Published July 16, 2025
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning to healthcare providers and consumers about serious risks from using topical finasteride products. Finasteride, also known by the brand names Propecia and Proscar, is used to treat hair loss. They are available as oral tablets. However, if a person has difficulty swallowing tablets, some pharmacies may compound the tablets into a topical form of medicine. Compounded products may include finasteride alone or may be combined with other medicines like minoxidil (Rogaine). Even though these compounded products are put on the skin, they are still absorbed into the body and can cause side effects.
The FDA has not approved any form of topical finasteride. However, in the last 5 years, there have been 32 cases of harm reported to the FDA after using topical finasteride products. The side effects from these topical products are similar to side effects reported with the tablet form of finasteride. Side effects included erectile dysfunction, anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, brain fog, fatigue, low libido, insomnia, and testicular pain. Some people said these problems continued even after they stopped using the product. Topical finasteride can also cause skin irritation, redness, dryness, and burning.
There is also a risk of accidental exposure to others, especially women, through skin contact. Finasteride can harm unborn male babies, so pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant should not touch these products.
Here’s what you can do: Doctors and pharmacists should warn patients about the risks of using topical finasteride, including accidental exposure to others. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider before starting treatment with these products to understand any potential risks.
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