Key Takeaways:
- Research supports that both finasteride and dutasteride help treat hair loss, particularly when caused by androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also known as male pattern baldness.
- Finasteride has FDA approval to treat AGA, while dutasteride does not.
- Dutasteride is approved to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH or enlarged prostate), but it is sometimes prescribed off-label for AGA.
- The side effects for both treatments are similar.
After months (or years!) of taking finasteride, you’ve seen some progress. Your hairline is holding steady, but regrowth seems to have stalled. Enter dutasteride: a stronger cousin of finasteride that may get you the results you want. But is switching from finasteride to dutasteride the right move? Is it safe?
Before we explore those questions, there is some foundational information you should know. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has only approved two medications specifically for hair loss: finasteride (generic Propecia®) and minoxidil (generic Rogaine®). While not FDA-approved to treat hair loss, dutasteride is often prescribed off-label for that purpose.
Research suggests that finasteride and minoxidil are each effective in slowing hair loss and even spurring regrowth for many. But these treatments may not yield the desired results for everyone. If that’s you, your dermatologist or healthcare provider might prescribe dutasteride.
Below, you’ll learn the pros and cons of switching from finasteride to dutasteride. You’ll also get a breakdown of alternative hair loss treatment options.
How Finasteride and Dutasteride Work
Finasteride and dutasteride (generic Avodart®) are both FDA-approved for the treatment of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), which is also known as enlarged prostate. If left untreated, BPH can lead to bladder, urinary, or kidney problems, and, indirectly, ED.
Both medications are 5-alpha reductase inhibitors (5ARIs). 5-alpha reductase (5AR) is an enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone responsible for the development of male pattern baldness. These medications are also sometimes called DHT blockers.
Not all men are sensitive to DHT, and this population is less likely to experience male pattern baldness. For guys who are sensitive to DHT — which is mainly a genetic predisposition — high levels can cause hair to thin and shed.
DHT-blocking medications like finasteride and dutasteride are basically bouncers for your hair, keeping out DHT. They work by slowing or stopping the conversion of testosterone to DHT and reducing the number of androgen receptors in the hair follicles, thereby lowering DHT levels. That’s good news for your hair.
Differences Between Finasteride and Dutasteride
The two medications work very similarly (and therefore have similar side effects), but there are some key differences between finasteride and dutasteride.
- Type 1 vs. type 2 inhibitor. Finasteride is a type 2 5AR inhibitor, and dutasteride is both a type 1 and a type 2 5AR inhibitor. Type 1 of the enzyme is produced primarily in the liver and skin, making its way to the prostate via blood circulation. Type 2 is the main form found in the prostate.
- FDA approval. As noted, finasteride is FDA-approved for treating androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) in men. Dutasteride isn’t specifically approved for hair loss in the United States, but it is in several other countries.
- DHT reduction. According to research, finasteride can reduce serum DHT by about 70 percent and prostate DHT by 80 to 90 percent. Dutasteride can reduce serum DHT by as much as 99 percent. Dutasteride may also have better results when it comes to hair loss.
Reasons for Switching From Finasteride to Dutasteride
While both finasteride and dutasteride are well-studied for treating BPH, when it comes to research on efficacy for handling hair loss, we have more information on finasteride.
Finasteride is considered the gold standard for dealing with genetic hair loss. For most men, it works well, and there’s no need to switch.
One 10-year study on men using finasteride for androgenetic alopecia found that 99 percent experienced no worsening of hair loss during treatment. What’s more, 91 percent saw improvements in hair growth while using finasteride.
However, not every man will get the desired results from this finasteride. For these men, having other options — like dutasteride — is helpful.
Finasteride Doesn’t Work for Everyone
Maybe you’re among the 9 percent of men who don’t see improvements in hair growth after consistently taking finasteride. In some cases, your healthcare provider or dermatologist may suggest switching to dutasteride, which may be effective for increasing hair count and thickness.
What the Research Says About Dutasteride Vs. Finasteride
More research is needed that directly compares finasteride and dutasteride for hair loss management. However, some short-term research indicates that dutasteride may be better for increasing hair count and thickness.
A small 2025 study of 60 men aged 21 to 60 found that thrice-weekly dutasteride treatments were associated with greater hair density and diameter compared to a 1-milligram daily dosage of finasteride. However, dutasteride did not increase hair count more effectively than finasteride.
A 2014 study of more than 900 people found that hair count and width increased dose-dependently with dutasteride (meaning the higher the dose, the greater the effects on hair), more so than with finasteride or a placebo. However, the study window was brief at only 24 weeks.
But a 2017 study comparing the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of dutasteride and finasteride had a different conclusion: It found that those who used dutasteride had a higher hair count and fewer thinning hairs than the finasteride group. It’s worth noting that this study had a few flaws, including a small sample size of only 90 men and a short study period of six months. Also, it was “open-label,” meaning the researchers and subjects knew which medication they were taking, which can cause confirmation bias.
How to Switch From Finasteride to Dutasteride
Anytime you switch medications, it’s vital to let your healthcare provider know so they can guide you through the process. Here’s what you can expect:
- You’ll need to fully stop taking oral finasteride before switching to dutasteride.
- Your provider will give you exact guidelines to follow. Typically, finasteride leaves the body quickly (that’s why it’s essential to take it every day to maintain results), allowing for a quick start to your dutasteride regimen.
