Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of the Dual 5-Alpha Reductase Blocker Dutasteride on Male Androgenetic Alopecia Patients

The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of dutasteride, a dual 5-alpha reductase blocker, for the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia (AGA) patients for a duration longer than 52 weeks. The retrospective, chart-review study was conducted from November 2009 to April 2016 in Wonju Christian Severance Hospital in Korea. In total, 26 male AGA patients aged 21-66 years were prescribed dutasteride for longer than 52 weeks. The mean prescription duration was 43.61 months, although one patient was prescribed the drug for 76 months without adverse events. After taking dutasteride, terminal, vellus and total hair counts increased and hair became thicker, although the difference was not significant. Each individual score and the total score (global scale) of the questionnaire decreased after treatment. Particularly, emotional scale scores decreased significantly. The initial results of liver enzymes and hormone levels were within normal range. Laboratory results showed no significant changes except cholesterol. The study concluded that dutasteride is effective and safe for the treatment of male AGA patients for a duration longer than 52 weeks.