Well being chiefs concern pressing security warning over frequent hair loss drugs that may set off melancholy, suicidal ideas and 'sexual dysfunction'

By ZOE HARDY, HEALTH REPORTER

Printed: 12:17 EDT, 11 Could 2026 | Up to date: 12:25 EDT, 11 Could 2026

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Males taking common hair-loss medicine have been warned of their potential critical sexual and psychological side-effects by the UK’s drug security watchdog.

The Medicines and Healthcare merchandise Regulatory Company (MHRA) mentioned males taking finasteride – a each day tablet used to deal with male sample baldness – have to be conscious that the drug has been linked to sexual dysfunction and temper problems.

Dutasteride, an identical drug used to deal with signs of an enlarged prostate, has additionally been slapped with a precautionary warning.

In 2024, the watchdog ordered suppliers of finasteride to incorporate a affected person alert card in packs of the drug to lift consciousness of the dangers, which stay in place.

These playing cards spotlight the potential danger of erectile dysfunction, lack of libido, melancholy and suicidal ideas and advise hair loss sufferers to cease the drug instantly in the event that they develop signs.

These taking the drug for an enlarged prostate who expertise signs ought to contact their physician urgently.

Dr Alison Cave, chief security officer, mentioned: ‘Following an extra detailed evaluate of the proof, we have now now strengthened product info for each finasteride 1mg and dutasteride to supply clearer steering on these potential dangers and to assist knowledgeable discussions between healthcare professionals and sufferers.’

Finasteride, bought underneath the model names Proscar and Propecia, is used to deal with each circumstances, however is simply obtainable on the NHS for enlarged prostate.

Males on common hair-loss drug are being warned of sexual and psychiatric unwanted side effects

It really works by blocking the intercourse hormone testosterone from turning into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which might encourage the prostate to develop and hair to fall out.

An enlarged prostate is a standard situation in males over the age of fifty and isn’t normally critical. However because the prostate swells it could actually put strain on the urethra, inflicting issue urinating.

Widespread signs embody a weak stream of urine, taking longer than regular to empty your bladder and needing to go extra urgently, together with within the night time.

Finasteride has lengthy been linked to temper problems and sexual dysfunction, however now the MHRA has revised all obtainable proof to make sure affected person security.

Dr Cave added: ‘Affected person security is our prime precedence.

‘We anticipate prescribers to debate the related security info with sufferers to allow them to make knowledgeable choices about their remedy, and we proceed to encourage sufferers and healthcare professionals to report suspected unwanted side effects by the Yellow Card scheme.’

The regulator mentioned its Yellow Card scheme, designed to permit sufferers to report antagonistic results of medicines, had obtained 170 suicidal ideation and associated phrases for finasteride. Of those, 19 had been deadly.

After reviewing the entire studies made to the scheme, specialists have concluded that stopping the drug doesn’t essentially dissipate side-effects, with sexual dysfunction typically persisting after remedy is stopped.

Beforehand the MHRA inspired sufferers to share the alert card with family and friends who could higher discover adjustments in temper.

Prescribing knowledge suggests greater than 400,000 prescriptions per 30 days are issued for finasteride 5mg and dutasteride containing medicines.

However finasteride 1mg just isn’t at the moment prescribed on the NHS and is simply obtainable by personal prescription, that means correct prescription numbers aren’t obtainable.