- Finasteride has a much shorter half-life than dutasteride, so you might be able to start taking dutasteride as soon as a day or two after your last dose of finasteride. Always discuss specific plans with your healthcare provider.
Is It Safe to Use Dutasteride and Finasteride Together?
Generally, finasteride and dutasteride shouldn’t be used together.
However, your healthcare provider may approve the use of topical finasteride and oral dutasteride. That said, research is limited on how these two formulations may interact. Your best course of action is to discuss your options with your provider and follow through on the agreed-upon treatment plan.
What to Know About Shedding When Switching From Finasteride to Dutasteride
Yes, it’s possible to shed while on dutasteride — but it’s not a super-likely or permanent effect.
High levels of DHT miniaturize the hair follicle and mess with the hair growth cycle. When there’s less DHT, hair follicles may begin to work again. But before the healthy new hair growth cycle starts back up, the hair follicles need to shed the thinning or damaged hair. This can lead to shedding, which can be alarming.
Switching from finasteride to dutasteride probably wouldn’t spur enough of a change in DHT levels to cause shedding. (You’re more likely to see initial dutasteride or finasteride shedding when starting one of these medications for the first time.) But it’s possible. If you do experience shedding amid this switch from finasteride to dutasteride, know that it’s likely temporary.
Side Effects of Finasteride and Dutasteride
The two medications have similar side effects that present at similar rates. For this reason, if you’re experiencing adverse effects while taking finasteride, you may be predisposed to the same issues on dutasteride. If anything, the side effects of dutasteride may be even more pronounced because it’s a more potent medication.
Typically, potential side effects of finasteride and dutasteride are usually mild and improve over time. They include:
- Low libido (sex drive)
- Reduced ejaculatory volume or problems with ejaculation
- ED
- Headache
- Gastrointestinal side effects
- Acne
- Dizziness
The pills should also not be taken or handled by pregnant women, as the drugs may cause birth defects in male fetuses.
If you’re experiencing side effects that make you want to stop using finasteride, other hair loss treatments might be a better option than dutasteride. Be sure to discuss side effects with your doctor before making any switch.
Alternative Hair Loss Treatments
If you’re considering switching from finasteride to dutasteride because you want a boost in results, make sure to consider all of your options. Here are other treatments that help with hair loss.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil, the only other FDA-approved treatment for hair loss aside from finasteride, sends blood flow and nutrients to the scalp to support hair health. It alters the hair growth cycle by shortening the resting phase and prolonging the growth phase, resulting in increased hair length and thickness.
Topical minoxidil is over-the-counter, but oral minoxidil requires a prescription.
A Combination of Minoxidil and Finasteride
Minoxidil and finasteride are among the most effective combinations for fighting hair loss. A 2020 meta-analysis found that combining oral finasteride and topical minoxidil “has better therapeutic efficacy than and similar safety” to using just one or the other.
Saw Palmetto Shampoo
You can’t use finasteride and dutasteride together, but you can amp up the effects of each by adding saw palmetto, a partial DHT blocker, to your routine. It’s not as well-researched as its FDA-approved counterparts, but there have been some encouraging studies. A 2023 randomized placebo-controlled study, for example, found that oral and topical saw palmetto oil treatments led to improvements in hair regrowth among men and women with AGA.
Transitioning From Finasteride to Dutasteride: The Bottom Line
Finasteride and dutasteride have a lot of similarities, but the former is FDA-approved to treat hair loss and the latter is not. It’s unlikely that a dermatologist or healthcare provider would suggest an off-label hair loss treatment as a first line of defense, especially since there are FDA-approved options available. However, certain situations may warrant transitioning from finasteride to dutasteride.
If you’re considering the switch, here are a few key notes to remember:
- Finasteride and dutasteride are both FDA-approved for the treatment of BPH, but only finasteride has approval for hair loss. Some people who aren’t seeing results from finasteride may wish to switch to dutasteride.
- Most men see no further hair loss and some new hair regrowth on finasteride. But studies comparing finasteride and dutasteride suggest that dutasteride may increase hair thickness and slow further deterioration more effectively than finasteride.
- The two have similar side effects and aren’t meant to be used together.
- Always speak to your provider before switching medications. They can make suggestions and guide you through the process.
FAQs
When should I consider switching from finasteride to dutasteride?
The main reason for considering a switch from finasteride to dutasteride is not seeing the desired results while taking the former. Dutasteride is not FDA-approved to treat hair loss, but it is a more potent formulation and may work better to increase hair thickness than finasteride in some men.
Is dutasteride more effective than finasteride for hair loss?
A 2022 study comparing the two treatments suggests that dutasteride may provide better results than finasteride for men with androgenetic alopecia. The rates of side effects are similar between the two medications.
Do I need to wait after stopping finasteride to start dutasteride?
Since the medications work similarly in the body, you should be able to stop finasteride and start dutasteride quickly. If you have questions or concerns, talk with your dermatologist or a pharmacist.
Can I combine dutasteride with other topical hair treatments?
Yes, combining dutasteride with minoxidil may enhance hair growth. You may even be able to use dutasteride while also trying procedures such as low-level laser therapy.
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This article originally appeared on Hims.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.
