Dutasteride

Dutasteride is the active ingredient in the brand-name medication Avodart®, which is used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which helps shrink the prostate and improve urinary symptoms. Dutasteride works the same way as Avodart and has the same benefits and risks, per the FDA.

The drug is FDA-approved to treat BPH in men, and it may be used off-label for male pattern hair loss.

Avodart is available in capsule form. Common side effects include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and breast tenderness or enlargement, while drug interactions may occur with other medications that affect certain liver enzymes. It is contraindicated in people who can become pregnant due to the risk of birth defects, and it should not be handled by pregnant folks.

Avodart (dutasteride) is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate to:

• Improve symptoms

• Reduce the risk of acute urinary retention

• Reduce the risk of the need for BPH-related surgery

Avodart in combination with the alpha-adrenergic antagonist, tamsulosin, is indicated for the treatment of symptomatic BPH in men with an enlarged prostate.

The drug category for dutasteride is 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor.

The most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥1% of subjects treated with Avodart and more commonly than in subjects treated with placebo, are:

• Impotence

• Decreased libido

• Ejaculation disorders

• Breast disorders

• Pregnancy

• Patients with previously demonstrated, clinically significant hypersensitivity (e.g., serious skin reactions, angioedema) to Avodart or other 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors

• Drug interactions: potent, chronic cytochrome P450 (CYP)3A4 enzyme inhibitors (e.g., ritonavir)

• Avodart reduces serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration by approximately 50%

• Avodart may increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer

• Prior to initiating treatment with Avodart, consideration should be given to other urological conditions that may cause similar symptoms

• Women who are pregnant or may be pregnant should not handle Avodart capsules due to potential risk to a male fetus

• Patients should not donate blood until 6 months after their last dose of Avodart

Boxed warning information not available for this drug.

The cost of dutasteride may vary depending on factors such as your insurance plan, the dosage, and where you buy it.

Without insurance, the average retail price of a month’s supply of dutasteride is about $168, but many coupons and discount cards are available, which may bring the price down as low as $1. Insurance plans may cover all or some of the cost of this medication.

Other treatments for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) include:

• Proscar® (finasteride), another 5-alpha reductase inhibitor

• Alpha-blockers:

  • Uroxatral® (alfuzosin)

  • Cardura® (doxazosin)

  • Rapaflo® (silodosin)

  • Flomax® (tamsulosin)

  • Terazosin

• Combination therapies

• Surgery

Options available for male pattern hair loss — some of which may be better than others — include:

• Hair transplant surgery

• Low-level light therapy

• Microneedling

• Oral finasteride

• Oral minoxidil (prescribed off-label at the discretion of a healthcare provider)

• Platelet-rich plasma therapy for hair loss

• Scalp micropigmentation

• Targeted hair care products such as thickening shampoo

• Topical finasteride and minoxidil spray (prescribed at the discretion of a healthcare provider

• Topical minoxidil

• Biotin and other hair-growth supplements

Dutasteride vs. finasteride for hair loss: Which is better?

Research shows that both dutasteride and finasteride effectively reduce hair loss, but some studies suggest dutasteride is slightly better at blocking dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss in men, and encouraging thicker hair growth. However, only finasteride is FDA-approved to treat hair loss, while dutasteride may be prescribed off-label.

Why is dutasteride not FDA-approved for hair loss?

Dutasteride is FDA-approved to treat BPH, but not enough research has been done to support its approval for hair loss in men.

Does dutasteride cause sexual side effects?

Yes, it can. Dutasteride’s side effects may include erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, and problems with ejaculation.

Can women take dutasteride?

Yes, in certain cases. Dutasteride is not prescribed to women who are pregnant or can become pregnant because it can cause birth defects. However, it may be prescribed off-label for female pattern hair loss. In one study of women with female pattern hair loss who took dutasteride for three years, the drug effectively increased their hair thickness and stopped further hair loss.

You can get a prescription for dutasteride after being evaluated by your primary care provider or a specialist who can determine if the medicine is right for you based on factors like your symptoms and medical history.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards here.

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