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France: Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé (ANSM)

Announcement of stronger product warnings on finasteride for hair loss: a red box warning, a new patient information site and patient information sheet – 30 Nov 2022

Risks associated with the use of finasteride 1 mg – 6 Jul 2022

Finasteride (Propecia, Chibro-Proscar, generics): Advisory on risks of sexual dysfunction and psychiatric concerns – 15 Apr 2021

Letter to health professionals – Feb 2019

Translated excerpt:

• Undesirable symptoms of psychiatric symptoms and sexual dysfunction have been reported during and after use of finasteride

• Patients must be informed of the risk of these symptoms:
– PSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS: Anxiety, change of mood, notably depressed mood, depression and less frequently suicidal thoughts. The appearance of these symptoms should be carefully monitored.
  – SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION: Sexual dysfunction (including erectile dysfunction, ejactulatory problems and reduced libido). Sexual dysfunction, in certain cases, may persist after stopping the treatment.

• If a patient on finasteride 1 mg…develops psychiatric symptoms, he must stop treatment and consult a doctor.

• If a patient on finasteride 5 mg (…prescribed for benign prostatic hyperplasia) develops psychiatric symptoms, the patient should not stop treatment alone, but should rapidly consult a physician.

• In case patients consult for androgenetic alopecia (finasteride 1 mg) it is advisable to discuss with the patient the relation between expected benefits and possible risks.