeated clinic visits
Conversely, conditions such as alopecia areata, telogen hair loss, and scarring hair loss have different causes and treatments. Rather than choosing a dutasteride injection simply because hair is falling out, the type of hair loss should first be accurately identified.
Precautions and possible side effects
Temporary pain, redness, swelling, bruising, itching, or tenderness may occur at the injection site. Rarely, inflammation, infection, or unexpected local reactions may also occur. If pain or swelling worsens or persists for a long time after the procedure, inform the medical institution.
If the dutasteride ingredient is absorbed systemically, the possibility of adverse reactions known from oral medication—such as decreased libido, changes related to erection or ejaculation, breast discomfort, or mood changes—cannot be completely ruled out. Existing medical conditions, medications currently being taken, and past side effects from hair loss medication should be reported to the medical staff during the consultation.
Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant must not be exposed to dutasteride. Women, minors, and those planning a pregnancy must consult separately with a medical professional regarding whether it can be applied and what precautions are required. Dutasteride scalp injections may differ from standard oral treatment in terms of the level of evidence and the scope of approval, so it is important to decide whether to proceed after receiving a full explanation and giving consent.
Dutasteride Injection FAQ
1. Can I stop taking oral medication right away once I start dutasteride injections?
Stopping on your own is not recommended. After checking the effects and side effects of your current medication and the state of hair loss progression, a decision should be made on whether to continue, reduce the dose, or switch to injections.
2. How often should the injections be received?
In the early stage, treatment is performed at intervals of 2 weeks or several weeks, and once the condition stabilizes, the interval may be adjusted to a month or longer. A fixed number of sessions does not apply identically to all patients.
3. When can the effects be confirmed?
Considering the hair growth cycle, several months of observation are needed. Usually, scalp photographs taken around 3 to 6 months and the condition of the hair are compared, but it may take longer for some individuals, or there may be no clear change.
4. How painful is the injection?
Even when a fine needle is used, the injections are made at multiple sites, so a stinging or aching sensation may occur. The degree of sensation felt differs depending on pain sensitivity and the extent of the injected area.
5. Can hair loss be treated with dutasteride injections alone?
Depending on the patient, it may be considered as a standalone option, but other treatments such as minoxidil or oral medication may need to be used in combination. In areas where hair follicles have already been lost, sufficient recovery may be difficult with medication alone, so other methods such as hair transplant are reviewed.
Key Points
- A dutasteride injection is a localized treatment in which the drug is injected directly into the dermal layer of the scalp.
- It can be considered when continuing oral medication is difficult or when the response to existing treatment is not sufficient.
- The purpose is to reduce systemic exposure, but the possibility of side effects is not completely eliminated.
- Judging the effect usually requires several months, and results and treatment intervals vary between individuals.
- The type of hair loss and your health condition should be checked first, and then whether to proceed with treatment should be decided together with a medical professional.
If oral medication feels burdensome, start with a diagnosis
Difficulty taking hair loss medication does not mean there are no treatment options. That said, a dutasteride injection is not a treatment everyone needs either. Modi Hair Plant Clinic checks the type and degree of progression of hair loss, previous treatment experience, and the pattern of side effects, and then determines together with you whether oral medication or injections is the more suitable approach.
If you are considering changing your current medication or are curious about dutasteride injection treatment, please consult a medical professional before stopping your medication on your own.
References
- Saceda-Corralo D, Rodrigues-Barata AR, Vañó-Galván S, Jaén-Olasolo P. Mesotherapy with dutasteride in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. Int J Trichol. 2017;9(3):143–145. doi:10.4103/ijt.ijt_73_16 (PubMed)
- Saceda-Corralo D, Moustafa F, Moreno-Arrones Ó, Jaén-Olasolo P, Vañó-Galván S, Camacho F. Mesotherapy with dutasteride for androgenetic alopecia: a retrospective study in real clinical practice. J Drugs Dermatol. 2022;21(7):742–747. doi:10.36849/JDD.6610 (PubMed)
The literature above consists of clinical data addressing mesotherapy, in which dutasteride is injected locally into the scalp. Dutasteride scalp injections may differ from standard oral treatment in terms of the level of evidence and the scope of approval, and treatment responses vary between individuals.