If you’ve been keeping up with hair loss news, you’re bound to have seen recent articles and been left wondering “is Finasteride safe?”
It’s a hot topic and not one to take lightly. Sons work closely with our prescribing partners to take every precaution and several safety checks to ensure suitability for the medication before prescribing to make sure those taking Finasteride with Sons are as safe as possible.
It’s important to remember Finasteride is a medication, and like with any medicine there are potential side effects. The side effect rate however is considered acceptably low and it is licensed for use in male pattern hair loss.
Here’s everything you need to know about Finasteride, how it works, and how to take it safely and responsibly.
What is Finasteride?
Finasteride is an effective licensed treatment for hair loss in men. It works by inhibiting the production of DHT, a hormone that comes from testosterone metabolism. In men with a genetic sensitivity, DHT harms hair follicles and interferes with the hair growth cycle, triggering a process called miniaturization.
This causes hairs to become finer and less dense over time, eventually resulting in noticeable male pattern baldness.
With consistent use, Finasteride has been shown to reduce DHT levels, allowing hair follicles to recover and supporting healthier, fuller hair growth.
Does Finasteride work?
Studies have found Finasteride is effective at stopping hair loss in 90% of men, and increases hair density in 6 out of 10. Minoxidil - the other clinically proven treatment for male pattern hair loss is often used alongside Finasteride for 94% effectiveness.
Is Finasteride safe?
“Finasteride has been around since the 90s and is very well studied,” says Dr Knut Moe, a men’s health expert, GP, and Sons Medical Director.
“Most people tolerate oral finasteride very well and the majority don’t have any side effects (96% of people).”
Finasteride side effects
“Side effects tend to be of a sexual nature and tend to happen in the first 6 months of usage, but there are some reports of associated links with depression or anxiety and more recently an association with suicidality in people with pre-existing mental health issues,” says Knut.
It’s important that should you encounter any of these side effects while taking Finasteride with Sons that you get in touch so that we can put you on the right course of action.
How to reduce Finasteride side effects?
The most important way to reduce the side effects you could encounter is to take the medication exactly as prescribed. Don’t exceed the dosage you’ve been given and listen to your prescriber’s advice. Aim to reduce your stress levels and query with your doctor whether any medication should be avoided simultaneously with Finasteride.
A note from Dr Knut on “is Finasteride safe?”
“It’s important to note that while there’s a correlation here (between Finasteride and depression/anxiety) it doesn’t mean that it’s a concretely proven link yet. However, the MHRA are taking a suitably cautious approach and we are following instructions and introducing the patient alert card as per their guidelines.
“We take this potential issue very seriously. Our prescribers’ consultation model filters out patients with pre-existing anxiety and depression not to offer this medication out of an abundance of caution and we have clear guidance on side effects on our website, as well as aftercare advice to patients and regular check ins.
“We encourage any possible side effects being reported through our customer success team to our pharmacovigilance partners Callisto, and patients can report directly to the NHS yellow card scheme which we encourage.
“Our own reported side effect rate is less than 1% (of all side effect types) which is lwithin the 4% published side effect rates. We work with our prescribing partners to minimise risk by checking summary care records for potential interactions and flags for high-risk patients and by checking in regularly with patients throughout their treatment plan.”
All of our blog articles are reviewed by our Medical Director before publication.
