Among other things, I've been taking finasteride (Propecia) to block DHT production, mainly to prevent hair loss. A new drug, dutasteride (brand name = Avodart, by GlaxoSmithKline), hit the market in late 2002 or early 2003. Like finasteride, it is used to treat swelling of the prostate, and it is being studied for hair loss treatment. It's still extremely expensive, so I don't think it can compete with finasteride just yet, but I wondered whether any of you have heard anything else about it? Have you been prescribed this drug? Have you taken this drug?

Here are a couple of links with pricing information:

Drugstore.com - http://www.drugstore.com/pharmacy/prices/drugprice.asp?ndc=00173071200

Inhouse Pharmacy - http://www.inhousepharmacy.com/mens-health/dutasteride.html


From Inhouse Pharmacy:

"Avodart is the new medication from GlaxoSmithKline for reducing DHT. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is the main hormone linked to hair loss. Propecia prevents one of two enzymes from being converted into DHT and blocks 2/3 of the DHT production. The new medication Avodart blocks both enzymes in the body that convert into DHT and reduces overall DHT production by over 93%. Since Avodart is currently being studied for hair loss, there are no exact figures on the percent of responders or results other than some of the sample photos released by the company from the studies. Results are expected to surpass Propecia's."

Sounds great! However, the trouble with wonder drugs that do amazing things is that they often give you cancer too!

KT

Yes, doesn't that always seem to be the case?!