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Switching from Propecia (Finasteride) to Avodart (Dutasteride) for Hair Loss but Worried about Side Effects- Thursday, October 16, 2008

Question:

I am considering switching to Avodart from Propecia for hair loss. The reason being my genetic dispostion to baldness cannot be held back by Propecia. I have been taking Propecia daily for several years. My crown which Propecia claims to be most effective with is still gradually balding. While perhaps at a slower rate than without the drug which I should be grateful for if I compared my current hair loss to my fathers at the same age. Propecia does not claim to be effective for hair on top and in front which in my case has been gradually thinning for several years. I am at the stage of baldness that I really want to keep the hair I have left on top and in front if at all medically possible. I heard Avodart (dutasteride) can maintain or reduce hair loss in the front top and crown hairline and is more effective than Propecia. I was wondering what other members have heard or experienced using Avodart. Also does anyone know if there are any side effects other than the risks associated with Propecia and are there any risks for birth defects from sperm from an Avodart user? I know pregnant women should not come in contact with the drug but should safe sex be practiced while on the drug?

Answer:

Avodart is not FDA approved for hair loss but is stronger and conjectured to more effective since it blocks not only the Type II 5-alpha-reductase enzymes like Propecia but also Type I.

By blocking Type I and Type II 5-alpha-reductase enzymes the product of DHT is significantly minimized, even more than Propecia.

But a stronger medication means an increased risk of side effects.

Reported potential side effects of Avodart (Dutasteride) according to the official Avodart website include: sexual side effects (such as impotence, decreased sex drive, decreased amount of semen, and impotence) and swelling of the breasts. Other less reported side effects include allergic reactions such as itching, swelling of the face or lips, hives, and rash. According to their website, most side effects will stop after continued use of the medication.

Another thing that concerns me is that Type I 5-alpha-reductase enzymes are found in the brain. The question remains, what potential problems may arise by inhibiting them?

In my opinion, consult with a hair restoration physician regarding an appropriate dosage, the benefits, limitations, and potential side effects of using Avodart.

Bill (Falceros) - Associate Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog.
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