In Young Patients, The Use Of Finasteride Could Be Associated With Increased Risk Of Anxiety, Depression, And Suicide-Related Adverse Events

A pharmacovigilance study using data from the WHO's VigiBase found significant reporting odds ratios (ROR) for suicidal ideation, attempts, and psychological adverse events in patients under 45 using finasteride for alopecia. Specifically, the ROR for suicidal ideation and attempts was 3.47 (95% CI: 2.90-4.15) and for psychological adverse events was 2.06 (95% CI: 1.81-2.34). No significant disproportionality was found for completed suicides or in patients over 45 or using finasteride for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). The study suggests a potential reporting bias post-2012 and highlights the need for further research to confirm causality and address confounding factors.