MEN who take the hair loss drug finasteride are being warned of psychiatric and sexual side effects.
The medicine — taken by Donald Trump, according to his doctor — can cause depression, suicidal thoughts and sexual dysfunction, according to officials.
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Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency bosses warned issues with sexual performance can persist after people have stopped taking the drug.
Dr Alison Cave, of the MHRA, said: “It’s crucial that patients are aware of vital information about the medicines they’re taking.
“The new patient alert cards aim to raise awareness among men taking finasteride about the potential for psychiatric and sexual side effects, so they can make an informed decision about their treatment and know what to do if they experience these side effects.
“If you’re taking finasteride 1 mg (Propecia) for hair loss and develop depression or suicidal thoughts, stop treatment and contact your doctor.
“If these symptoms develop with finasteride 5 mg (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.”
Finasteride, sold as Proscar and Propecia, is a drug used to treat balding and enlarged prostates, the benign condition King Charles had surgery for earlier this year.
It was prescribed more than 4million times in England between 2022 and 2023, according to NHS data.
Studies show it is effective in treating male pattern baldness in 90 per cent of men over five years.
Finasteride for hair loss is not on the NHS and is only available on private prescription, meaning you have to pay full price – around £1 per pill at Superdrug or Boots.
The daily pill works by blocking a protein found in hair follicles and the prostate gland that activates testosterone, the male sex hormone.
Trump is said to have taken the drug, while celebrities including Ashton Kutcher have also been rumoured to have used it as well.
Previous reports have suggested the drug can affect men’s sex lives and even leave them impotent.
PATIENT ALERT
The MHRA has now issued a patient alert card, after a comprehensive review of the drug’s safety.
Men who take the drug are being encouraged to show the card to their friends and family, who may be better placed to notice changes to mood and other symptoms.
Those who develop depression or suicidal thoughts after taking Propecia should immediately stop their treatment and talk to a doctor as soon as possible, the MHRA.
If they are taking Proscar for benign prostate enlargement and develop symptoms they should talk to a doctor urgently for medical advice.
All patients who experience problems with erections or sex drive should discuss this with their doctor.
Dr Cave said: “Remember to always read the leaflet inside the pack as it includes important information on how to take finasteride and its possible side effects.
“Please continue to report any suspected side effects from finasteride via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme”.
What does the MHRA patient alert card say?
- finasteride is a medicine that helps with the management of male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia; 1 milligram (mg) formulation) and benign (non-cancerous) enlargement of the prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia; 5mg formulation)
- finasteride has been associated with depressed mood, depression, suicidal thoughts and sexual dysfunction (including decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction)
- in some cases sexual dysfunction has persisted in patients even after they have stopped taking finasteride
- before taking finasteride, inform your doctor if you have any personal history of depression or suicidal thoughts
- stop finasteride 1mg (Propecia) immediately if you develop depression or suicidal thoughts and contact your doctor as soon as possible
- if you are prescribed finasteride 5mg (Proscar) and you develop depression or suicidal thoughts, you should inform your doctor for further medical advice as soon as possible
- if you experience any problems with sexual function such as inability to get and maintain an erection or decrease in sex drive, please discuss this with your prescriber or doctor
- you may not notice some changes in your mood and behaviour so it is very important to tell your friends and family that you are taking this medicine and that it can have effects on psychological well-being. Others may notice changes and help you quickly identify any symptoms that you need to talk to your doctor about
- always read the leaflet that is provided alongside your medicine, which contains information about taking finasteride and a full list of known possible side effects
Source: The MHRA