What’s The Difference Between Avodart and Propecia?

I am losing my hair and I am researching hair loss solutions, during my research I stumbled upon Avodart and Propecia, but I am not sure what the difference is between the two drugs. Which is better?

Avodart (dutasteride) is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, the 5-alpha reductase enzyme is responsible for converting testosterone in to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) through the blood stream. DHT is the main catalyst for androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss). Both Propecia (finasteride) and Avodart (dutasteride) inhibit the 5-alpha reductase enzyme however, Avodart (dutasteride) inhibits both type 1 and type 2 5-alpha reductase while Propecia (finasteride) only inhibits type 1 5-alpha reductase.  The type 1 5-alpha reductase is primarily concentrated in the sebaceous glands and the type 2 5-alpha reductase is primarily concentrated in the hair follicles.

Up to 90% DHT serum is decreased with Avodart (dutasteride), which is significantly higher than Propecia (finasteride), which can decrease up to 70% DHT serum. Both medications are approved by the FDA however, Avodart (dutasteride) is approved to treat Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) and Propecia (finasteride) is approved to treat BPH and androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss). Currently, Avodart (dutasteride) is not FDA approved to treat androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss) in the United States however, it is approved to treat genetic hair loss in South Korea as of 2009 and in Japan as of 2015.

While on paper, Avodart (dutasteride) seems like a better drug to treat androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss), there have not been enough studies to show it’s efficacy and safety for long-term use specifically for the treatment of hair loss. Sadly, there aren’t enough clinical studies comparing Propecia (finasteride) and Avodart (dutasteride) however, the few clinical studies that exist do show the incidence of side effects are slightly higher with Avodart (dutasteride). Furthermore, the difference in hair growth between Propecia (finasteride) and Avodart (dutasteride) is nominal according to the few studies that have been published. Moreover, because Avodart (dutasteride) is not FDA approved to treat genetic hair loss, the medication must be prescribed for off-label use by a physician. Currently, the only medications that have been approved by the FDA to treat androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss) are Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride).

Written and published by,
Melvin- Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network and The Coalition of Independent Hair Restoration Physicians