A popular hair-loss drug may have dangerous mental health effects long dismissed by authorities. Scientists now demand urgent regulatory reform.
A new review by a public health researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem uncovers that finasteride, a widely used medication for hair loss, has been associated with depression and suicide for more than twenty years—yet both drug regulators and manufacturers failed to take meaningful action.
Drawing upon global data from adverse event reports and healthcare databases, the study identifies a persistent link between the drug and psychiatric side effects. Despite the growing body of evidence, neither Merck nor the FDA launched essential safety investigations. The author urges immediate reform in how pharmaceuticals are evaluated and monitored after approval.
A new review by a public health researcher at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem uncovers that finasteride, a widely used medication for hair loss, has been associated with depression and suicide for more than twenty years—yet both drug regulators and manufacturers failed to take meaningful action.
Drawing upon global data from adverse event reports and healthcare databases, the study identifies a persistent link between the drug and psychiatric side effects. Despite the growing body of evidence, neither Merck nor the FDA launched essential safety investigations. The author urges immediate reform in how pharmaceuticals are evaluated and monitored after approval.
