Context:

The FDA has issued a warning regarding the potential lasting side effects of topical finasteride, a medication used for hair loss, which include erectile dysfunction, anxiety, and brain fog. Reports of such side effects have been documented, with some users unaware of the risks prior to use, prompting healthcare providers to ensure patients are informed. Despite not being FDA-approved for topical use, finasteride is often prescribed off-label, with compounded versions made by pharmacies without rigorous testing. The rise in prescriptions, particularly through telehealth platforms, has raised concerns about insufficient patient-doctor interactions prior to medication use. Experts recommend thorough consultations with healthcare professionals to weigh the risks and benefits before starting the medication, emphasizing the importance of understanding the absorption and effects of topical treatments on the skin.

Dive Deeper:

• The FDA has warned that topical finasteride, a hair loss treatment, can cause lasting side effects such as erectile dysfunction, anxiety, and brain fog, with 32 reported cases between 2019 and 2024.

• Finasteride, known in oral forms as Propecia and Proscar, works by preventing testosterone from converting to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss. Over the past seven years, prescriptions for finasteride increased by 200% among men aged 25 and older, driven by telehealth services.

• The medication is often prescribed off-label in topical form by compounding pharmacies, which create alternative versions without FDA approval or rigorous testing, leading to potential safety concerns.

• Experts emphasize the importance of consulting healthcare providers before using finasteride, especially as some users reported being unaware of the potential side effects. This highlights the need for increased patient education on the risks associated with the medication.

• Telehealth companies like Ro, Keeps, and Hims & Hers have expanded access to finasteride, but concerns have been raised about the lack of required consultations with physicians, potentially leaving patients under-informed about the drug's risks.

• Variability in how compounded finasteride is produced by different pharmacies can affect its absorption and the likelihood of side effects, underscoring the necessity for medical guidance and caution with topical medications.

• The skin's ability to absorb substances highlights the importance of understanding the risks involved with topical applications, as it can lead to systemic side effects similar to those associated with oral medications.