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Anxiety — MRCGP AKT MCQ

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HardExercise PrescriptionAnxietyMRCGP AKT

Two patients report new depression and suicidal thoughts: one takes finasteride 1 mg for androgenetic alopecia and the other takes finasteride 5 mg for benign prostatic enlargement. Which advice reflects the current MHRA distinction?

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Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A — Stop 1 mg and seek advice while 5 mg requires urgent advice

The best answer is “Stop 1 mg and seek advice while 5 mg requires urgent advice”. MHRA differentiates the immediate medicine instruction by formulation and indication. A person taking finasteride 1 mg for hair loss should stop it immediately if depression or suicidal thoughts develop and contact a healthcare professional promptly. Someone taking finasteride 5 mg for benign prostatic enlargement should contact a healthcare professional promptly for advice rather than being given the same automatic-stop instruction. Both strengths require counselling and monitoring for psychiatric and sexual adverse effects.

Reference: MHRA: Finasteride and dutasteride psychiatric and sexual safety: https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/finasteride-and-dutasteride-updated-safety-warnings-for-psychiatric-side-effects-and-sexual-dysfunction