This is one of the key differences between the two drugs.
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Understanding BPH
Theprostateis a gland in the male reproductive system.
It is located near the urethra, the tube through which urine and semen leave the body.
Wladimir Bulgar/Science Photo Library / Getty Images
BPH takes place if the prostate gland enlarges, affecting the urethras normal functions.
BPH symptoms often include frequent urination, trouble with urine flow, and painful urination.
BPH is uncommon among males under 35, but its likelihood increases with age.
It’s estimated that up to 50% of men over 60 have an enlarged prostate to some degree.
What Is Dutasteride?
Dutasteride is a generic prescription drug.
It comes as a 0.5-milligram (mg) oral capsule.
Note that dutasteride is not meant to help preventprostate cancerand is not FDA-approved for this purpose.
Dutasteride is also used alongside other active ingredients, such as in Jalyn (dutasteride/tamsulosin).
Jalyn is a two-in-one combination drug used to treat an enlarged prostate.
How Does Dutasteride Work?
Dutasteride works to block the conversion oftestosteroneinto another compound called DHT, asex hormone.
Usually, testosterone is converted into DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase.
When too much testosterone gets converted into DHT, the prostate may enlarge and lead to BPH symptoms.
This helps decrease the prostate’s size and reduce the related symptoms of BPH.
Dutasteride begins working immediately but doesnt reduce BPH symptoms immediately.
It may take one to two weeks to notice an improvement.
Dutasteride is meant to be taken as a long-term treatment.
What Is Finasteride?
Finasteride is a generic prescription drug that is administered via an oral tablet.
There are two brand-name versions of finasteride: Proscar and Propecia.
They have different dosages and are approved by the FDA for different conditions.
Proscar (finasteride 5-mg) is prescribed to treat BPH symptoms in adult males.
Finasteride and doxazosin, an alpha-blocker, are often prescribed to reduce BPH symptoms.
The drug is not approved for females.
And finally, know that finasteride is not FDA-approved for prostatecancer prevention.
How Does Finasteride Work?
Finasteride and dutasteride work in a similar way to treat BPH symptoms.
As a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, finasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT.
By lowering DHT levels, finasteride helps to reduce prostate enlargement.
Another difference is how long finasteride takes to work for BPH.
This means finasteride typically provides a quicker reduction in BPH symptoms than dutasteride.
However, finasteride takes a while to start working for hair loss.
Daily treatment may take three months or longer before you notice any benefit.
Finasteride has a shorter half-life than dutasteride.
If you stop taking finasteride, the effects of the drug wear off within two weeks.
Your healthcare provider may recommend a different dosage.
The short answer is that both are similar in how well they work for reducing BPH symptoms.
Finasteride starts working more quickly, but dutasteride generally shrinks the prostate more.
When DHT levels become too high, the prostate enlarges and causes urination problems.
In clinical trials, dutasteride made the prostate 25% smaller, while finasteride made it 18% smaller.
In these trials, treatment with either medication led to similar improvements in BPH symptoms.
In contrast, finasteride has received FDA approval for treating hair loss and BPH.
Some evidence suggests thatsaw palmettoand African cherry might benefit men with mild BPH symptoms and improve urinary symptoms.
Side Effects & Safety
Most of the common side effects of dutasteride and finasteride are sexual.
This is because of how the drugs work to reduce the levels of DHT.
Suppose you and your healthcare provider decide that youll stop taking finasteride or dutasteride.
Precautions
People with a history of an allergic reaction to dutasteride or finasteride should avoid these products.
Also, these drugs are not meant to be taken by females or children.
Pregnant people should not touch dutasteride capsules or finasteride tablets, especially if they are broken.
Taking or touching the medication while pregnant can expose a developing fetus to the drug and cause harmful effects.
Dutasteride and finasteride can lowerprostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.
Healthcare providers also check PSA levels to see if someone might have prostate cancer.
Also, herbal supplements that affect hormones might interact with finasteride or dutasteride, potentially impacting their intended effects.
Taking both drugs together could lead to an increased risk of side effects.
Remember that this is not a complete list; other interactions are possible.
Summary
Finasteride and dutasteride are similar prescription drugs.
They work to reduce prostate size by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT.
Both drugs are similarly effective for reducing BPH-related urinary problems (enlarged prostate).
Both drugs can cause sexual side effects, but dutasteride might have a slightly higher risk.
Talk to a healthcare provider to determine if one of these medications may benefit you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dutasteride and finasteride should be kept in a dry place at room temperature.
Importantly, these medications may be absorbed through the skin.
Dutasteride and finasteride can affect PSA levels.
Because of this, individuals taking either drug should have their PSA levels monitored.
Healthcare providers typically order PSA tests after six months of treatment and periodically after that.
BPH may increase the risk of prostate and bladder cancer.
DailyMed.Label: Avodart- dutasteride capsule, liquid filled.
DailyMed.Label: Proscar- finasteride tablet, film coated.
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DailyMed.Label: Flomax- tamsulosin hydrochloride capsule.
DailyMed.Label: Jalyn- dutasteride and tamsulosin hydrochloride capsule.
DailyMed.Label: Finasteride tablet, coated.
DailyMed.Label: Propecia- finasteride tablet, film coated.
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