- Recent reports suggest a link between use of the anti-baldness medication finasteride (Propecia) and the incidence of depression, including suicidal ideation and other negative health effects among users.
- Due to an investigation by Reuters, unsealed court documents and records reveal that U.S. regulators, as well as drug manufacturer Merck, were aware of reports of suicidal behavior among users of the drug.
- They failed to include information about these potential risks in a 2011 update of the drug’s warning label.
For many people, as they age, hair loss can be a pressing — at times upsetting — concern.
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause, which is experienced by more than 50 percent of people over age 50, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
There are countless over-the-counter and prescription treatments for hair loss. Still, one popular anti-baldness drug, in particular, has generated controversy over recent reports that tie it to the incidence of depression — including suicidal ideation — and other negative health effects among users.
The headlines concerning these reports offer a reminder to those seeking anti-baldness treatments to consult their doctors about any new medication they might be considering.
Source: healthline