Generic finasteride 1mg costs between $5 and $30 per month in 2026, making it one of the most affordable long-term hair loss treatments available. This guide covers brand versus generic pricing, insurance realities, sourcing options, and strategies to minimize your annual costs.
Finasteride Pricing Breakdown
Brand vs Generic Cost Comparison
| Option | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Propecia (brand) | $60-$90 | $720-$1,080 | Original brand by Merck |
| Generic finasteride 1mg | $5-$30 | $60-$360 | Same active ingredient |
| 5mg generic (split) | $4-$15 | $48-$180 | Quarters of 5mg Proscar tablets |
| Online subscription | $10-$25 | $120-$300 | Includes telehealth visit |
The patent on Propecia expired in 2013, making generic versions widely available at a fraction of the brand cost. There is no clinical difference between brand and generic. The FDA requires generic drugs to be bioequivalent, meaning they deliver the same amount of active ingredient at the same rate.
The 5mg Pill-Splitting Strategy
Finasteride is available as a 5mg tablet (marketed as Proscar for prostate treatment). A 90-day supply of 5mg tablets can cost $15 to $40. Splitting each tablet into quarters gives you roughly 1.25mg doses at a significant discount.
Important considerations:
- Use a quality pill splitter for consistent doses
- Finasteride 5mg tablets are not scored for splitting, so pieces may be uneven
- Slight dosage variation (1.0mg to 1.5mg) is clinically acceptable
- Store split tablets in a dry container
- Some pharmacists can compound custom doses if preferred
Where to Source Finasteride
Traditional Pharmacies
Retail pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, Costco) carry generic finasteride. Prices vary significantly by chain. Costco tends to offer the lowest retail pricing and does not require a membership for pharmacy purchases.
| Pharmacy Type | Typical 30-Day Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Big-box retail | $8-$25 | Use discount cards for best price |
| Costco | $5-$12 | No membership needed for pharmacy |
| Independent pharmacy | $10-$30 | May price-match competitors |
| Grocery chain pharmacy | $8-$20 | Often run $4 generic programs |
Online Telehealth Platforms
Several telehealth services offer finasteride prescriptions with home delivery. The process typically includes a virtual consultation with a licensed provider, a prescription, and monthly shipments.
Advantages of telehealth platforms:
- No in-person visit required
- Prescription and fulfillment handled in one service
- Automatic refills prevent gaps in treatment
- Some include follow-up consultations
Typical pricing ranges from $10 to $25 per month for the medication plus consultation bundled together.
International Pharmacies
Some men consider international pharmacies for lower pricing. While finasteride is available over the counter in some countries, importing prescription medications carries legal and quality risks. The FDA does not regulate foreign pharmacies, and counterfeit medications are a documented problem in the international drug supply chain. This guide recommends sourcing through licensed U.S. or domestic pharmacies.
Insurance and Discount Programs
Insurance Coverage
The reality: most health insurance plans classify finasteride for hair loss as a cosmetic treatment and do not cover it. However, there are exceptions:
- Some plans cover finasteride if prescribed for BPH (benign prostatic hyperplasia)
- A few comprehensive plans include dermatology prescriptions
- HSA and FSA funds can sometimes be used for finasteride if you have a prescription
Prescription Discount Cards
Discount programs can reduce costs substantially:
- GoodRx: Often brings generic finasteride below $10 for a 30-day supply
- RxSaver: Compares prices across nearby pharmacies
- SingleCare: Another discount option with no enrollment fees
- Manufacturer coupons: Occasionally available for brand Propecia
These programs are free to use and are accepted at most major pharmacy chains.
Cost Comparison: Finasteride vs Other Treatments
Understanding finasteride's cost in context helps with treatment planning:
| Treatment | Monthly Cost | Annual Cost | Efficacy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Finasteride (generic) | $5-$30 | $60-$360 | 80-90% halt, 65% regrowth |
| Minoxidil (OTC) | $15-$40 | $180-$480 | 40-60% regrowth |
| PRP therapy | $125-$500* | $500-$2,000** | 30-40% density increase |
| LLLT device | $25-$50*** | $300-$600*** | Modest improvement |
| Hair transplant (FUE, USA) | N/A | $10,000-$27,000**** | 90-95% graft survival |
*Per session amortized monthly. **3-4 sessions per year. ***Device purchase amortized over 2 years. ****One-time cost based on N3-N5 at $4-6 per graft.
Finasteride offers the best ratio of cost to efficacy among non-surgical options. For comparison, a Norwood 3 patient needing 1,500-2,200 grafts would spend $6,000-$13,200 on a transplant in the U.S. versus $60-$360 per year on finasteride. Many men use both: finasteride to maintain, transplant to restore.
How to Minimize Your Annual Cost
- Use generic, not brand: Identical results at 80-90% lower cost.
- Ask about the 5mg split: Can cut costs by 50% or more.
- Use discount cards: GoodRx or similar programs at the pharmacy counter.
- Buy in 90-day supplies: Most pharmacies offer lower per-pill pricing for 3-month quantities.
- Compare pharmacy prices: Costs vary by 300% between pharmacies for the same generic drug.
- Consider telehealth bundles: Some services include the consultation fee in the medication price.
First Step: Know Your Stage
The cost-effectiveness of finasteride depends on your Norwood stage. Men at early stages get the most value from medication alone, while advanced stages may need to budget for surgical options too. Get your free Norwood stage assessment at myhairline.ai/analyze to start building a realistic treatment budget.
Medical disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Finasteride is a prescription medication. Consult a licensed healthcare provider before starting any hair loss treatment.