Long-Term Effectiveness and Safety of Dutasteride versus Finasteride in Patients with Male Androgenic Alopecia in South Korea: A Multicentre Chart Review Study
- Author:
Gwang-Seong CHOI
1
;
Woo-Young SIM
;
Hoon KANG
;
Chang Hun HUH
;
Yang Won LEE
;
Sumitra SHANTAKUMAR
;
Yu-Fan HO
;
Eun-Jeong OH
;
Mei Sheng DUH
;
Wendy Y. CHENG
;
Priyanka BOBBILI
;
Philippe THOMPSON-LEDUC
;
Gary ONG
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Annals of Dermatology 2022;34(5):349-359
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Background:Dutasteride improves hair growth compared with finasteride in male androgenic alopecia (AGA) and is well tolerated. However, real-world evidence for longterm dutasteride use in AGA is lacking.
Objective:To describe baseline characteristics, treatment patterns and long-term safety and effectiveness of dutasteride versus finasteride.
Methods:This was a multicentre, retrospective medical chart review study conducted in South Korea. The index date was the first prescription of dutasteride or finasteride. Baseline characteristics were assessed 6 months prior to index. Safety and effectiveness improvements in basic and specific [BASP] classification) data were collected from index throughout the observation period.
Results:Overall, 600 male adult patients were included (dutasteride, n=295; finasteride, n=305). Dutasteride-treated patients were older (p<0.001) and more likely to have moderate/ severe BASP classification at baseline (p=0.010) compared with finasteride-treated patients. Among patients treated with recommended, on-label dosing exclusively (n=535: dutasteride, n=250; finasteride, n=285), dutasteride-treated patients showed greater improvement in hair growth than finasteride-treated patients, as measured by the BASP basic M classification (adjusted incidence rate ratio [95% confidence interval]: 2.06 [1.08, 3.95]; p=0.029). Among this same subset, overall occurrence of adverse events (AEs) during the observation period were not statistically equivalent between groups (dutasteride 7.6%, finasteride 10.5%; p=0.201), although reports of AEs of special interest were equivalent (p<0.001).
Conclusion:Dutasteride showed greater effectiveness than finasteride in improving BASP classification in treating male AGA and had a similar or possibly lower occurrence of overall AEs. Dutasteride may provide an effective and safe treatment option for male patients with AGA.
