Finasteride is not one of my first recommendations due to its possible known side effects.

[T]here has been a Red Hand Letter for this drug since 2018. Every patient must be thoroughly informed about its side effects. Finasteride is not one of my first recommendations due to its possible known side effects. If a patient absolutely wants to take finasteride, he must sign a form acknowledging that he has been informed about the side effects and is willing to accept them.

—This Hair-Loss Drug Has Powerful Effects: Men’s Health Germany, June 2021