Female age 43, using Finasteride for FFA treatment. Is dutasteride a better option?

Question

I am taking finasteride to treat my FFA. Recently I read that dutasteride might be a better option. Should I switch medications? I am female, age 43.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Hello, please see below.Dutasteride theoretically has more potency for hair preservation than Finasteride but a higher side effect profile as well.  The use of dutasteride for hair loss is an off-label use according to the FDA.  Typically regrowth of both agents occurs in areas where the hair is miniaturized and not where slick baldness occurs.  Consider the use of regenerative techniques such as PRP and others and the use of nutraceuticals such as Nutrafol which have a much better side effect profile.Best,Dr. Anil Shah

Jason Emer, MD · Answer

I suggest seeing a hair loss expert now to evaluate and go over your condition and provide you information about your best treatment options. There are great non-invasive options like prp/progesterone that work well with finasteride. Hair transplantation is an alternative See an expert. Best, Dr. Emer

Craig L. Ziering, DO · Answer

FFA is an inflammatory condition believed to be autoimmune in nature and related to Lichen Plano Pilaris  (LPP). While there have been reports for Finasteride and Dutasteride working for some patients, better choices for treatment would be anti-inflammatories, and oral steroids. A dermatologist or hair restoration specialist would be best equipped to treat you and follow your progress.

Baubac Hayatdavoudi, MD · Answer

You should switch to an organic shampoo. You can also consider a natural DHT blocker like Saw Palmetto. There are also medications like Finasteride (a DHT Blocker) and Minoxidil (Rogaine) that can be very helpful in maintaining you existing hair, helping to prevent future loss and even regrow some hair. Before taking any medications you should discuss this with your general physician.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Finasteride and dutasteride are by far the best known treatments for FFA. But no, we really don't have any good evidence to support finasteride 5 mg being "better" than  dutasteride 0.5 mg. You could speak to your dermatologist about the change but likely a better option would be to add another anti-inflammatory medication (doxycycline, hydroxychloroquine, methotrexate) to the current plan.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

I don't believe that Frontal fibrosing alopecia responds very well to either finasteride or dutasteride

Female age 43, using Finasteride for FFA treatment. Is dutasteride a better option?

Answers (6)

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