EU Regulator warns of suicide risk linked to hair loss drug Finasteride

The European Medicines Agency (EMA) has issued a new warning regarding finasteride, a medication used to treat male hair loss, after reviewing 313 reports of suicidal thoughts among users. The majority of cases were linked to the 1 mg dosage, commonly sold under brand names like Propecia and used by men aged 18 to 41.

While the exact frequency of this side effect is unknown, finasteride will remain on the market as the EMA concluded that its benefits outweigh its risks. However, updated safety measures will now include a patient alert card warning about potential mood changes, such as depression and suicidal ideation.

Users are advised to discontinue use and seek medical advice if they experience mood changes. Similar warnings will also be added to dutasteride, a drug used to treat prostate enlargement, as a precaution, although no direct link to suicidal thoughts was found in that case.