A university student took his own life after experiencing suicidal thoughts linked to a hair loss medication, an inquest has heard. Oliver Fawkes, 21, was found dead near his family home in Norfolk on 25 November 2025.
Area coroner Maeve Sykes concluded at Norfolk Coroner’s Court that Mr Fawkes died by suicide following side effects of prescribed medication. He had been suffering from seborrhoeic dermatitis, a condition causing dry skin and hair loss, and had sought alternative treatments after being dissatisfied with topical medications from his GP.
In July 2024, Mr Fawkes ordered oral minoxidil from Manual, a digital healthcare provider operated by Menwell, and began taking finasteride in October 2024. Finasteride is known to carry a rare risk of suicidal thoughts and depression. Manual advises patients to stop the medication if such symptoms occur, but Mr Fawkes continued, ordering a six-month supply on 6 October 2025.
His mother described him as a 'unique person' who excelled in science and was pursuing an integrated master’s degree in computer science at the University of East Anglia. On the day before his death, he told his brother he was going for a walk to watch the sunset and never returned. His body was discovered the next morning by a neighbour.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) reviewed evidence for finasteride and reported 19 suicides and 170 reports of suicidal thoughts linked to the drug between 1994 and 31 May 2025. The agency plans to update product information and warnings to minimise risks.
