Dutasteride .5mg once a week, Finasteride 1mg 6 days a week?

Question

I've been taking Finasteride 1mg daily for 10 years. Today a reputable doctor suggested I switch to Dutasteride .5mg every other day, and to stop taking Finasteride. Whereas this is all the Wild West of speculation with these things (and Dutasteride has such long half-life), I'm curious what doctors on here think of instead taking Finasteride 1mg 6 days a week and Dutasteride .05mg once a week? I've read all the studies and plenty of anecdotes. Other than "listen to your doctor", your thoughts?

Parsa Mohebi, MD, FISHRS · Answer

Finasteride is FDA approved where as Dutasteride is not FDA approved at this time. Dutasteride does have a longer half life with increased side effects. I would suggest asking your physician why he is recommending you to switch?

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Dutasteride 0.5 mg daily isslightly better than finasteride 1 mg daily. Dutasteride once weekly has not been compared to dutasteride once weekly but in my experience is would be nowhere near as good as finasteride 6 days a week.

Mark Waldman, MD · Answer

Is there a specific reason to switch meds?  If your hair is doing well then I will typically not rock the boat.  If you are losing hair or wanting to see if you can get more hair then it is reasonable to change meds.  The dose of dutasteride that was suggested is probably the most common regimen I have seen.  
Not sure about the combo you presented - would recommend you discuss with your doctor.  Would be great to get some follow up in 6 and 12 months

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Finasteride is approved for hair loss treatment by the FDA while dutasteride is not. There are more side effects with dutasteride including a risk of sterility

Dutasteride .5mg once a week, Finasteride 1mg 6 days a week?

Answers (4)

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