Men taking a common medication for hair loss should be aware of potentially serious psychiatric and sexual side effects including insomnia (sleeplessness).
The daily pill, used by millions of men worldwide, might trigger depression and sexual dysfunction in the form of low libido and erectile dysfunction.
The more common side effects that can occur with finasteride include decreased sex drive, trouble getting or keeping an erection, ejaculation disorder, increase in breast size and tenderness, skin rash, among others. If mild, the symptoms may disappear within a few days. If they persist and are more severe or don’t disappear, a doctor or pharmacist should be consulted.
The drug in question is Finasteride, belonging to a class of medications called 5-alpha reductase inhibitors and sold under brand names like Proscar and Propecia, as well as other generic names. While effective for treating male pattern baldness, it has been linked to these side effects in some users.
The drug is widely prescribed to men with male pattern baldness and an enlarged prostate, but safety concerns raised by health experts warn that users must immediately stop taking finasteride if they develop depression or suicidal thoughts. In some cases, the alarming effects persisted even after men stopped taking the drug in what patients have coined ‘post-finasteride syndrome’.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), the UK’s drug safety watchdog, recently issued a warning about finasteride, The warning follows a surge in reports of serious side effects, including depression, insomnia, low libido, and erectile dysfunction.
Since 2020, reports of these side effects have tripled, prompting the MHRA to take action. Dr. Alison Cave, the MHRA’s chief safety officer, emphasized the importance of patient awareness, saying it is crucial patients are aware of vital information about the medicines they’re taking.
To address this concern, Cave said patient alert cards detailing the potential side effects will be included in finasteride packaging later this year. The aim is to raise awareness among men taking finasteride about the potential for psychiatric and sexual side effects, so they can make informed treatment decisions and know what to do if they experience these effects.
“If you’re taking finasteride 1mg (Propecia) for hair loss and develop depression or suicidal thoughts, stop treatment and contact your doctor. If these symptoms develop with finasteride 5mg (Proscar), for benign enlargement of the prostate, consult your doctor immediately for further advice.”
“Any concerns about sexual dysfunction should be discussed with your healthcare professional. Remember to always read the leaflet inside the pack because it includes important information on how to take finasteride and its possible side effects, “ Cave explained.
Finasteride, originally developed for prostate enlargement in the 1980s, gained unexpected popularity for hair loss treatment due to its effect on testosterone. It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to DHT, which shrinks hair follicles, this led to its application for male pattern baldness. It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shrinks hair follicles and contributes to hair loss.
While effective, concerns have arisen about potential side effects. Experts suggest a rise in reported side effects might be linked to online platforms offering finasteride for hair loss through private prescriptions, making it readily available. The NHS, however, considers serious side effects “rare,” occurring in less than 1 in 1,000 people.
@ Vanguard Newspaper
