Home / Health / Student's Suicide Linked to Hair Loss Drug Finasteride
Student's Suicide Linked to Hair Loss Drug Finasteride
20 May
Summary
- Oliver Fawkes died by suicide due to medication side effects.
- He was taking finasteride prescribed for hair loss.
- MHRA reviewing finasteride risks, citing 19 suicides since 1994.
A 21-year-old university student, Oliver Fawkes, was found deceased near his family home on November 25, 2025, following a period of significant mental distress. The Norfolk Coroner's Court formally concluded his death was a suicide, attributing it to side effects from medication he was prescribed.
Mr. Fawkes had been struggling with seborrhoeic dermatitis for years. Dissatisfied with topical treatments, he turned to an online provider and began taking oral minoxidil and finasteride in 2024. Finasteride is known to have rare side effects, including depression and suicidal ideation.
Despite these risks, Mr. Fawkes continued his prescription, ordering a six-month supply just over a month before his death. His mother described him as a bright student with a promising academic future, even having been offered a PhD. His last communication was a text to his brother stating he was going for a walk.
Police were alerted when he didn't return. Tragically, his body was discovered the next morning. The chief medical officer for the online provider stated Mr. Fawkes reported no side effects. The MHRA is updating warnings for finasteride due to reports of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
