Finasteride - Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness)

The Prescribing Clinical Network advises clinicians that finasteride is not prescribable in NHS primary care for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.

Finasteride for androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) is not indicated for use in women, children and adolescents.

Patients should be advised to consult their private clinicians for further information and/or supply.

GPs should ensure that patient medication records include any medicine for which prescribing remains the responsibility of other care providers. This will ensure that GP records, which are accessed by other healthcare providers, are a true and accurate reflection of the patient’s medication.

Finasteride for the treatment of male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is considered BLACK (not recommended for use in any health setting across Surrey & North West facing Sussex health economy) on the traffic light system.

MHRA/CHM advice: rare reports of depression and suicidal thoughts (May 2017)

The MHRA has received reports of depression and, in rare cases, suicidal thoughts in men taking finasteride (Propecia®) for male pattern hair loss; depression is also associated with Proscar® for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Patients should be advised to stop finasteride immediately and inform a healthcare professional if they develop depression.