MEN taking a common hair loss drug were today warned about the risk of serious psychiatric and sexual side effects.
The daily pill finasteride, used by millions worldwide, was already slapped with a warning in 2024 over fears it could trigger or suicidal thoughts.
Now, UK health chiefs have strengthened the warning for finasteride Credit: FINasteride
Finasteride was famously taken by US President Donald Trump Credit: Shutterstock Editorial
At the time, officials also said that taking the drug could result in low libido and erectile dysfunction.
But now, UK chiefs have strengthened the warning, adding that the risk of depression, suicidal thoughts and sexual dysfunction may persist even after treatment is stopped.
They also said that in some cases, sexual dysfunction had been reported without changes to patient’s moods.
Finasteride was famously taken by US President Donald Trump. It’s prescribed on the NHS to men with an enlarged prostate.
What are the symptoms of depression?
The psychological symptoms of depression include:
- continuous low mood or sadness
- feeling hopeless and helpless
- having low self-esteem
- feeling tearful
- feeling guilt-ridden
- feeling irritable and intolerant of others
- having no motivation or interest in things
- finding it difficult to make decisions
- not getting any enjoyment out of life
- feeling anxious or worried
- having suicidal thoughts or thoughts of harming yourself
The physical symptoms of depression include:
- moving or speaking more slowly than usual
- changes in appetite or weight (usually decreased, but sometimes increased)
- constipation
- unexplained aches and pains
- lack of energy
- low sex drive (loss of libido)
- disturbed sleep – for example, finding it difficult to fall asleep at night or waking up very early in the morning
Source: The NHS
But the exact number of users in the UK is unclear as the drug is not doled out for loss on the NHS , and is instead only available privately.
Warnings over finasteride’s side effects follow a safety by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), which polices the safety of used in the UK.
It was sparked by a European regulatory review which came to the same conclusion last year.
The MHRA said that patients prescribed finasteride 1mg should stop taking the if they develop suicidal thoughts or depression and contact their healthcare professional as soon as possible.
Patients prescribed finasteride 5mg or the drug dutasteride should also consult their healthcare professional as soon as possible if they develop suicidal thoughts or depression.
Dutasteride works in a similar way to finasteride.
As a precaution, the same warning has been added to the dutasteride product information.
Dr Alison Cave, MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said: “The MHRA has taken significant action to raise awareness of the risks of sexual dysfunction, depression and suicidal thoughts associated with finasteride, including issuing a Drug Safety Update and introducing patient alert cards in 2024.
“Following an additional detailed review of the evidence, we have now strengthened product information for both finasteride 1mg and dutasteride to provide clearer guidance on these potential risks and to support informed discussions between healthcare professionals and patients.
“Patient safety is our top priority.
“We expect prescribers to discuss the relevant safety information with patients so they can make informed decisions about their treatment, and we continue to encourage patients and healthcare professionals to report suspected side effects through the Yellow Card scheme.”
Finasteride was originally developed by Merck and Co in the 1980s to treat having an enlarged prostate.
Users soon began to see unexpected hair growth, prompting it to be used for that reason.
It works by blocking the conversion of the testosterone into dihydrotestosterone, or DHT. DHT can cause the prostate to grow bigger.
High levels of DHT are believed to lead to hair loss by shrinking follicles on the scalp, hence why it can tackle hair loss.
In 2021, Reuters reported it had obtained US court documents which showed that US watchdogs had received 700-plus reports of suicide and suicidal thoughts linked to the drug since 2011.
MHRA bosses received the first similar report in the early 90s.
Since then, it has had almost 300 reports of depressed mood disorders and suicidal and self-injurious behaviours linked to finasteride.
More than 400 have also been associated with sexual dysfunction.
UK: For help and support, call the Samaritans for free from a UK phone, completely anonymously, on 116 123 or go to samaritans.org.
US: If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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