Oral minoxidil

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%, Do not use oral minoxidil while taking any other form of minoxidil, like topical minoxidil.

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

Side effects for which you should seek immediate medical attention 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.

Consultation
Anyone who requests hair loss treatment will be charged an $80 consultation fee. Please note that at this time, we do not submit claims to insurance for the medical consult fee.

Medication
Medication prices for hair loss treatment range from $18-$60 for a three-month supply, and are not covered by insurance. Shipping is always free.

Support Fee
Nurx will charge a flat $3 support fee each month one or more of your orders are processed. This fee covers your unlimited, on-demand access to our customer care team as well as certain processing fees. This fee will only be charged once in any month, even if you have multiple orders processed that month. This fee applies whether the order is filled through Nurx or at your local pharmacy. If your order is filled via Nurx, the support fee is billed at the time of fulfillment. If your prescription is sent to a local pharmacy, a support fee will be applied at that time. In the future, the support fee will be applied on a cadence that matches your medication refill cadence.

These medications are not covered by insurance and are only available with out-of-pocket pricing.