Oral Minoxidil Cost: What You'll Actually Pay
Oral minoxidil costs between $15-40 per month depending on where you get it and what dosage you need. Here's the complete breakdown so you know exactly what to budget.
Price Summary
Cheapest Option
$15/month
RedBox Rx, GoodRx
Typical Price
$22-30/month
Hims, Roman, Happy Head
Price Comparison by Provider
| Provider | Monthly Cost | Dosage | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| RedBox Rx | $15/mo | 2.5mg | Consultation, meds, shipping |
| GoodRx Care | $16/mo | Varies | Consultation, meds, shipping |
| Happy Head | $22/mo | 2.5mg | Consultation, meds, shipping |
| Roman | $30/mo | 2.5mg or 5mg | Consultation, meds, free 2-day shipping |
| Hims | ~$30/mo | 3mg chewable | Consultation, meds, vitamins, shipping* |
| Local Pharmacy | $10-25/mo | Varies | Medication only (need separate Rx) |
*Hims charges a $5 processing fee per order
What's Included in the Price?
When comparing prices, make sure you're comparing apples to apples:
Telehealth Platforms (Hims, Roman, etc.)
- ✓Online consultation (free)
- ✓Prescription (included)
- ✓Medication
- ✓Shipping (usually free)
- ✓Ongoing provider messaging
Local Pharmacy
- ✗Doctor visit required (~$50-150)
- ✗Separate prescription appointment
- ✓Medication ($10-25/mo with GoodRx coupon)
- ✗Must pick up in person
- ✗No ongoing support
Local Pharmacy Can Be Cheapest—But There's a Catch
Generic oral minoxidil at a local pharmacy can cost as little as $10-15/month with a GoodRx coupon. But you need a prescription first, which typically requires a doctor visit ($50-150 without insurance). Unless you're already seeing a dermatologist, telehealth platforms often work out cheaper overall.
Cost by Dosage
Most providers charge the same regardless of dosage, but here's what you should know:
| Daily Dosage | Who It's For | Monthly Cost Range |
|---|---|---|
| 0.625mg-1.25mg | Starting dose, women | $15-30/mo |
| 2.5mg | Standard dose for men | $15-30/mo |
| 5mg | Higher dose for aggressive loss | $15-30/mo |
Most providers don't charge more for higher doses. You may get more pills or higher-strength tablets for the same price.
Annual Cost Comparison
| Provider | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| RedBox Rx | $15 | $180/year |
| GoodRx Care | $16 | $192/year |
| Happy Head | $22 | $264/year |
| Roman | $30 | $360/year |
| Hims | $30 + $5 fee | $420/year (monthly) or $365 (annual) |
Oral Minoxidil vs. Other Hair Loss Treatments
| Treatment | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Oral Minoxidil | $15-30 | $180-360 |
| Topical Minoxidil (generic) | $10-20 | $120-240 |
| Oral Finasteride | $20-30 | $240-360 |
| Oral Minoxidil + Finasteride | $35-60 | $420-720 |
| Topical Finasteride + Minoxidil combo | $35-50 | $420-600 |
| Hair Transplant | N/A (one-time) | $4,000-15,000 |
How to Get the Best Price
1. Compare Before You Buy
Prices vary significantly. RedBox Rx and GoodRx are half the price of Hims/Roman for the same medication.
2. Choose Annual Billing
Hims charges a $5 processing fee per order. Annual billing = 1 fee ($5) vs. monthly = 12 fees ($60). That's $55 saved.
3. Ask Your Dermatologist
If you're already seeing a dermatologist, ask for a prescription. Fill it at a local pharmacy with a GoodRx coupon for $10-15/month.
4. Consider Combination Pricing
If you need both minoxidil and finasteride, combo products from Hims or Happy Head may be more cost-effective than buying separately.
Does Insurance Cover Oral Minoxidil?
Generally, no. Here's why:
- ✗Oral minoxidil for hair loss is off-label (not FDA-approved for this use)
- ✗Hair loss is considered "cosmetic" by most insurers
- ✗Most telehealth platforms don't accept insurance anyway
The good news: prices are low enough ($15-30/month) that most people can afford it out-of-pocket. If you have an HSA or FSA, you may be able to use those funds.
The Bottom Line
Oral minoxidil costs $15-30/month through telehealth platforms. The cheapest options are RedBox Rx ($15/mo) and GoodRx Care ($16/mo). Hims and Roman cost more (~$30/mo) but offer additional features like combination products and better brand recognition.
For most people, budgeting $200-400/year for oral minoxidil is reasonable. That's significantly less than many other hair loss treatments and a fraction of what a hair transplant costs.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Prices are approximate and subject to change. Consult a healthcare provider about treatment options.