Retrospective Pharmacotherapeutic Evaluation of Dutasteride Not Approved by US FDA for Androgenetic Alopecia in Korea

The study analyzed the efficacy and side effects of dutasteride, which is not FDA-approved for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) in Korea, by reviewing the medical records of 98 patients. These patients were treated with either a combination of topical minoxidil 7% and dutasteride 0.5 mg (DUTA group) or finasteride 1 mg (FINA group). The DUTA group showed a 100% efficacy rate with a 45.7% adverse event rate, while the FINA group had a 92.1% efficacy rate with a 33.3% adverse event rate. The mean onset time for a response was slightly longer for the DUTA group (3.97 months) compared to the FINA group (3.86 months), and the onset time for adverse events was also longer for the DUTA group (5.06 months) compared to the FINA group (4.43 months). The study concluded that dutasteride is highly effective for AGA treatment in Korea, with a higher efficacy and adverse event rate than finasteride, and could potentially be an alternative treatment option. Regular outpatient visits indicated a better response rate and earlier onset of response, although not statistically significant, but also a higher incidence of side effects. The study suggests the need for further research on the skin side effects of combined therapy with minoxidil and the potential for dutasteride to become an FDA-approved medication for AGA.