The Basics

Official Names: Finasteride and Dutasteride
Popular Brand Names for Finasteride: Proscar and Propecia.
Popular Brand Names for Dutasteride: Avodart.
Type of Treatment: Rx Medication – Androgen Inhibitor.

How it Works: Finasteride and Dutasteride inhibit the synthesis of the powerful androgen, DHT. Inhibiting the effects of androgen hormones may improve acne symptoms in some patients by slowing the growth of the sebaceous glands.

Finasteride and Dutasteride Background

Finasteride (Propecia) and Dutasteride (Avodart) Molecules

Both Finasteride and Dutasteride prevent the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. They do this by inhibiting the activity of an enzyme called 5-aplha reductase, which is necessary for the synthesis of DHT. Testosterone and DHT are both androgen (male) hormones, but DHT is substantially more potent than testosterone. There are two different versions of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme in humans. Dutasteride is a more powerful inhibitor of DHT synthesis because it inhibits both forms of the enzyme, while Finasteride only inhibits one.

Both finasteride and dutasteride were originally developed to treat prostatic hyperplasia (enlarged prostate) and androgen-dependent prostate cancer. Finasteride and Dutasteride are also used to treat male pattern baldness (MPB). The synthesis of DHT in the scalp can lead to hair loss in some individuals.

Additional Names for Finasteride: Alsteride, Ambulase, Andofin, Androfin, Andropel, Antiprost, Finacapil, FinaHair, Finalop, Finamed, Finanorm, Finapil, Finar, Finarid, Finascar, Finast, Finasterax, Finasterid, Finasterida, Finastéride, Finasteridum, Finastid, Finastir, Fincar, Finocar, Finol, Finpecia, Finsava, Fintex, Fintral, Fintrid, Finural, Fisterid, Flaxin, Gefina, Genaprost, Mostrafin, Penester, Pro-Cure, Prohair, Prostacide, Prostafin, Prostide, Ulgafen, Zasterid.
Additional Names for Dutasteride: Avidart, Duagen, Duodart, Duprost, Dutasterid, Dutasterida, Dutasteridum, Zytefor.

Finasteride and Dutasteride in the Treatment of Acne

Finasteride and Dutasteride are not routinely used in the treatment of acne vulgaris. Finasteride and Dutasteride are generally only available as oral medications, although studies have indicated that both are well absorbed through the skin. Because of the potential for serious side effects, a topical form of this medication would likely be preferable for the treatment of acne vulgaris.

Patient Reviews of Finasterids and Dutasteride

Finasteride Reviews @ Drugs.com
Finasteride Reviews @ WebMD
Finasteride Reviews @ RXList.com
Dutasteride Discussion @ Acne.org
Dutasteride Reviews @ Drugs.com
Dutasteride Reviews @ WebMD
Dutasteride Reviews @ RXList.com

Cost and Availability of Finasteride and Dutasteride

If possible, Finasteride and Dutasteride should be obtained through consultation of a physician.  Both medications are widely used for the treatment of prostate disorders, as well as male pattern baldness.  However, neither medication has been approved for use in the treatment of acne vulgaris (in most ccountries, at least).  Both medications are available in brand name and generic formulations. Generic versions of these medications tend to be moderately expensive and brand name versions tend to be very expensive.

Finasteride and Dutasteride Price Comparison

Important Note: The information provided above is not intended as a recommendation or endorsement. The Science of Acne encourages you to adhere to all applicable legal regulations in your jurisdiction. Before ordering pharmaceutical medications online, please read our overview: A Guide to Buying Prescription Medications on the Internet.

The following pharmacies carry finasteride and/or dutasteride and can be used as sources to compare prices. The laws regarding prescription medications in most countries in North America and Europe require that a pharmacy receive a valid doctor’s prescription for all antibiotics and other non-narcotic prescription medications. However, pharmacies in many other countries (eg. India, Turkey and Mexico) classify antibiotics and other non-narcotic medications as “Over The Counter” and may not require a doctor’s prescription to dispense these products.

Pharmacies for Price Comparisons

4Rx.com (India)
CanadaPharmacy.com (Canada)
Drugstore.com (Rite-Aid) (USA)
Freedom-Pharmacy.com (Vanuatu/Turkey)
Generic4All.com (India)
ThePharmacyExpress.com (Vanuatu/Turkey)

Side Effects

Both Finasteride and Dutasteride can interfere with normal bodily functions that depend on the activity of androgen hormones.  The most common side effect is a decrease in libido, which often occurs with associated problems such as impotence and ejaculatory dysfunction.  Both Finasteride and Dutasteride are teratogens (cause birth defects) because androgen hormones play an essential role in the development of the fetus.  These medications should never be used by women who are pregnant, or may be pregnant.  Also, because these medications have a long half-life, people who are taking these medications are generally prohibited from donating blood. For more in-depth information about these medications and their adverse effects, refer to the Additional Information section below.  For more information about contraindications in general, refer to Avoiding Negative Drug Interactions.

Related Articles from The Science of Acne

Avoiding Negative Drug Interactions
A Guide to Buying Prescription Medications on the Internet
Prescription Medications Used in Acne Treatment
What causes acne?

References and Sources

Books

PDR Staff Writers. 2011. 2011 Physicians’ Desk Reference
Habif. 2009. Clinical Dermatology
Goodheart. 2006. Acne For Dummies
Griffith. 2012. Complete Guide to Prescription & Nonprescription Drugs 2012
Gardner, et al. 2011. Greenspan’s Basic and Clinical Endocrinology
Redmond. 2006. It’s Your Hormones: The Women’s Complete Guide to Soothing PMS, Clearing Acne, Regrowing Hair, Healing PCOS, Feeling Good on the Pill, Enjoying a Safe … Recharging Your Sex Drive . . . and More!

Online Resources

Finasteride on PubMed Health (The National Institute of Health – US)
Dutasteride on PubMed Health (The National Institute of Health – US)
Finasteride on Wikipedia
Dutasteride on Wikipedia
Physician’s Insert for Finasteride
Physician’s Insert for Dutasteride

Scientific Research Articles

1. Carmina, et al. 2002.  A comparison of the relative efficacy of antiandrogens for the treatment of acne in hyperandrogenic women.
2. Archer, et al. 2006.  Hirsutism and acne in polycystic ovary syndrome.
3. Thiboutot, et al. 1999.  Androgen Metabolism in Sebaceous Glands From Subjects With and Without Acne.
4. Bershad. 2001.  The Modern Age of Acne Therapy: A Review of Current Treatment Options.
5. Tan. 2005.  Hormonal Treatment of Acne: Review of Current Best Evidence.
6. Münster, et al. 2003.  Testosterone Metabolism in Human Skin Cells in vitro and Its Interaction with Estradiol and Dutasteride.
7. Kurokawa, et al. 2009.  New developments in our understanding of acne pathogenesis and treatment.