A BBC investigation has uncovered that men are being prescribed finasteride, a common hair loss drug, online without proper safety checks, despite its potentially dangerous side effects. The drug can cause issues such as suicidal thoughts and impotence. Some major online pharmacies ship the drug after a simple “tick-box” form, with no consultations or physical checks to confirm the need for the medication.
One user, Kyle, 26, purchased the drug online and experienced severe side effects, including emotional numbness, sexual problems, and muscle loss, which persisted even after stopping the medication. In April 2024, UK regulators ordered finasteride packs to include safety alert cards about these risks, but many online orders still lacked these warnings.
While some online services, like Superdrug and Boots, offer consultations or additional safety checks, others, such as Hims, did not. Experts argue that thorough checks should be conducted, including medical history reviews and consultations, to ensure the drug’s safe use.
Kyle regrets his decision and urges others to be fully informed about the risks before considering finasteride.
