Dutasteride vs Finasteride in 917 Men: Gubelin Harcha 2014 Research Summary
This is a plain-language summary of the original published research. We do not add conclusions or opinions of our own. This is not medical advice — consult a certified healthcare practitioner before making any decision.
Original research published in Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 2014
Dutasteride vs Finasteride in 917 Men: Gubelin Harcha 2014 Research Summary
Study conclusion
This large randomised trial of 917 men with pattern hair loss found that dutasteride 0.5mg daily significantly increased hair count and hair width compared to both finasteride 1mg and placebo at 24 weeks. The benefit was dose-dependent — higher dutasteride doses produced greater results. Adverse event rates were similar across all treatment groups.
Strength of evidence
Who it applies to
Who was studied
Men aged 20-50 with pattern hair loss. 917 men randomised across 39 centres in 9 countries. Dutasteride at three doses (0.02mg, 0.1mg, 0.5mg daily) compared against finasteride 1mg and placebo.
Who was NOT studied
Women. Men outside the 20-50 age range. People with severe pattern hair loss beyond the trial inclusion criteria.
What to look for when shopping
Dutasteride is not FDA-approved for hair loss in the US. Finasteride 1mg is the only FDA-approved oral treatment. Both are prescription-only. This trial was conducted and funded by GlaxoSmithKline.
What research cannot help you decide
Whether the greater efficacy of dutasteride justifies its off-label use given side effect considerations. Long-term comparative effects. These require a prescribing doctor.
Key findings
- Dutasteride 0.5mg produced significantly more hair growth than both finasteride 1mg and placebo at 24 weeks
- Hair count and width both increased more with dutasteride 0.5mg than finasteride
- The benefit was dose-dependent — higher dutasteride doses produced progressively greater results
- Adverse event rates (including sexual side effects) were similar across all treatment groups
- Dutasteride is not FDA-approved for hair loss in the US
What this study does not show
- 1.Long-term comparative effects — trial ran only 24 weeks.
- 2.Whether dutasteride is safe for long-term use as a hair loss treatment in the US context, where it is not approved for this use.
- 3.How dutasteride compares to non-hormonal treatments like minoxidil or red light therapy.
Limitations
- 1.Industry-funded by GlaxoSmithKline — introduces potential for positive result bias.
- 2.Trial ran only 24 weeks.
- 3.Dutasteride is not FDA-approved for hair loss in the US.
- 4.Men only — results do not apply to women.
Used in these articles
Links added as fact-checks and articles citing this study are published.