Switching From Finasteride to Dutasteride for Hair Loss: What You Need To Know

But, what are your options when you have tried both of these heavy hitters, yet your results aren’t exactly what you were hoping for?

Aside from going the hair transplant route, your healthcare provider (or your online research) may bring you to male pattern hair loss off-label options, including Dutasteride for hair loss.

Dutasteride is a medication that is in the same class as Finasteride, but, it may be a little bit stronger at what it does in the body.

However, it is important to note that Dutasteride is not currently FDA-approved for male pattern hair loss, it is only approved for treating prostate conditions.

If you are considering making the switch from Finasteride to Dutasteride, it is important to know all the details of each medication and what to expect.

Below, we will cover how Finasteride and Dutasteride are different in regards to hair loss treatment, why someone may consider a switch from Finasteride to Dutasteride, if switching may cause any issues like shedding, and where you can start the conversation with a healthcare provider about switching to Dutasteride.

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How are Finasteride and Dutasteride different?

Finasteride and Dutasteride are both in the group of medications called 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors.

This means that they both work by blocking the enzyme which is responsible for converting some of the testosterone in your body into DHT -- another hormone that is a known culprit in hair follicle damage and hair loss in male pattern hair loss.

But, Finasteride only blocks the type 2 of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme, while Dutasteride blocks both type 1 and type 2 of the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme.

When taken orally, it has been found that this comes out to Finasteride reducing DHT by about 70%, while Dutasteride can reduce DHT by over 90%.

Another difference is their FDA-approved status.

Oral finasteride is FDA-approved for both male pattern hair loss and prostate conditions, while oral dutasteride is currently only approved for prostate conditions.

However, if your healthcare provider feels that Dutasteride is a good next step in your hair loss treatment, they can still prescribe it off-label.

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Read Related: Topical Dutasteride Strengths: What Are the Most Common Strengths of Topical Dutasteride for Hair Loss?

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Why would someone switch from Finasteride to Dutasteride?

There are a few reasons why someone may consider switching from Finasteride to Dutasteride.

Finasteride treatment may have partially worked for slowing their hair loss, but they want to try out something potentially stronger.

Or, maybe they are on oral Finasteride, but they want to try a strong topical medication instead.

It would be unusual for someone to start on Dutasteride off-label treatment right off the bat, as this is generally reserved for people who have already tried Finasteride in some form.

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Also Read: Topical Dutasteride Studies: What Does the Research Suggest for Hair Loss So Far

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Does switching from Finasteride to Dutasteride cause shedding?

Since Finasteride and Dutasteride function very similarly in the body, by reducing DHT production, a large shedding event after switching from Finasteride to Dutasteride may be unlikely, though everyone responds differently.

But, it is important to think about other medications that may be in your previous hair loss treatment before making the switch.

For instance, if you are currently on a topical Finasteride with Minoxidil, but want to switch to an oral Dutasteride -- you may experience shedding from the removal of the Minoxidil component that was helping your hair in a different way than DHT reduction.

How can you talk to a healthcare provider about making the switch from Finasteride to Dutasteride?

You can start a conversation with your healthcare provider in person about making the switch from Finasteride to Dutasteride if you aren’t completely happy with the progress from your Finasteride treatment.

Or, you can have a free online consultation with our U.S. licensed providers to see if oral or topical Dutasteride may be a good next step for you.

But, before making the switch, make sure you have given your current treatment enough time.

For most Finasteride users, it takes at least 3-4 months to even start seeing hair benefits from treatment, and up to a year for approximately full effects -- so patience is key with these treatments.

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Also read a hair loss Healthcare provider's opinion: Dr. Bauman: Is Topical Dutasteride a Game-Changer for Receding Hairlines?

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Strut Health topical and oral Finasteride and Dutasteride treatments online

Here at Strut Health, we offer a secure online option for prescription hair loss treatments.

We carry oral Finasteride and Dutasteride, as well as compounded topical Finasteride and Dutasteride formulations.*

Our topical formulations can be customized to suit your hair, your goals, and what you have tried in the past. Additional active ingredients may be combined with the topical formulations including Minoxidil or Tretinoin.

You can have your free online questionnaire and image-based telemedicine consultation in about 10-15 minutes.

After our U.S. licensed providers have reviewed your information and approved your prescription, your medication can be shipped to your front door with our free shipping.

If you have any questions or need adjustments during your treatment, our staff and healthcare providers are available for free unlimited follow-ups.

*Compounded drug products are not approved or evaluated for safety, effectiveness, or quality by the FDA. Rx required.