Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency regarding the findings of an inquest at Norfolk Coroner's Court that a death by suicide was the result of side effects of finasteride; and what plans they have to commission further research on the implications that the drug may have on public policy and public safety.

The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) fully reviews and responds to all Prevention of Future Death report actions where they fall under the remit of the agency. The MHRA has not raised any report from Norfolk Coroner’s Court with the Department concerning the side effects of finasteride.

In 2024, the MHRA completed a thorough safety review into finasteride following concerns raised regarding a potential lack of awareness of its side effects amongst patients and healthcare professionals. I have attached a copy of the detailed public assessment report prepared by the MHRA following this safety review.

The MHRA has also published various drug safety updates to raise awareness of the risks of psychiatric side effects and sexual dysfunction associated with finasteride, including the risk of depression and suicidal thoughts. Patients are advised to stop using finasteride immediately if they develop depression or suicidal thoughts and seek advice from their healthcare professional, if any of the listed side effects become serious, or if they experience any side effects not listed in the patient information leaflet. Patient alert cards are being introduced in all finasteride packs to reiterate these warnings.

Patient safety is the MHRA’s top priority and it will continue to monitor finasteride and take any regulatory action required, based on any substantial new evidence that emerges.