They Wanted a Quick Fix for Hair Loss
As reported by The Wall Street Journal (March 13, 2025): An in-depth article by journalist Rolfe Winkler highlights the rising number of young men who…
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They Wanted a Quick Fix for Hair Loss. lnstead, These Young Men Got Sick
As reported by The Wall Street Journal (March 13, 2025):
An in-depth article by journalist Rolfe Winkler highlights the rising number of young men who have suffered severe side effects after being prescribed finasteride through telehealth platforms like Hims and Keeps. The WSJ reports that some men experienced persistent sexual dysfunction, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts—sometimes even after stopping the medication.
The article raises concerns about how telehealth companies market finasteride aggressively online, often without disclosing side effects in ads, a regulatory loophole not applicable to pharmaceutical companies. Many patients never spoke with a doctor before receiving the drug.
Clinicians quoted in the piece warn that side effects are more common than telehealth companies suggest, and that the minimal screening process may downplay serious risks. The WSJ also notes flaws in original clinical trials and points out that regulatory bodies like the FDA and EMA have recently updated labels to reflect risks, including suicidal ideation.