Finasteride: Suicidality or Psychological Adverse Events

A study published in JAMA Dermatology found a significant association between finasteride use for androgenetic alopecia and suicidality in patients under 45 years old. The study evaluated adverse events reported to WHO's Vigibase and found 356 reports of suicidality and 2926 reports of depression or anxiety in primarily male patients. The authors note that the disproportional signals "could result from adverse effects, such as persistent sexual dysfunction, having a greater toll on younger patients using finasteride to treat a nonurologic condition". Health care professionals are advised to conduct a full evaluation and a detailed, personalized risk-benefit assessment for patients before prescribing finasteride.