FDA Warns Popular Hair-Loss Product Finasteride May Cause Side Effects

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a public warning about compounded topical versions of a popular hair loss drug sold through telehealth platforms.

In an alert issued on April 22Trusted Source, the FDA reported 32 cases of adverse events between 2019 and 2024 involving consumers who purchased and used topical finasteride. Finasteride is used to treat hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia.

However, the agency has not approved any topical formulations of finasteride. Despite this, such products are commonly marketed by direct-to-consumer telehealth companies, including Hims & Hers and Ro.

These products are “potentially putting consumers at risk,” the FDA cautioned in its statement.

According to the agency, users of compounded topical finasteride reported side effects similar to those associated with the oral form of the drug, including depression, fatigue, insomnia, and decreased libido.