Finasteride requires an individual prescribing discussion. MHRA information highlights psychiatric and sexual adverse effects, including reports of sexual problems persisting after stopping. Read the patient information and alert card, discuss your history and know what action to take if symptoms appear.
- Prescribing decision
- Individual assessment, not a clinic-menu choice
- Current UK information
- MHRA strengthened warnings in May 2026
- Keep available
- Patient leaflet, alert card and prescriber's contact details
What should I ask before a prescription is considered?
Ask what type of hair loss is being treated, why finasteride is being considered for you and which alternatives are available. Discuss your medical history, medicines and any previous low mood or suicidal thoughts. The prescriber needs that context before the decision, not only if a problem develops later.
Ask how benefits and downsides will be reviewed. An online ordering process should still allow questions. Pause if necessary and ask the clinician responsible for prescribing to explain anything unclear.
Which adverse effects need a proper discussion?
The MHRA identifies low mood, depression, suicidal thoughts and sexual dysfunction among finasteride's safety concerns. Sexual problems have sometimes been reported to continue after stopping. In May 2026, UK warnings were strengthened further, including clarification of the relationship between sexual dysfunction and mood changes.
Read the current leaflet and ask what the warnings mean for your decision. This article cannot estimate your personal likelihood of an adverse effect. Discuss concerns without assuming either no risk or inevitable harm.
What action does the MHRA advise for mood changes?
For finasteride 1mg used for hair loss, MHRA advises stopping immediately if depression or suicidal thoughts develop and contacting a doctor as soon as possible. People prescribed 5mg for an enlarged prostate are advised to contact their doctor promptly for advice. If someone cannot stay safe, seek emergency medical help.
Ask for a clear action plan, including contact outside ordinary appointment hours. MHRA also notes that others may notice mood or behaviour changes. Discuss whether involving someone you trust would help you recognise them.
What if I notice sexual side effects?
Discuss them with your prescriber or doctor rather than assuming that they must simply be tolerated. Explain what changed and when, including whether there are mood changes as well. The current MHRA information is intended to support recognition, discussion and appropriate action.
Write down the question beforehand if it feels difficult to raise. Ordinary language is enough. Ask how it will be assessed and what happens next, then keep the explanation with your treatment information.
Why should I keep the patient alert card?
The alert card summarises important psychiatric and sexual safety information and the actions to take. MHRA says UK cards introduced in 2024 remain in place alongside the updated warnings. Keep the card and patient leaflet accessible.
Ask the pharmacist or prescriber to explain anything unclear. Suspected adverse reactions can be reported through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme. Reporting does not replace medical advice or urgent care for concerning symptoms.
Is finasteride part of this clinic's treatment service?
This website does not offer finasteride prescribing. Decisions about using or reviewing it belong with an appropriately qualified prescriber. Tell Becky about medicines you take if you enquire about a procedure, so an existing medical plan is not overlooked.
Keep clear who advises about the medicine, who would assess a proposed procedure and who to contact about an adverse effect. You do not need to resolve every question in one appointment.
A conversation starts with you.
You can ask us about the clinic without committing to treatment. A GP or dermatologist assessment comes first for unexplained patches, pain or inflammation; any later clinic conversation can take that advice into account.
Ask your questionSources & references
- MHRA: updated finasteride and dutasteride safety warnings, May 2026
- MHRA: finasteride psychiatric and persistent sexual side-effect advice and patient cards
This guide provides general information. It does not diagnose a hair or scalp condition or confirm suitability for treatment.