Finasteride use and suicide attempts through self-poisoning: a case-control study.

Area of Science:

• Pharmacovigilance
• Psychiatry
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Concerns exist regarding potential psychological side effects of finasteride, a medication for male pattern baldness.
• Post-trial adverse event reports have raised questions about suicidality associated with finasteride use.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between finasteride prescription and suicide attempts in males.
• To assess the risk of self-poisoning among finasteride users.

Main Methods:

• A case-control study utilizing Danish health registry data.
• Inclusion of 3,366 males who attempted suicide by poisoning (cases) and 33,660 matched controls.
• Analysis of finasteride prescriptions within one year prior to the index date, with adjustments for bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and occupational status.

Main Results:

• No statistically significant association was found between finasteride use and suicide attempts.
• The unadjusted odds ratio was 1.03 (95% CI: 0.56-1.88).
• The adjusted odds ratio remained non-significant at 0.88 (95% CI: 0.45-1.71).

Conclusions:

• Finasteride use is not associated with an increased risk of suicide attempts via self-poisoning in males.
• The study provides reassurance regarding the psychological safety profile of finasteride concerning suicidality.