A review reveals that the hair-loss drug finasteride has been linked to depression and suicide for over 20 years, but regulators and manufacturers failed to act on the warning signs, highlighting systemic issues in drug safety monitoring and the need for urgent reform.
A recent study highlights a significant link between the hair loss drug finasteride and increased risks of mood disorders and suicidal thoughts, criticizing regulatory and manufacturer oversight for underreporting and neglecting these dangers over the past two decades.
A study has raised concerns about the potential psychiatric side effects of Ozempic, a diabetes drug also used for weight loss due to its appetite-suppressing effects. The study found an association between semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, and adverse psychiatric events such as depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, medical professionals are advised to carefully assess patients' mental health before prescribing these medications, and patients are encouraged to report any changes in mood or behavior. Pharmaceutical manufacturer Novo Nordisk has stated that there is no reliable evidence linking semaglutide with adverse psychiatric events, but the study's authors emphasize the importance of using these medications under the supervision of medical professionals and monitoring potential side effects closely.