Dutasteride
Also called Avodart, Dutarid, dut
A stronger DHT blocker used off-label when finasteride is not enough.
- Evidence
- Moderate
- Status in PH
- Rx
- Typical monthly cost
- [TODO: price]
- Time to see results
- 6 months in trials
Dutasteride blocks both forms of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, so it lowers DHT more than finasteride. In a randomized trial, 0.5mg dutasteride grew more hair than 1mg finasteride at 24 weeks[1]. In the PH it is registered for the prostate, so hair loss use is off-label.
Users on r/PhHairloss say some clinics will not prescribe it for hair, and that Mercury staff sometimes ask for a prescription[2]. It stays in the body much longer than finasteride, which matters if side effects appear. This is a decision for a dermatologist.
What people worry about
In readers' own words, from Filipino Reddit threads. Then our answer.
Finasteride and sex drive“Nakaka-apekto ba sa manoy?”
In the main finasteride 1mg trials, sexual side effects were reported by a small minority of men, only slightly more often than with placebo, and most resolved after stopping. Expecting side effects can itself cause them (the nocebo effect). ED means erectile dysfunction: trouble getting or keeping an erection. If it happens, see a doctor rather than adjusting the dose yourself.[3][4][5]
Is it fake?“Fake ba yung Kirkland sa Shopee?”
Fakes are a real risk, and the PH FDA has issued advisories against unregistered minoxidil and finasteride products. Check the product on the FDA verification portal, buy from a pharmacy or an official store, and inspect seals, batch and expiry. The home bleach test cannot rule out a diluted fake.[7][8][9]
Prices and where to buy
[TODO: verified PH retail price]
Sold at: Mercury Drug, Hospital pharmacies.
Related on the map
Also called Propecia, Proscar, Stercia
The best-studied pill for male pattern loss. Works while you take it.
Also called finasteride spray, fin solution, topical fin
A scalp-applied option with lower blood levels. Not side-effect-free.
Also called minoxidil tablets, minoxidil pills, LDOM
Off-label tablet with growing evidence. Body hair is the common trade-off.
More in Crown and vertex.
Questions people ask
Is dutasteride stronger than finasteride?
It lowers DHT more and grew more hair in one head-to-head trial[1]. Stronger also means longer-lasting in the body. Ask a derm.
This guide is for information. Talk to a doctor or dermatologist before starting any prescription treatment.
Citations
- 1A randomized, active- and placebo-controlled study of the efficacy and safety of different doses of dutasteride versus placebo and finasteride in the treatment of male subjects with androgenetic alopecia. J Am Acad Dermatol, 2014.
- 2Dutasteride (Dutarid) in Mercury Drug: can I buy?. r/PhHairloss. User reports, not medical evidence.
- 3Finasteride in the treatment of men with androgenetic alopecia. J Am Acad Dermatol, 1998.
- 4Propecia (finasteride) prescribing information. US FDA label via DailyMed.
- 5Finasteride 5 mg and sexual side effects: how many of these are related to a nocebo phenomenon?. J Sex Med, 2007.
- 6Side effects of finasteride. r/PhHairloss. User reports, not medical evidence.
- 7FDA Advisory No. 2024-0575-A: unregistered Hair Tonic 20 Minoxidil + Finasteride. Food and Drug Administration Philippines, 2024.
- 8FDA warns public vs unregistered hair regrowth product. SunStar Manila, 2026.
- 9FDA Philippines product verification portal. Food and Drug Administration Philippines.
- 10Counterfeit Kirkland minoxidil warning. r/tressless. User reports, not medical evidence.
- 11Paranoid: possible fake finasteride. r/PhHairloss. User reports, not medical evidence.
- 12The effect of 5alpha-reductase inhibition with dutasteride and finasteride on semen parameters and serum hormones in healthy men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab, 2007.
- 13Oral min + dutasteride, 4th month progress. r/PhHairloss. User reports, not medical evidence.
Status tag key: Prescription (Rx).