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	Dr. Alan J. Bauman, MD

Dr. Alan J. Bauman is the Founder, Medical Director and Chief Surgeon of the Bauman Medical Group, P.A. located in Wharfside at Boca Pointe in Boca Raton, Florida. His practice is dedicated exclusively to treating male and female pattern hair loss. Dr. Bauman uses state-of-the-art medical and surgical techniques to help his patients maintain and/or restore their scalp hair.

	Question Asked By

Rodney
2006-03-07

	Question Topic

Avodart - the real dangers

	Question

I understand there is no long term historical data on this drug as there is with finasteride... however; can you articulate exactly why you dont recommend this drug. Straight up, Dr B -- no bs!

	Answer

Rodney, Here's my take on finasteride vs. dutasteride at this moment in time... As a physician, having a 'biologic model' for finasteride (type 2 5-alpha reductase deficient pseudohermaphrodites) gives me a certain amount of confidence regarding the long-term effects of being on finasteride. You see, finasteride mimics what is going on in the pseudohermaphrodites, who don't go bald and never get prostate enlargment, by the way. We don't have a biologic model for dutasteride, nor safety studies or large efficacy studies for that matter. We also know that dutasteride takes a month to completely get out of your system if you stop taking it--NOT good news if you happen to be the rare guy experiencing a SIDE EFFECT! Even the hair growth effects are not really well documented at this time--how much better or faster is it than finasteride? Most hair transplant surgeons are NOT prescribing dutasteride on a regular basis, but they ARE prescribing finasteride. Perhaps we will gain more confidence in dutasteride in the near future, but for now, I think it is a little risky. I have prescribed it to patients, but not without a clear conversation about the pros and cons--what is known and what is not. For now, there are many 'unknowns' with dutasteride. Knowing some of the risks and benefits, what do you think from a patient's view? Sincerely, Dr. B. doctorb@baumanmedical.com

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