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Side effects Finasteride

The finasteride patient alert card: what it says

Short answer

The patient alert card in the pack tells you that finasteride can cause side effects including depression, and in some cases thoughts of suicide. If you have these symptoms, it says to stop taking finasteride and contact your doctor for advice as soon as possible. It also says decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction have been reported, in some cases continuing after treatment was stopped.

Plain white tablets spilling from an unlabelled white bottle on a green background

Key facts

  • The MHRA announced the card in April 2024 for all finasteride packs, and in May 2026 told prescribers to point patients to the card and leaflet in 1 mg and 5 mg packs.
  • The Propecia card (on the eMC) covers depression, suicidal thoughts, sexual side effects that may continue after stopping, and Yellow Card reporting.
  • It is a reminder, not the full list of side effects. The leaflet is the full list.
  • If you have depression or suicidal thoughts on finasteride 1 mg, stop it and contact your doctor as soon as possible. Call Samaritans free on 116 123 if you are struggling.

Related guides

Finasteride side effects UK: what the MHRA says The full overview of mood, sexual and breast effects. Finasteride and depression The mood warning and what to do. Finasteride and suicidal thoughts What to do today if you are having these thoughts. Finasteride sexual side effects: how common? Trial figures, resolution and persistence.

What the card is and why it exists

In April 2024 the MHRA published a Drug Safety Update after a review prompted by concerns from patients about a lack of awareness of finasteride's psychiatric and sexual side effects. It announced a patient alert card for all finasteride packs. The Propecia product information now says: "A patient card reminding of the above is provided with the package of Propecia." In May 2026 the MHRA told prescribers to inform patients of the risks at the point of prescribing and to point them to the patient cards and leaflet included in the 1 mg and 5 mg packs.

The card is meant to be seen by you, and by people close to you. The MHRA's advice to patients includes asking friends and family to watch for changes in mood or behaviour, because you may not notice them yourself.

What the Propecia card says

The Propecia patient card on the eMC says, in summary:

Mood. Finasteride can cause side effects including depression and, in some cases, thoughts of suicide. If you experience these symptoms, it tells you to stop taking finasteride and contact your doctor for further medical advice as soon as possible.

Sexual side effects. Decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction have also been reported, which in some cases continued after treatment was stopped.

Reporting. If you experience any side effects, including those not listed in the leaflet, speak to your doctor or pharmacist or report directly to the Yellow Card scheme.

We have summarised the card rather than reproduced it. The card on the eMC is the one for Propecia; check the card in the pack you have, which will be the one for your product.

What the card does not say

It is a short reminder and not the whole safety picture. It does not list breast changes, allergic reactions, or the rare effects in the leaflet, and it does not give numbers. For the full list, read the patient leaflet; for the figures, see how common sexual side effects are and finasteride side effects and what the MHRA says.

What to do with it

Read it before the first tablet, along with the leaflet, and keep it with the pack.

Tell your prescriber about any history of depression or suicidal thoughts. The MHRA asks prescribers to check your record and to review you regularly for psychiatric and sexual side effects.

Show it to someone close to you, so they know what to look for.

Act on it. If you develop depression or thoughts of suicide on finasteride 1 mg, stop it and contact your doctor as soon as possible. If you are struggling now, call Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time, call NHS 111, or call 999 or go to A&E if you feel at serious risk. Report suspected side effects through the Yellow Card scheme.

If there is no card in your pack, ask your pharmacist, and read the leaflet. The finasteride and minoxidil topical that WMG Meds prescribes is an unlicensed special with no pack card of its own, so your prescriber goes through the same warnings with you; see what is topical finasteride.

Noticed something, or weighing it up?

If you are taking finasteride and have questions about the card or have noticed a change, a GMC-registered doctor can review it with you, including if your medicine came from another provider.

Start a clinical review → Report via MHRA Yellow Card

Related questions

What is the finasteride patient alert card?

A card in the pack that reminds you of the psychiatric and sexual side effects of finasteride. The MHRA announced it in April 2024 for all finasteride packs.

What should I do if I have depression or suicidal thoughts on finasteride?

For finasteride 1 mg, stop taking it and contact your doctor as soon as possible. If you are struggling now, call Samaritans free on 116 123, call NHS 111, or call 999 or go to A&E if you feel at serious risk.

Does the card list all the side effects?

No. It is a reminder of the key mood and sexual warnings. The patient leaflet in the pack is the full list.

My pack did not come with a card. What should I do?

Ask your pharmacist for one, and read the leaflet. You can also read the Propecia card on the eMC. The MHRA said a card would be introduced in all finasteride packs.

Do 5 mg finasteride packs have a card too?

The MHRA's May 2026 advice refers to the patient cards and leaflet included in the 1 mg and 5 mg packs. For finasteride 5 mg, it advises contacting a clinician promptly, rather than stopping on your own, if you develop suicidal thoughts or depression.

Sources

Facts checked against these sources on 22 October 2026. This page is general information, not personal medical advice. Read our editorial policy.

Keep reading

Male pattern hair loss Condition guide How do you take finasteride for hair loss? Question answered Is finasteride safe to take long term? Question answered Is there any difference between Propecia and generic finasteride? Question answered Finasteride 1 mg tablets Medicine information MHRA Yellow Card scheme Glossary

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Worried about a symptom?

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If you are having thoughts of harming yourself, do not wait for a review. Contact your GP, call 111, or call the Samaritans free on 116 123 at any time. In an emergency call 999.