A 31-year-old British teacher, Sam Applegarth, died by suicide in Dubai just weeks after starting a new job and beginning a course of the drug dutasteride, a medication not licensed in the UK for hair loss treatment.
Concerns Raised Over Mental Health Side Effects
Sam had moved to Dubai in August 2024 to begin a new teaching position. On September 19, only five weeks later, he was found dead in his apartment by a colleague. No suicide note was discovered, and toxicology tests confirmed there were no drugs or alcohol in his system.
An inquest at Wakefield Coroner’s Court heard that Sam had recently started taking dutasteride, a drug similar to finasteride, which is approved for hair loss but is known to carry mental health risks.
While dutasteride has similar side effects to finasteride, it has not been formally linked to suicidal ideation. Experts say this is likely due to under-reporting.
Drug Not Licensed for Hair Loss in the UK
Dr Bessam Farjo, a hair restoration specialist who previously treated Sam in Manchester, told the court that dutasteride is not licensed in the UK for hair loss.
“Dutasteride is not licensed for hair loss treatment in the UK and is not commonly prescribed,” he said. “The British National Formulary (BNF) does not mention suicidal ideation with dutasteride because it has not been reported, whereas it has been with finasteride.”
Dr Farjo also noted that he had no concerns about Sam’s mental health during treatment. “He was young and over-exaggerated his hair loss,” he said, adding that he was unaware Sam had started taking dutasteride. He described the drug as “more potent” than finasteride.
Partner Urges Others to Speak Out
Sam’s partner, Anya Guy, has now spoken publicly, urging others who experience mental health side effects from dutasteride to come forward.
“People who feel affected by the side effects of dutasteride should report it, especially if they are suicidal,” she said. “People need to be aware that this drug could lead to suicidal thoughts.”
Ongoing Struggles with Hair Loss
According to Anya, Sam had struggled with low self-esteem due to hair loss since 2015. He had previously undergone successful hair transplants, as well as other treatments including platelet-rich plasma therapy and scalp tattooing.
She said his hair loss was “not as bad as he thought,” and that he had taken other hair loss medications like finasteride and minoxidil in the past without problems. He started dutasteride shortly before his death.
Verdict of Suicide and a Call for Better Reporting
Coroner Oliver Longstaff recorded a verdict of suicide. He also acknowledged concerns raised about the under-reporting of potential side effects from dutasteride, especially in relation to mental health.
The case has prompted fresh calls for more research and clearer warnings about the psychological risks that could be associated with medications used for cosmetic treatments.
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