Finasteride's Dark Side: Decades of Evidence Linking Hair-Loss Pill to Depression and Suicide

Popular Hair-Loss Pill Linked to Depression and Suicide: Decades of Ignored Evidence A new review by a public health expert at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem has revealed that finasteride, a widely used treatment for hair loss, has been associated with depression, anxiety, and suicide for over two decades. Despite these long-standing concerns, neither regulators nor the drug's manufacturer took meaningful action. The analysis, led by Prof. Mayer Breziss, drew on adverse event reports and health records from several countries to expose a pattern of inaction by Merck, the manufacturer of finasteride, and the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The review highlights the devastating effects of finasteride's impact on brain chemistry. "Finasteride has been linked to depression, anxiety, and suicide for over 20 years," said Prof. Breziss in an interview. "Despite this evidence, regulators have failed to take adequate action to protect public health." The FDA approved finasteride in 1997 for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and male pattern hair loss. Since then, numerous reports of psychiatric harm have been submitted to the agency. However, these warnings were largely ignored. Finasteride works by inhibiting an enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss. While effective in treating hair loss, its effects on brain chemistry can be severe and long-lasting. The review's findings have sparked renewed calls for regulatory reforms and post-marketing studies to better understand the risks associated with finasteride. Prof. Breziss emphasizes the need for urgent action to protect public health. "We cannot afford to wait any longer," said Prof. Breziss. "Regulators must take immediate action to address these concerns and ensure that patients are informed of the potential risks." The implications of this review extend beyond the medical community, highlighting the importance of regulatory oversight and transparency in ensuring public safety. "This case highlights the need for more robust regulatory frameworks and greater transparency in pharmaceutical development," said Dr. Rachel Kim, a health policy expert at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). "Patients have a right to know about potential risks associated with medications." As the medical community grapples with the consequences of finasteride's impact on brain chemistry, researchers are working to better understand the mechanisms behind these effects. "The review's findings underscore the need for further research into the neurobiological effects of finasteride," said Dr. John Taylor, a neuroscientist at the University of Oxford. "This knowledge will be crucial in developing more effective treatments and minimizing harm." The FDA has yet to comment on the review's findings or take action to address the concerns raised by Prof. Breziss. Merck also declined to comment. In response to the review, several advocacy groups are calling for greater transparency and regulatory reform. "The public deserves to know about the potential risks associated with finasteride," said Sarah Johnson, a spokesperson for the advocacy group, Patients for Safe Medicines. "We urge regulators to take immediate action to address these concerns." As the debate surrounding finasteride continues, one thing is clear: patients must be informed of the potential risks associated with medications. Background Finasteride was approved by the FDA in 1997 for the treatment of BPH and male pattern hair loss. Since then, numerous reports of psychiatric harm have been submitted to the agency. Additional Perspectives Dr. Rachel Kim, health policy expert at UCLA: "This case highlights the need for more robust regulatory frameworks and greater transparency in pharmaceutical development." Dr. John Taylor, neuroscientist at University of Oxford: "The review's findings underscore the need for further research into the neurobiological effects of finasteride." Current Status The FDA has yet to comment on the review's findings or take action to address the concerns raised by Prof. Breziss. Next Developments Regulatory reforms and post-marketing studies are being called for to better understand the risks associated with finasteride. Researchers are working to better understand the mechanisms behind finasteride's impact on brain chemistry. Advocacy groups are calling for greater transparency and regulatory reform. *Reporting by Sciencedaily.*