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Avodart
V's Propecia
Clinical Trial
What is Avodart ?
Avodart is a new medicine made by GlaxoSmithKline which
contains the active ingredient Dutasteride. Avodart was
originally developed for treating prostate enlargement,
a condition known as Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH)
in men. It has passed stage II of FDA testing for the
treatment of hair loss in men, but is currently approved
as a prostate treatment medication only. Avodart is for
MEN ONLY!
How does Avodart (Dutasteride) work ?
Avodart inhibits a hormone known as DHT (dihydrotestosterone).
DHT is a hormone that appears to cause hair loss (also
known as MPB - Male Pattern Baldness) in most men. DHT
is also the main cause of prostate enlargement in many
men (also known as BPH - Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia).
Avodart works by inhibiting the activities of two types
of 5-alpha-reductase enzymes. These enzymes are
responsible in the body for converting Testosterone to
Dihydrotestosterone(DHT). Avodart lowers DHT levels
substantially.
What is the difference between Avodart (Dutasteride)
from Propecia (Finasteride) ?
Both medications work in a similar way, lowering DHT
levels. However, Avodart inhibits the action of two
types of 5-alpha-reductase enzymes (type I and type II).
Propecia (Finasteride) only inhibits one type of the
enzyme (type II). Avodart is more potent. Avodart has
been shown to decrease levels of DHT by about 30% more
than Proepcia (Finasteride).
Is there any study on the effectiveness of Avodart (Dutasteride)
for the treatment of enlarged prostate ?
A study was made on 2951 men suffering from BPH (Benign
Prostatic Hyperplasia - An enlarged prostate condition)
with moderate to severe symptoms. They were treated with
0.5mg of Dutasteride (Avodart) daily. The results showed
a reduction of acute urinary retention by 57% and the
risk reduction of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)
related surgical intervention was down 48%. The drug was
found to be well tolerated. It was concluded that
Dutasteride is a potent inhibitor of dihydrotestosterone
and is effective in shrinking the prostate and reducing
symptoms.
Is there any study on the effectiveness of Avodart (Dutasteride)
for the treatment of Hair Loss in men ?
GlaxoSmithKline, the maker of Dutasteride, has completed
Phase II trials for the FDA approval of Dutasteride as a
treatment for hair loss. After six months of treatment,
hair counts measured in a 1 inch diameter increased by
about 96 hairs with 0.5mg of Dutasteride. This is
compared with an increase of only 72 hairs with the
administration of 5mg Finasteride (Propecia). Results so
far are very promising, however the FDA has yet to
approve the medication for the treatment of hair loss.
Is Dutasteride going to be approved for treating men
hair loss?
Right now, it is not clear if and when it will be
approved for the treatment of hair loss by the FDA. Some
speculate that this is going to happen in 2006, some
speculate the company may not offer the medication for
the treatment of hair loss for purely commercial &
marketing reasons. Keep in mind, these are all
speculations, nothing is official. It's worth noting
that when Finasteride first came into the market (under
the brand name Proscar) it was approved only for the
treatment of BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). Later,
the FDA approved the medication for the treatment of
hair loss, which was marketed by Merch under the brand
name Propecia. It may very well be the same case for
Dutasteride, yet this is only a speculation.
Is Dutastride effective for all men for treating hair
loss?
Dutasteride may increase the number of hair on the
scalp, however just like Propecia, it may not work for
everyone. It can grow hair for some men, reduce hair
loss in others, or have no effect at all for some
individuals.
What are the side effects of Avodart (Dutasteride) ?
Avodart was proved to be generally well tolerated by
most. In trials, most side effects experienced were mild
and generally went away while on treatment. Side effects
experienced for the first six months were Impotence,
decreased libido, breast tenderness and enlargement,
lower volume of ejaculations. Interestingly these side
effects (at a lower rate) were also experienced to a
degree in the placebo group.
Is Dutasteride Avodart safe for everyone?
You should never take any medication without your
doctor's approval. Consult with your doctor to see if
Avodart (Dutasteride) is right for you.
More
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Avodart
V's Propecia
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