Finasteride (Propecia) and Dutasteride (Avodart) » The Science of Acne

Finasteride and Dutasteride Summary

Propecia (Finasteride)

Official Names:Finasteride and Dutasteride
Popular Brand Names:Finasteride – Proscar and Propecia. Dutasteride – Avodart.
Type of Treatment: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

Both Finasteride and Dutasteride prevent the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. Testosterone and DHT are both androgen (male) hormones, but DHT is substantially more potent. Both medications 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. Finasteride and Dutasteride work by inhibiting an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase, which is necessary for the synthesis of DHT. 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. 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.

Additional Names for Finasteride: Alsteride, Ambulase, Andofin, Androfin, Andropel, Antiprost, Finacapil, FinaHair, Finalop, Finamed, Finanorm, Finapil, Finar, Finarid, Finascar, Finast, Finasterax, Finasterid, Finasterida, Finastride, 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.

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.

Cost and Availability

Finasteride and Dutasteride Molecules

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 fairly expensive and may only available in brand name formulation. In the United States, insurance co-pays tend to be around $10-$40. Without insurance, drugstore.com offers Finasteride for $40 for 30 tablets of 5 mg, and Dutasteride for $130 for 30 tablets of 0.5 mg.

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Prescription Medications Used in Acne Treatment
What causes acne?

Additional Information

Finasteride onPubMed Health(The National Institute of Health – US)
Dutasteride onPubMed Health(The National Institute of Health – US)
Finasteride onWikipedia
Dutasteride onWikipedia
Physician's Insert for Finasteride
Physician's Insert for Dutasteride

References

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. Mnster, 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.