Thu 20 Mar 2008
Avodart (Dutasteride) or Propecia (Finasteride) as a Hair Loss Drug?
Category: Avodart (Dutasteride) , Non Surgical Treatments , Propecia (Finasteride) , Rogaine (Minoxidil) , TopicalsI am considering using Avodart (dutasteride) as a hair loss treatment because it is supposedly stronger than Propecia (finasteride). Does this sound like a good plan to regrow hair?
It appears that many more hair loss sufferers are turning to Avodart (dutasteride) for hair loss before first trying Propecia (finasteride).
Though Avodart (dutasteride) is said to potentially be a more potent hair loss drug, it is not FDA approved for hair loss. Avodart (dutasteride) inhibits both type I and type II 5-alpha-reductase enzymes minimizing the production of DHT more than Propecia. But with a more potentially potent drug comes more potentially potent side effects.
In my opinion, it would be better to try Propecia first, which has been FDA approved as a hair loss medication. Many balding patients have great success with Propecia especially when combined with Rogaine 5%. (minoxidil). Many hair restoration physicians will recommend trying Avodart as an alternate hair loss treatment in the event that Propecia isn’t working after 1 year of use.
Be sure however, to discuss these hair restoration treatments with a physician beforehand to learn fully about the benefits, limitations, and potential side effects.
Bill Seemiller
Associate Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network and the Hair Loss Learning Center
View my Hair Loss Weblog
Technorati Tags: Avodart, dutasteride, hair loss treatment, Propecia, finasteride, regrow hair, hair loss, 5-alpha-reductase, Propecia, hair loss medication, balding, minoxidil, hair restoration physician, hair restoration treatments
- Avodart (Dutasteride) Dosing Charts
- Propecia (Finasteride) Dosing Chart
- Avodart Side Effects: What should I do?
- Is Treating Hair Loss with Avodart (Dutasteride) Effective?
- Will Propecia thin my body hair?
June 3rd, 2008 at 5:28 pm
I agree with Falceros.
Also note that if you *do* try dutasteride for hair loss, and medical complications result, your health insurance provider will be unlikely to provide financial support for necessary treatment… at least, that often seems to be the case for health complications resulting from unapproved/experimental/unauthorized drug use.