United States: People who buy an online hair-thickening medication through spray delivery face adverse side effects, including depression, suicidal thoughts, and sexual problems.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has taken the decision to warn the public about potential dangers.
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The FDA issued a warning regarding the topical finasteride spray because it is sold online by telehealth providers like Hims, Keeps, and Ro, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Patients and doctors use FDA-approved finasteride under the brand name Propecia as a medication for hair loss, but the spray version does not have this approval.
According to the April 22 statement, “FDA has become aware of reports of adverse events involving compounded topical finasteride products potentially putting consumers at risk,” US News reported.
The FDA has issued a public warning about the use of compounded topical finasteride products for hair loss, citing reports of serious and sometimes persistent side effects including testicular pain, depression, and suicidal thoughts. https://t.co/m0StuVxysA
— NTD News (@NTDNews) April 23, 2025
“Currently, there is no FDA-approved topical formulation of finasteride,” it added.
“Compounded topical finasteride products do not have FDA-approved labeling. There are potentially serious risks associated with the use of compounded topical finasteride products,” the statement continued.
A recent Wall Street Journal article revealed men developing side effects following their finasteride prescriptions from the telemedicine providers Hims and Keeps.
According to the FDA warning, the medication could harm people, in particular female users and all members of the public. In order to safeguard male babies from birth defects, women should avoid any contact with the medication according to the warning.
According to FDA reports, different users have received confirmation from their physicians that spray administration will avoid any undesirable effects.
The FDA has issued a warning about a topical spray version of #finasteride, a drug often sold online by telehealth companies like Hims, Keeps and Ro. Learn more. #healthnews #healthalert #publichealth https://t.co/tWeaJl88gG
— HealthDay News (@HealthDayTweets) April 24, 2025
The finasteride sprays available through online health platforms can be acquired from compounding pharmacies for patients who require FDA-approved medication alternatives.
In this legally permissible operation, these companies operate under reduced advertising requirements when compared to traditional drug manufacturers, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Reported side effects include “erectile dysfunction, anxiety, suicidal ideation, brain fog, depression, fatigue, insomnia, decreased libido, and testicular pain,” as the FDA stated.
Hims, in combination with Keeps, indicated through their previous statements that they provide customers with information about potential hazards on their respective websites along with packaging materials.