Finasteride vs Dutasteride for Hair Loss: Evidence and Cost

This guide sets out what each label says, what the published research found, and what each costs at online programs. We do not give doses: your prescriber picks the drug and the amount.

The short answer

Prices are live from our price table. Every hair loss plan and its source is on our hair loss price page.

What the FDA labels say

Finasteride. The Propecia label says it "is indicated for the treatment of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) in MEN ONLY" (DailyMed: Propecia label).

Dutasteride. The Avodart label describes it as "a 5 alpha-reductase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with an enlarged prostate" (DailyMed: Avodart label). Hair loss is not listed. That does not make a prescription illegal: doctors may prescribe approved drugs for other uses. It does mean the label holds no hair loss trial data, and the program prescribing it is relying on outside research.

Both are 5 alpha-reductase inhibitors that lower DHT, the hormone that shrinks scalp follicles. Dutasteride acts on more forms of the enzyme than finasteride, which is why researchers expected it to be stronger.

What the trials found

Pooled analysis, 2022. A network meta-analysis of 23 studies compared finasteride, dutasteride and minoxidil in men. At 24 weeks, dutasteride gave the largest gain in total hair count and was "significantly more efficacious" than the finasteride group on that measure. At 48 weeks, finasteride led on other measures. The authors stressed the limit of the method: "As efficacy data from head-to-head trials accumulate, there could be a better sense of the relative efficacy" (Gupta et al., JAMA Dermatology, PubMed).

Head-to-head trial, 2026. A small randomized, single-blind trial in Iran gave 46 men either drug for 24 weeks. The result: "Both groups improved in hair growth after 24 weeks with no significant difference." It also found "Safety profiles were similar. Sexual side effects were most common, with erectile dysfunction more frequent in the finasteride group" (Poostiyan et al., J Dermatolog Treat, PubMed).

Put plainly: dutasteride may work somewhat faster on some measures, but the best head-to-head evidence is small and short, and it does not show a clear winner. Treat any claim that one is far better with caution.

Side effects and warnings

Both drugs carry sexual side effects. The Avodart label lists the most common reactions as "impotence, decreased libido, ejaculation disorders, and breast disorders." Its warnings also state: "AVODART reduces serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) concentration by approximately 50%" and "AVODART may increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer." Tell any doctor who orders a PSA test that you take either drug, because both lower PSA.

Pregnancy is a firm line. The Avodart label says it "is contraindicated for use in pregnancy" and "is not indicated for use in women." Women who are or may be pregnant should not handle crushed or broken tablets or leaking capsules; read the handling section of the label.

For finasteride's own side effect reports, including those that continued after stopping, see our finasteride side effects guide. How long results take is covered in the finasteride timeline.

What each costs online

The cheapest monthly figures usually need a multi-month plan; the reviews list the month-to-month price and cancellation terms. Compounded gels and chews that include dutasteride exist, but they are not FDA-approved and cost more; the FDA says "Compounded drug products are not FDA-approved" (FDA warning letter to BlueChew). See compounded ED and hair products for how that category works.

With your own prescription, Cost Plus Drugs lists dutasteride at $0.25 a capsule and finasteride at $0.19 a tablet before shipping. Both are far below most program prices; see Cost Plus Drugs prices.

Questions to ask before you choose

1. Why this drug for me? Finasteride has the hair loss approval and the longest record; ask why a prescriber would pick dutasteride instead.
2. How will side effects be followed up? A program should say how to reach the clinician.
3. What if I stop? Hair kept on either drug tends to be lost after stopping, so price the plan you can keep paying.
4. Can the prescription go to my own pharmacy? The gap between program and cash prices is large.

Compare programs side by side in our best hair loss treatment online guide and the best programs.