Help! My dermatologist prescribed Avodart for my hair loss. Should I take it?

Question

I'm 24 years and I noticed my hair loss 3 years ago. Today I have used Propecia for 15 months with no results/maintenance. I do not use Minoxidile due to side effects (heart pounding). 1) Should I try switching to Avodart 0.5 mg every day? My hair loss bothers me a lot, but I am afraid of the side effects from Avodart (5 weeks half life, cancer etc...). I did not have any sides from Propecia. What should I do? Should I not use it during intercourse due to Fetal restraint etc later in life?

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

Without knowing your entire story about your health and hair loss, I can't advise you whether to use Avodart or not. I can however offer a few general comments applicable to anyone. Avodart is effective in many men who do not achieve desired results on oral finasteride. Avordart is FDA approved for other issues besides hair loss (i.e. prostate enlargement)  and is used off label throughout the world for adnrogenetic hair loss. Dutasteride is widely used in Korea for example. It is more effective than finasteride but that does not mean it is necessary the first line drug (only finasteride is FDA approved in North America). The half life is longer as you have indicated so the drugs stays around longer in the body if one decides to stop. Some physicians use cautiously in young men given controversies surrounding reduction in sperm count. Anyone considering dutasteride should review these issues with their physicians and whether or not baseline sperm count analysis is warranted before starting. This is not the standard of care by any means but an important consideration for discussion.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

Avodart is not FDA approved for hair loss and in men, it is known to cause sterility so I suggest that you ask to switch to finasteride

Help! My dermatologist prescribed Avodart for my hair loss. Should I take it?

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Help! My dermatologist prescribed Avodart for my hair loss. Should I take it?

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.