Propecia, also known as finasteride, is a prescription medication designed to treat certain types of hair loss in men. The cost of Propecia depends on the pharmacy that customers use, and whether they choose a brand name or generic version. Some customers may be eligible to receive discount coupons for Propecia from the manufacturer to help reduce the cost of the drug.

Types

The cost of Propecia varies from one pharmacy to another, and may be less expensive online than it is locally, even when taking into account the price of shipping. Costco offers a 30-pill supply of Propecia for approximately $64, making the cost of a 90-day supply about $192. Drugstore.com offers a 90-day supply of Propecia for about $180, plus shipping. In general, generic versions of finasteride cost less than the brand name version Propecia. For example, Medstore.biz offers a 90-day supply of Propecia for about $280, and the generic version for about $62 plus shipping. The website Nextag, linked below, offers a comparison of brand name and generic Propecia prices from several online pharmacies.

Size

Although generic drugs can be a good way to save money, customers must make sure that the generic finasteride they purchase contains the correct dose. The typical dosage for Propecia or generic finasteride to treat hair loss is one 1 mg pill per day. Finasteride also comes in 5 mg pills as a generic for the drug Proscar, used to treat prostate conditions. When comparing pharmacy prices for Propecia and finasteride, customers must make sure to look for 1 mg finasteride, or the dose prescribed by their physicians.

Considerations

Some customers with prescription drug insurance may be eligible to receive coverage for part or all of the cost of Propecia. However, many health insurance companies exclude drugs such as Propecia from coverage because they consider male hair loss a cosmetic condition, rather than a medical need. Men who wish to take Propecia can check with their health insurance company for a list of excluded drugs, or ask their pharmacy if Propecia (or generic finasteride) is covered.

Benefits

Merck, the manufacturer of Propecia, offers a Propecia Persistence Program with coupons that may reduce the cost of the brand-name drug. New patients who enroll in this program can receive a $60 coupon for their first purchase of a 90-day supply of Propecia, and a $200 coupon for their fourth purchase of a 90-day supply. Program members also receive reminders and tips for using Propecia, and any medical updates. Residents of Maine and Massachusetts are not eligible for this program, and customers cannot use the coupons if their insurance is paying for the Propecia prescription. The propeciapersistence.com website, linked below, has complete details on the program and coupons.

Expert Insight

Merck also offers a refund program for customers who have not had successful results from Propecia after 12 months. In order to be eligible for a potential refund, customers must complete an enrollment form at the start of their prescribed treatment, complete a full course of 360 pills over 12 months and have a doctor certify the results of the treatment. For full details on the program and the reimbursement process, visit the Propecia website linked below.

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