MEN taking a baldness medication have complained it gave them “boobs”.
Ten fellas who took reported that the drug triggered gynaecomastia — enlargement of glandular breast tissue.
Men taking a baldness medication have complained it gave them ‘boobs’ Credit: Alamy
As many as 159 said they struggled with erectile dysfunction Credit: Getty
Another 67 men said it had led to a loss of libido, while 159 said they struggled with .
In total, 547 reports of side effects were made to the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency last year.
Six men who took the drug — used by thousands in the UK and also reportedly by US President — claimed it caused .
And seven said it caused testicular pain.
The medication was also linked to 77 cases of , 23 of and one of .
Finasteride is the most common treatment for stopping hair loss in the UK, and often sold under the brand name Propecia.
It works by stopping testosterone turning into dihydrotestosterone, a hormone that causes hair follicles to shrink.
In 2017, Mr Trump’s then doctor Harold Bornstein said the US President took it.
The number of adverse side effects reported to the MHRA has soared from just 66 in 2020 to 547 in 2025.
Alleged reactions also include rashes, acne, nausea and bad breath.
In 2024, the MHRA said packs must contain a safety alert card warning of the side effects.
Dr Alison Cave, the MHRA’s chief safety officer, said: “Finasteride has improved many patients’ lives. However, no medicine is risk-free.
“Ultimately, doctors and their patients must weigh up the pros and cons when choosing the most appropriate treatment.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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