Q: I heard that there is a new drug on the market called Avodart for prostate enlargement which might help with hair loss as it blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT better than Finasteride and is more effective than Propecia. Do you recommend taking it and if so what is the dose? A: I [...]

Q: I am suffering from male patterned baldness. I used Propecia a couple of months ago but had the sexual side effects from it so I stopped. I’ve recently gone back to using Propecia but I was just wondering how I avoid the side effects. Can Propecia be used every other day and still be effective. Also, do the side effects disappear if I continue to use it and how long does it take?

A: Yes, on both accounts. Alternate day therapy may decrease the side effects and still be effective in treating hair loss. The sexual side effects usually take a week or two to disappear after stopping the medication.

Q: My friend is taking Avodart, he bought it over the internet. Is it safe to take? A: Avodart (dutasteride 0.5mg) was approved by the FDA for the treatment of prostate enlargement in men in 2002. Avodart has not been approved for the treatment of androgenetic hair loss, although physicians can use an approved medication [...]

Q: I had some side effects from Propecia 1mg a day after being on the medication for about 10 days that included decreased sex drive and difficulty in holding an erection. I would like to try to continue taking the medication. What should I do? A: First, you should discuss this with your prescribing physician. [...]