SIDE EFFECTS…OR…ALLERGIC REACTION TO DUTASTERIDE?
After posting here yesterday, I did some further research concerning side effects with dutasteride and decided to post those listed from the Mayo clinic.
As I mentioned yesterday, I just started taking dutasteride 0.5mg on Monday of this week and I had already noticed a persistent headache with mild flu-like symptoms (including a mild brain fog) along with a constant dry mouth, a noticeable change (difficulty) with breathing and a tightness in my chest.
My initial intention was to take dutasteride 0.5mg every day, however, since the Mayo Clinic suggests that I should seek immediate medical attention(see below), if I experience any of those “rare” side effects listed, I decided to take a break from dut and resumed 1mg finasteride today.
Incidentally, in just one day, I noticed that my chest pain, flu-like symptoms and brain fog are nearly gone! I am also still experiencing a little dry mouth. This suggests to me that I may be allergic to dut even at 0.5mg daily…yet I have had no symptoms (other than mild ed) with 1mg finasteride daily for the past 12 years.
And since it appears that I may be experiencing some of the “rare” side effects or perhaps even an allergic reaction to dutasteride, I am wondering if any of you guys have had success with using 0.5 mg dutasteride two or three times a week as opposed to 0.5mg every day. I am wondering if I would experience the same effects using dut 2x-3x a week on alternate days as I did using dut 4 consecutive days straight.
Does anyone know if 0.5mg dutasteride 2x-3x weekly would be equivalent in terms of strength to 1mg finasteride daily? (which I have used for the past 12 years but has recently become less effective at stopping my progression of MPB).
If not, perhaps dutasteride 0.5mg 2x-3x weekly with finasteride 1mg on alternate days? Has anyone here tried that with any type of success??
Also, because of the sides, I am wondering if I would be better off to apply dutasteride topically instead of orally. Has anyone here tried that and had good results? If so, can you tell me how much dut you are using and whether you are mixing it with anything or just applying the liquid from the capsules directly to your scalp?
I appreciate any feedback that you folks may have to offer.
Thanks.
DutToFin (or…maybe not)
Dutasteride Side Effects Listed from the Mayo Clinic
Side Effects Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Rare Chest pain or discomfort
Dilated neck veins
Extreme fatigue
Irregular breathing
Irregular heartbeat
Shortness of breath
Swelling of the face, fingers, feet, or lower legs
Weight gain
Wheezing Incidence not known
Blistering, flaking, or peeling of the skin
Cough
Difficulty with swallowing
Dizziness
Fast heartbeat
Hives or welts
Itching skin Large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs
Puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
Redness of the skin Skin rash
Tightness in the chest
Unusual tiredness or weakness
Wheezing
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
Less common side effects:
Abnormal ejaculation
Decreased interest in sexual intercourse
Decreased sexual performance or desire
Impotence Inability to have or keep an erection
Loss in sexual ability, desire, drive, or performance
Pain, soreness, swelling, or discharge from the breast or breasts
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional