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Hair Loss Drug Dutasteride Linked to Serious Side Effects
A potent hair loss treatment, dutasteride, promoted by influencers on TikTok, is raising concerns among experts due to potential adverse effects like erectile dysfunction and even suicidal ideation. While celebrated online for its regrowth benefits, this medication, though primarily used for enlarged prostates, can be prescribed off-label for hair loss treatment.
TikTok Trend Raises Concerns Over Dutasteride Risks
Videos showcasing remarkable hair regrowth achieved with daily dutasteride tablets have garnered millions of views on social media. However, this increasing popularity is shadowed by warnings from health officials about the drug’s potential to trigger severe mental health issues.
EU Health Officials Issue Warning
European Union health authorities recently cautioned that dutasteride could induce serious mental health problems, including depression and suicidal thoughts. This warning follows tragic cases possibly linked to the drug’s side effects.
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Tragic Case Highlights Potential Dangers
Earlier this month, an inquest reported the suicide of a 31-year-old physical education teacher after commencing a dutasteride regimen obtained from an online pharmacy. The individual, Sam Applegarth, had been struggling with early hair loss since his early twenties and had previously tried other medications without experiencing side effects.
Background of the Deceased
- Sam Applegarth, from West Yorkshire, UK, experienced premature hair loss from age 22.
- He relocated to Dubai and seemed to be enjoying his life, according to friends.
- His GP and family confirmed he had no prior history of mental health issues or self-harm.
- A post-mortem examination found no traces of alcohol or illicit substances.
Experts Urge MHRA Action on Hair Loss Treatment
Experts are now imploring the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the UK to issue warnings about the significant potential risks associated with dutasteride.
Professor Penny Ward, a pharmaceutical expert at King’s College London, emphasizes the importance of patient awareness: “Dutasteride is a powerful drug that can, in some instances, result in undesirable side effects. It is imperative that patients commencing this treatment are cognizant of concerning symptoms to monitor. Should they experience the onset of depression, seeking immediate medical consultation is crucial.”
She added, “Hopefully the MHRA will soon align with its EU counterparts and ensure that the drug includes this advisory.”
How Dutasteride Works and Its Potential Side Effects
Dutasteride functions by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone implicated in hair loss by causing the miniaturization of hair follicles on the scalp.
However, experts caution that suppressing DHT can also lead to a range of debilitating side effects.
Comparison to Finasteride
Dutasteride shares chemical similarities with finasteride, a more commonly prescribed treatment for hair loss. In 2024, the MHRA issued a warning about finasteride, highlighting potential risks of depression, reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and suicidal thoughts. Studies indicate that while approximately four percent of patients may experience these effects temporarily, a small fraction (around one in 1,000) report persistent issues even after discontinuing the medication.
Post-Finasteride Syndrome
This lingering condition, known as post-finasteride syndrome, can last for months or even years. Dutasteride, however, possesses a significantly higher potency and is more likely to cause concerning side effects.
The Potency of Dutasteride
While finasteride reduces DHT levels by roughly 70 to 75 percent, dutasteride suppresses levels by more than 90 percent. This enhanced suppression leads to greater hair regrowth in general, but it escalates concerns regarding potentially long-lasting side effects.
Social Media Showcases Results
Numerous young men have turned to social media platforms to showcase the striking outcomes of using dutasteride.
UK influencer Tom Gillbanks, with over 50,000 TikTok followers, shared his experience after four months on dutasteride. He reported the emergence of “loads of thick hairs sprouting out of areas I never thought I’d get hair back.”
Reported Sexual Side Effects
Some studies indicate that as many as 16 percent of dutasteride users may encounter sexual side effects. Although these side effects do not appear to persist after discontinuing the treatment.
Widespread Use Despite Unlicensed Status
Experts note that despite not being officially licensed for hair loss, dutasteride is already widely prescribed in the UK.
Dermatologist Advice
Dr. Leila Asfour, a London-based dermatologist and chairwoman of the British Hair And Nails Society, states, “Hair specialists use dutasteride frequently. For most patients, it’s a safe and effective drug, but doctors need to ensure patients are aware of the potential side effects.”
Patient Selection Crucial
Dr. Asfour advises that dutasteride should only be considered for specific patients: “If the patient has a history of mental illness, then they shouldn’t take dutasteride.”
Online Pharmacies Concerns
Dr. Bessam Farjo, a leading hair-loss expert, speaking at the inquest into Mr. Applegarth’s death, expressed concern that “it was not difficult to get the medication online.” He added that numerous online pharmacies are now “sprouting up” to prescribe the drug to patients without proper consultation.
Dr. Asfour echoes these concerns: “These online pharmacies do not necessarily check the medical history of the patient before prescribing dutasteride and they do not always make sure patients are aware of the side effects to watch out for.”
MHRA Response
Dr. Stephanie Millican, the MHRA’s deputy director of benefit risk evaluation, says: “We have been monitoring this review of medicines containing finasteride and dutasteride and are now taking time to review the findings that were published last month.”
“Any potential updates to the product information for these medicines would be promptly communicated to patients and healthcare professionals, and appropriate steps taken to mitigate any identified risk.”
- For confidential support, call the Samaritans on 116123 or visit samaritans.org.