Oral Minoxidil for Women’s Hair Loss

Oral minoxidil is a prescription pill that has been shown in clinical studies to treat hair loss by increasing the blood flow to hair follicles. When taken consistently, this medicine can slow hair loss and promote hair growth for those with androgenetic alopecia, the most common form of hair loss.

This is an oral tablet taken by mouth once a day. Patients first starting oral minoxidil will use a smaller dose and may be increased to a slightly higher dose based on a patient’s individual needs. Do not increase dosage unless specifically instructed by your provider. Those prescribed oral minoxidil should try to take your doses around the same time everyday to maximize effectiveness. Continued use is necessary to increase and maintain your hair regrowth, or hair loss will begin again. You can take oral minoxidil with or without food and should not take this medication more than directed.

Studies have shown increased hair growth and less shedding in most patients by 6 months and even earlier for some patients. Results may vary, and you may not see results right away, but it is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed by your provider even if you don't see immediate results.

Yes, you can use oral minoxidil with other medications that may improve scalp health, such as those that reduce dandruff that can lead to women’s hair loss. In fact, oral minoxidil is commonly prescribed in combination with a topical treatment, such as ketoconazole 2%, as this can increase its effectiveness.

Oral minoxidil is available by prescription only. Request a prescription for oral minoxidil by completing an online health consultation to share important information about your symptoms, health history, and any medications you take. If you are an existing Nurx patient, you will log into your account to submit your request. A licensed medical provider will review your health information and prescribe oral minoxidil for you, if medically appropriate. We'll then deliver your medication in a 3-month supply straight to your door.

Oral minoxidil should not be taken by people who are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding. It’s important to let your doctor know of any changes so they can advise on alternative treatment options.

Oral minoxidil for women’s hair loss starts at $16 per month out-of-pocket. Insurance is not accepted.

Side effects that you should immediately report to Nurx are lightheadedness, dizziness, racing or irregular heartbeat, new or worsening chest, arm or shoulder pain, shortness of breath, rapid weight gain, or swelling in the hands, legs, feet or face. There is a rare chance of pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart), which can very rarely interfere with the functioning of the heart. Side effects that usually do not require medical attention but that you should report to Nurx if they continue or are bothersome include: nausea and/or vomiting; unusual hair growth, on the face and / or body; and increased shedding of hair from the scalp for the first 3-6 weeks.

Nurx is a telehealth platform offering easy online access to healthcare providers and seamless delivery of medications. No more time-consuming trips to the clinic and no more frantic pharmacy runs. We put you in control of your own health, empowering you to get the care you need, when you need it. From diagnosis to delivery of prescriptions, we make every part of getting healthy and staying healthy better. For more information and to sign up, visit www.nurx.com and follow us @nurxapp on Twitter and Instagram.