Hair-loss pills need clear warnings
European and British regulators highlight known sexual and psychiatric side effects of finasteride.
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The use of pills for hair loss is once again attracting attention because of warnings about possible side effects. Regulators stress that finasteride can be effective for some users, but that patients and prescribers should discuss the risks.
Finasteride is used in a low dose to treat hereditary hair loss in men. Higher doses and similar medicines such as dutasteride are mainly used for prostate problems. These medicines inhibit an enzyme involved in the conversion of hormones. As a result, both hair loss and certain physical side effects may be affected.
In 2025, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) concluded that suicidal thoughts should be included as a side effect of finasteride tablets in the product information. The frequency could not be established. For dutasteride, the European assessment found no direct link, but because of its similar action, information about mood changes is being added as a precaution.
The UK regulator, the MHRA, is also strengthening the warnings. It mentions reduced libido, erectile problems and problems with ejaculation, among other effects. According to the regulator, such complaints with finasteride may be associated with mood problems. The UK product information is being amended, and a patient card will remain available for 1-milligram finasteride.
The regulators stress that reports of side effects do not automatically prove that the medicine caused them. People may have multiple conditions or other risk factors. The available studies also differ in design and outcome. The EMA therefore states that the benefits and risks for authorised uses must still be weighed against each other.
For the Netherlands, the Medicines Evaluation Board (College ter Beoordeling van Geneesmiddelen, CBG) previously reported that additional measures were needed to limit the risk of suicidal thoughts associated with finasteride. The warnings are intended to improve discussions between doctors and patients, not to encourage people to start or stop treatment independently.
The renewed attention comes amid a broader trend in which medicines for hair loss are being offered more easily online. This makes it important for users to know which medicine and dosage they are receiving. Anyone experiencing problems with their mood or sexual health should contact a doctor or pharmacist; this report is not personal treatment advice.
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The safety information is based on European, British and Dutch regulators. The text avoids making a causal claim where the sources describe only reports or precautionary measures.
- confirmed The EMA confirmed suicidal thoughts as a side effect of finasteride tablets. — The EMA explicitly reports this following a European assessment. source
- confirmed The EMA found no direct link between dutasteride and suicidal thoughts. — For dutasteride, the EMA identifies no established direct link. source
- confirmed The MHRA warns about sexual and psychiatric side effects. — The British safety update mentions both categories of side effects. source
Editor's note
The regulators confirm the warnings, but the frequency of some side effects is unknown and reports do not automatically prove a causal link. No personal treatment advice is included.Sources
- Finasteride and Dutasteride – updated safety warnings — Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency
- Finasteride and dutasteride-containing medicinal products – referral — European Medicines Agency
- Extra maatregelen om risico op zelfmoordgedachten te beperken bij gebruik finasteride — College ter Beoordeling van Geneesmiddelen
More on this in Dutch media
- NU.nl — „finasteride dutasteride”
- De Telegraaf — „finasteride dutasteride”
- AD — „finasteride dutasteride”