Introduction to Finasteride and Telehealth
In recent years, telehealth companies like Hims and Keeps have revolutionized access to hair loss treatments by offering online consultations and direct-to-door deliveries. Their nearly ubiquitous marketing campaigns — particularly on social media — have attracted a younger audience eager for quick solutions to thinning hair. But, for some customers, the convenience and relative affordability come at a hefty price.
The Case of Mark Millich
Former US Army Sgt. Mark Millich, 26, received a bottle of finasteride pills just days after completing a short questionnaire on Hims.com, according to the Wall Street Journal. Soon after, he began experiencing anxiety, dizziness, and slurred speech — and then things got even worse. His sex drive plummeted — and his genitals shrank and changed shape. His doctor said it was due to the medication.
What is Finasteride?
Finasteride, known by its brand name Propecia, has been widely prescribed for male-pattern baldness since 1997. While it’s been found to be an effective treatment for hair regrowth, it is also known to have side effects, such as sexual dysfunction and depression. The FDA has updated the drug’s label over the years to include warnings about these risks, including the potential for suicidal thoughts.
Concerns Over Telehealth Practices
Unlike traditional drug companies, telehealth service providers aren’t obligated to disclose side effects and other risks in their advertising — although they claim to do so on their websites. Dr. Justin Houman, a urologist at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, has seen a spike in the number of young men coming into his office over sexual dysfunction due to finasteride. “This is not something young men should take,” he told the Journal.
Medical Expert Insights
Dr. Jonathan Daly, an internal medicine physician who worked for Hims for two years, told the Journal that he “felt like as a platform, it was more of the let’s go ahead and prescribe, get as many patients as we can to use medications from us.” This raises concerns over whether telehealth companies prioritize prescription volume over the health and safety of their customers.
Response from Telehealth Companies
Meanwhile, a Hims spokeswoman told the outlet their customers “go through a comprehensive intake that is reviewed by a licensed provider who makes a clinical determination about the patient’s eligibility for medication” and that they communicate “about all essential details and safety information.” However, neither Millich nor Sawyer Hart — one of the 17 men the WSJ spoke to who had severe side effects from getting the drug through a telehealth company — believe they were adequately informed of the risks.
Conclusion
The case of Mark Millich and other young men who have experienced severe side effects from finasteride prescribed through telehealth companies highlights the need for greater transparency and caution in the prescription of this medication. While telehealth has democratized access to prescription drugs, it is crucial that companies prioritize patient safety and provide clear information about potential risks.
FAQs
- What is finasteride used for? Finasteride, known by its brand name Propecia, is used to treat male-pattern baldness.
- What are the known side effects of finasteride? Known side effects include sexual dysfunction and depression, with potential warnings about suicidal thoughts.
- Do telehealth companies disclose side effects in their advertising? Unlike traditional drug companies, telehealth service providers aren’t obligated to disclose side effects and other risks in their advertising, though they claim to do so on their websites.
- How do medical experts view the use of finasteride in young men? Medical experts like Dr. Justin Houman advise against young men taking finasteride due to its potential for severe side effects.
- What is the response of telehealth companies to concerns over patient safety? Telehealth companies claim to provide comprehensive intake reviews and communicate all essential details and safety information to their patients.
