Finasteride or Dutasteride?

Which is better to tackle hair loss? Is Dutasteride stronger?

Although dutasteride (Avodart) can be more effective for MPB, I would start with finasteride (Propecia) as many patients do great with it and the safety profile is better. The following are things I would consider before starting dutasteride:

1. dutasteride is not FDA-approved for hair loss
2. There is no data on its safety when used for hair loss. This is important since dutasteride has been only tested on an older population of patients (with prostate disease).
3. These is no natural model for dutasteride’s combined blockage of both type 1 and 2 5-alpha reductase (finasteride blocks only type 2 5-AR and there are families that have this deficiency and have no long-term problems. This, by the way, is how the drug was discovered).
4. The type 1 enzyme which dutasteride blocks is present in many more tissues of the body (including the brain) compared to type 2 (which is more localized to the skin).
5. Although so far unproven, there is a concern that finasteride may produce side effects than can be persistent after stopping the medication. It this does turn out to be true, the effects from dutasteride would most likely be significantly more persistent.
6. If you start with finasteride and do have side effects, you will most surely have side effects from dutasteride; therefore, by taking finasteride first you will have avoided the potentially more problematic side effects from dutasteride
7. You may respond well to fin, and so do not need to consider dutasteride

Thank you Dillon, dutasteride seems like a last option if propecia doesn't quite do it.

Thanks for the nice information I think the last option would the hair transplant..

once propecia loses its effect, DUT is an option.

It can take up to 6 months to see any improvement due to hair cycles etc. I have used propecia for the past 6 years with no sides :)

It will maintain hair and lucky if you get more growth. I have had zero effects but you can.

Start on a low dose if your worried, if you get any sides these will disperse once you stop the meds. I'v had no sides and i have used propecia for nearly 8 years.