Finasteride, used in men to combat baldness, is in the crosshairs of health authorities who will “reassess the benefit/risk balance” of this drug.
The National Agency for the Safety of Medicines and Health Products (ANSM) warns of the side effects that can occur after taking finasteride. Better known under the trade names Propecia or Prosca, it is prescribed for men affected by baldness. This is one of the most common treatments to deal with hair loss for men.
But taking this medication can have serious consequences. The ANSM announced this Thursday, October 17, a “European reassessment of the benefit/risk balance of medicines containing finasteride or dutasteride”.
Suicidal thoughts recognized as potential adverse effects
Sexual disorders, reduced libido or even suicidal thoughts, the side effects of taking finasteride are well known by health authorities. “Since 2019, we have been acting to strengthen the provision of good information to patients and healthcare professionals on the risks associated with finasteride 1mg and to enable the identification of adverse effects,” recalls the ANSM. This involves in particular “placing alert messages on medicine boxes”.
But, “serious cases of psychiatric disorders and sexual disorders (which can sometimes persist long after treatment has stopped) continue to be reported to us,” notes the national agency.
New, the health agency explains that “suicidal thoughts have recently been recognized as potential adverse effects for two drugs containing finasteride (Propecia 1 mg and Chibro-Proscar 5 mg).”
The ANSM provides advice to patients treated with finasteride who experience side effects. “Talk about it as soon as possible with your doctor, if you are being treated for alopecia, in the event of psychological problems, stop your treatment and make a report of an adverse effect,” recommends the agency. “If these effects last over time or persist after treatment is stopped, it is important to update your initial declaration to complete it.”
For health professionals, the ANSM recommends evaluating the advisability of continuing or stopping treatment if these symptoms appear.
The independent medical journal Prescrire considers that finasteride is “a drug that should be avoided.”
