Avodart dutasteride
pronounced as (doo tas' ter ide)
Stronger DHT blocker than finasteride. Off-label for hair loss. Higher effect, smaller evidence base.
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Avodart vs Finasteride (Propecia)
Both block DHT. Dutasteride suppresses more (~90% vs ~70%) and is off-label for hair loss; finasteride is on-label and the first-line choice.
| Avodart | Finasteride (Propecia) | |
|---|---|---|
| Generic name | dutasteride | finasteride |
| Manufacturer | GlaxoSmithKline (Avodart) | Multiple (Merck originated as Propecia) |
| FDA status | FDA-approved 2001 | FDA-approved 1997 |
| Clinical efficacy | — | — |
| Pivotal trial | — | — |
| Boxed warning | No | No |
| Full page | Avodart → | Finasteride (Propecia) → |
What is Avodart?
Dutasteride is FDA-approved for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Used off-label at 0.5mg daily for male-pattern hair loss. Blocks both isoforms of 5-alpha reductase (finasteride only blocks one), so DHT suppression is more complete (~90% vs ~70%).
How does Avodart work?
Same pathway as finasteride, deeper suppression of DHT. Head-to-head trials show ~1.5x the hair-count increase of finasteride at 6 months.
Who can take Avodart?
Adult men with male-pattern hair loss, typically after a finasteride trial. Same contraindications: not for women of childbearing potential. Some clinicians prefer to try finasteride first because of the smaller dutasteride evidence base.
How is Avodart taken?
0.5mg orally once daily.
How much does Avodart cost?
$45-90/month via telehealth platforms that prescribe (Hims, Keeps offer it). Generic is available at standard pharmacies for similar pricing.
What side effects can Avodart cause?
Similar profile to finasteride. Some studies show slightly higher rate of sexual side effects, others show no difference. Smaller long-term safety dataset than finasteride.
What if I miss a dose of Avodart?
Dutasteride is dosed daily. If missed: skip and resume next day at regular time. Do not double up. Half-life is very long (~5 weeks), so a single missed dose has minimal clinical effect, but consistency matters for the dosing schedule.
What if I overdose on Avodart?
No specific antidote for dutasteride overdose. The drug has a very long half-life (~5 weeks at steady state) — much longer than finasteride. Single doses up to 40 mg/day for 7 days were tolerated in trials without major adverse events. Call US Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 if you suspect overdose; the long half-life means monitoring may be needed for weeks. Sexual side effects and depressed mood are the symptoms most likely to require attention with chronic over-exposure.
Where to get Avodart
Licensed US telehealth providers that prescribe/ship Avodart. We earn commission when you book. See disclosure.
Hims Hair
from $44/mo- Best for cash-pay
Hims Hair Kit — complete regrowth system
Off-Rx: no planFlaws but not dealbreakers (2)
- Bundle includes products of questionable marginal benefit (gummies, shampoo)
- Higher monthly cost than Keeps for equivalent active ingredients
We may earn a commission. Pricing on partner site is final.
Not sure which Avodart program fits?
6 questions, ~60 seconds. We'll match you with three programs and explain the trade-offs.
Start free assessmentNo email required. Resume any time.
How would you describe your hair loss?
- Early thinning
- Receding hairline
- Crown thinning
- Advanced loss
How long have you noticed it?
- < 6 months
- 6-24 months
- 2+ years
+ 4 more in the full assessment
Related terms
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How to get it
Take the eligibility quiz
5 minutes of medical-history questions matched to the medication's FDA criteria. Free, no commitment.
Submit ID + a recent photo
Required by every legitimate US telehealth platform to verify identity and meet state prescribing rules.
Async clinical review
A licensed clinician in your state reviews your history and decides whether the medication is appropriate. Typically within 24-48 hours.
Prescription ships
If approved, the medication is sent from a partner pharmacy. Initial titration dose arrives in 3-7 days for most US states.
Ongoing support
Most programs include follow-up check-ins, dose adjustments, and side-effect support. Coverage varies by program.
Sources
Primary references this page draws from. We cite original sources so you can verify any claim.
Other hair loss medications
Finasteride (Propecia)
finasteride · FDA 1997 · Oral DHT blocker. Standard of care for male-pattern hair loss. ~80% slow shedding, ~60% regrow.
hair lossRogaine (topical) / generic oral
minoxidil · FDA 1988 · Vasodilator that promotes hair regrowth. Topical OTC; low-dose oral via prescription.
More on Avodart
For clinicians: see the Avodart prescribing summary.