Hair Loss Drug Propecia’s Depression, Suicide Risks Overlooked for Years: Report

At least eight independent studies published in the past decade have found that people taking Propecia face higher rates of depression and suicidal tendencies.

Propecia, a widely used hair loss drug containing finasteride, has been tied to depression and suicide for more than 20 years, yet U.S. regulators have never required follow-up studies or stronger warnings, potentially leaving hundreds of deaths and mental health risks overlooked, according to a new report.

Finasteride was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1997, as a treatment for male pattern baldness, and it is marketed under the brand name as Propecia.

However, side effects of Propecia have been linked to various health risks, including erectile dysfunction, depression and suicide. A number of studies and case reports have suggested links between the hair loss drug and increased suicide risks, which some sources claim manufacturer Merck may have known about for years.

Those concerns have gained new weight with a report published in The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry on September 22, suggesting that the manufacturer’s failure to conduct and publish studies on the dangers of finasteride has led to a delay in individuals realizing the potentially deadly risks associated with Propecia, which is only used for cosmetic purposes.

The new report, authored by Mayer Brezis, MD, MPH, builds on finasteride’s history and examines why evidence of harm has yet to result in stronger warnings either from U.S. federal regulators or on the manufacturer’s packaging in the United States.

Brezis notes that evidence of depression related to finasteride emerged as early as 2002, only five years after FDA approval, while at least eight analyses published between 2017 and 2023 confirmed increased risks of depression, anxiety and suicidal behavior among finasteride users.

Even with this body of evidence, the report notes that regulators have yet to take action to recall drugs that contain finasteride or ensure that warnings mentioning risks of suicide or depression be added to the medication’s packaging.

In addition, the report points out that manufacturers have not performed or published any studies on postmarket dangers of drugs containing finasteride, such as Propecia, nor have federal regulators requested such results.

Brezis estimates that this absence of oversight is likely to have had deadly consequences, as hundreds of individuals may have suffered or be suffering from depression related to their use of finasteride, while hundreds more individuals may have committed suicide as a result of taking the drug.

“Current evidence shows that finasteride use can cause depression and suicidality. A historical literature review discloses gaps between research evidence and regulatory steps.”

— Mayer Brezis, MD, MPH, Failing Public Health Again? Analytical Review of Depression and Suicidality From Finasteride

As a result of these findings, Brezis recommends that regulators require manufacturers to conduct and disclose postmarket safety studies to better assess the risks of drugs like Propecia once they are in widespread use.

Sign up for more health and legal news that could affect you or your family.