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Is it Safe to Take Dutasteride and Propecia for Hair Loss at the Same Time?- Thursday, April 23, 2009

Question:

I recently came across this new drug and was wondering if I should start taking it. I have been taking Propecia for a few years and my hair loss seems to have stopped. I hear that dutasteride is a much stronger drug in helping to regain hair, but I'm afraid that if I stop taking Propecia and start taking dutasteride, that I may lose some hair. Do you recommend that I take both medications for some time to make for a smooth transition, or even at least half of a Propecia pill along with dutasteride? If I do, what kind of side effects can I expect?

Answer:

Dutasteride (Avodart) blocks even more DHT than finasteride (Propecia), and in theory, is potentially a more effective hair loss treatment. A stronger drug however, means a higher probability of side effects. The Potential side effects of dutasteride are quite similar as to those of finasteride. For a list of potential side effects of Avodart, visit www.avodart.com or speak to your doctor.

Since dutasteride isn’t FDA approved for hair loss, we recommend consulting with a hair restoration physician before taking it. Unless you're under the direct counsel and supervision of a doctor, we also do not recommend taking both medications simultaneously.

Bill (Falceros)
Associate Publisher/Editor