Key takeaways:
Finasteride is FDA approved for hair loss (Propecia) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (Proscar). Without insurance, 30 tablets of generic Propecia cost an average of $46.06. And 30 tablets of generic Proscar cost an average of $45.49.
Your exact price may depend on factors such as why you’re taking finasteride, the number of tablets you need, and where you fill your prescription.
Using a GoodRx coupon, signing up for GoodRx Companion, or subscribing to GoodRx for Hair Loss can help you save on finasteride. You can also save by filling a 90-day supply.
Save on related medications
Finasteride is a prescription medication used to treat two common conditions in men: male-pattern hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), also known as an enlarged prostate.
It’s available as brand-name medications Propecia and Proscar, as well as lower-cost generics. Because many people take finasteride long term, understanding how much it costs can help you plan ahead and find ways to save.
How much does finasteride cost without insurance?
Without insurance, 30 tablets of generic Propecia cost an average of $46.06. And 30 tablets of generic Proscar cost an average of $45.49. Your exact cost depends on factors such as your dose, tablet quantity, and the pharmacy you use.
Which factors affect the cost of finasteride?
Several factors can affect how much you’ll pay for finasteride.
Brand vs. generic availability
Finasteride is available as both brand-name and generic medications. Generic finasteride contains the same active ingredient as Propecia and Proscar but typically costs much less.
Because generic finasteride is widely available, many people are able to save significantly by choosing the generic version.
Dosage and quantity
Finasteride comes in 1 mg and 5 mg tablets. The dose you take depends on the health condition being treated. The 1 mg daily dose is used for male-pattern hair loss, while the 5 mg daily dose is used to treat BPH.
The number of tablets you need each month can affect your overall cost. Larger quantities may cost more upfront. But if you have insurance, filling a supply for more days may help reduce the number of copays you pay each year.
Location
Prescription medication prices can vary depending on where you live. Local pharmacy competition, regional pricing differences, and state regulations can all affect what you pay.
For example, if you live in Little Rock, Arkansas, GoodRx Research has found that you may pay more for prescriptions. People tend to pay less in places such as Houston.
Pharmacy
Medication prices can also vary from pharmacy to pharmacy. That’s why it’s a good idea to compare prices before filling your prescription. Price comparison tools, such as GoodRx, can help you find significant savings near you.
Insurance coverage
Many insurance plans cover finasteride when it’s prescribed for BPH. Coverage for hair-loss treatment may be less common, because many insurers consider it a cosmetic use.
Even when finasteride is covered, your out-of-pocket cost can depend on factors such as your deductible, copay, and coinsurance. Some plans may also require prior authorization before covering the medication.
What to do if finasteride isn’t covered by your insurance
If your insurance doesn’t cover finasteride, try these options:
Ask your prescriber to request an exception.
File an appeal if the exception isn’t approved.
Compare cash prices at different pharmacies.
Talk to your healthcare team about alternatives that may be covered by your insurance.
Ask your prescriber about lower-cost alternatives
If you’re taking finasteride for hair loss, your healthcare team may recommend other options. One example is topical minoxidil (Rogaine), which is available over the counter.
If you’re taking finasteride for BPH, your prescriber may discuss other medications, depending on your symptoms and treatment goals.
Ways to save on finasteride
There are several ways to lower the cost of finasteride, including GoodRx coupons and subscriptions. Here are five options to consider.
1. Use a GoodRx coupon
You can save on your finasteride prescription by using a free GoodRx coupon at participating pharmacies.
For example, 30 tablets of generic Propecia cost an average of $10.50. And 30 tablets of generic Proscar cost an average of $7.80.
Here’s how to get a coupon:
Visit the GoodRx website or open the GoodRx app on your mobile device.
Type “Propecia” or “Proscar” in the search field. Select the option with “generic” in the name for the generic version.
Choose your prescribed quantity and dose. Then, enter your location.
Click or tap on “Search prices” to find prices at pharmacies near you.
Choose to receive your coupon via text or email, or print it out.
Show the coupon at the pharmacy when you pick up your medication. Or present the coupon to your pharmacy staff when you first send your prescription. This will help prevent delays at the pickup counter.
Keep in mind: GoodRx savings may vary by pharmacy and the state you live in. The GoodRx website and app can help you compare prices in your area.
2. Sign up for GoodRx Companion
Another option to consider is signing up for GoodRx Companion, especially if you take multiple medications. You can access discounted prescription medications with a GoodRx Companion subscription. Over 200 medications are available for free, with hundreds more under $10.
The program also includes benefits to help you reduce your self-pay costs, such as lower prices for online care visits and discounts on dental care and other health services.
3. Subscribe to GoodRx for Hair Loss
If you’re taking finasteride for male-pattern hair loss, GoodRx for Hair Loss can help you access treatment, prescription refills, and ongoing support through an online platform. The price for finasteride for hair loss starts at $16 per month.
Depending on your treatment plan, this may simplify the process of getting and managing your medication.
4. Ask about 90-day supplies
If you’re taking finasteride as an ongoing treatment, ask your prescriber whether a 90-day supply makes sense for you.
Filling a larger supply can reduce pharmacy visits and make it easier to stay on track with treatment. You can also reduce the number of copays you pay each year if you have insurance.
5. Tap into your HSA, FSA, or HRA
You can use tax-advantaged funds to pay for finasteride and other eligible healthcare expenses. This includes funds from a health savings account (HSA), flexible spending account (FSA), or health reimbursement arrangement (HRA).
Funds from an FSA must be used within a certain period of time, while HSA funds can be used at any time. How long HRA funds last will depend on your employer’s rules.
The bottom line
Finasteride is FDA approved for hair loss (Propecia) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (Proscar). Without insurance, 30 tablets of generic Propecia cost an average of $46.06. And 30 tablets of generic Proscar cost an average of $45.49.
GoodRx can help you save on finasteride with coupons or subscriptions for GoodRx Companion or GoodRx for Hair Loss. Filling a 90-day supply and using tax-advantaged funds are additional savings strategies.
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References
Zito, P. M., et al. (2024). Finasteride. StatPearls.
