Finasteride is a prescription-only medication in the United States, so you need a healthcare provider to evaluate you and write a prescription before you can fill it at a pharmacy. The good news: getting that prescription is straightforward, whether you visit a doctor in person or use a telehealth service online. Most men can complete the process in a day or two.
Why You Need a Prescription
Finasteride works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into a hormone called DHT, which is the primary driver of male pattern hair loss. That same mechanism is the reason it requires medical oversight. The drug can cause birth defects in male fetuses if a pregnant woman is exposed to it, even through skin contact with a crushed or broken tablet. It also lowers PSA levels, a blood marker used to screen for prostate cancer, which means a doctor needs to know you’re taking it so abnormal PSA results aren’t missed.
There are also side effects worth discussing with a provider before starting. In clinical trials, 3.8% of men taking finasteride reported at least one sexual side effect (decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or reduced ejaculate volume) compared to 2.1% on placebo. Post-approval reports have also flagged depression and, rarely, suicidal thoughts. These numbers are low, but a provider can help you weigh them against the benefits for your specific situation.
Option 1: Your Regular Doctor or a Dermatologist
The most traditional route is scheduling an appointment with your primary care doctor or a dermatologist. Either can prescribe finasteride for hair loss. The visit is usually quick. Your doctor will look at your hair loss pattern, ask about your medical history, and rule out other causes of thinning. There’s no required blood test before starting the 1 mg dose for hair loss, though some providers may check baseline PSA levels in older men as a precaution.
Once you have a prescription, you can fill it at any pharmacy. Generic finasteride 1 mg costs roughly $14 for a 30-day supply or about $26 for 90 days at retail price without insurance. With insurance or a pharmacy discount card, you may pay less. The generic version is identical to brand-name Propecia but significantly cheaper.
Option 2: Telehealth Platforms
Online telehealth services have become one of the most popular ways men get finasteride. Companies like Hims, Ro, and Curology let you complete the entire process from your phone or computer. The typical workflow looks like this: you fill out a health questionnaire about your medical history and hair loss, upload photos of your scalp, and a licensed provider reviews everything. Some states require a live video or audio call. If you’re a good candidate, the provider writes a prescription, often within 24 hours.
These platforms can either send the prescription to your local pharmacy or ship the medication directly to your door. Many offer subscription models with automatic refills. Pricing varies. Some telehealth services charge a consultation fee on top of the medication cost, while others bundle everything into a monthly price. It’s worth comparing what you’d pay through a telehealth subscription versus filling a generic prescription at a local pharmacy with a discount card, since the pharmacy route is often cheaper.
A Note on Compounded Topical Finasteride
Several telehealth companies also sell compounded topical finasteride, a liquid or cream version applied to the scalp. In April 2025, the FDA issued an alert about serious risks associated with these compounded topical products. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and don’t go through the same testing as standard prescriptions. If you’re considering a topical version, ask your provider specifically about this FDA warning.
What to Know About the Two Doses
Finasteride comes in two strengths, and they’re prescribed for different conditions. The 1 mg tablet (originally sold as Propecia) is the dose approved for male pattern hair loss. The 5 mg tablet (originally sold as Proscar) treats an enlarged prostate. Both are available as generics. Some men obtain a 5 mg prescription and split the tablets to save money, since the 5 mg version costs as little as $6 for a 30-day supply. This is something to discuss with your doctor, as pill-splitting can result in uneven doses.
Who Should Not Take Finasteride
Finasteride is approved only for men. Women who are or could become pregnant should not take it, and should avoid even touching crushed or broken tablets because the drug can be absorbed through the skin. If accidental contact occurs, washing the area with soap and water is sufficient. Intact tablets have a protective coating that prevents skin absorption during normal handling.
Men with a history of liver disease should mention it to their provider, since finasteride is processed by the liver. And if you’ve previously had an allergic reaction to finasteride, it’s obviously off the table.
How Long Until You See Results
Finasteride is not a fast fix. Most men notice a reduction in hair shedding within three to six months of daily use. Visible regrowth, the kind other people might notice, typically takes about 12 months of consistent use to reach its peak. This means you need to commit to taking it every day for at least a year before judging whether it’s working for you.
After that first year, the medication continues working as long as you keep taking it. Annual check-ins with your provider are a good idea to confirm you’re still benefiting and to monitor for any side effects. If you stop taking finasteride, any hair you’ve regained will gradually thin again over the following 6 to 12 months as DHT levels return to their previous levels.
Getting the Best Price
Generic finasteride is one of the more affordable prescription medications available. At retail, a 90-day supply of the 1 mg tablet runs about $26. Pharmacy discount programs like GoodRx or RxSaver can sometimes bring that lower. If your insurance covers it, your copay may be less than the cash price, though many insurers classify hair loss treatment as cosmetic and won’t cover it.
Telehealth subscriptions that include the medication and shipping typically range from $15 to $30 per month, depending on the platform and whether you’re getting oral tablets or a compounded product. If cost is your main concern, getting a prescription from any provider and filling it at a local pharmacy with a discount card is almost always the cheapest route.