The Cost of Finasteride Without Insurance
By Jennifer Hadley••Updated April 20, 2021
According to the Urology Care Foundation, approximately 50% of men between the ages of 51-60 have a condition called Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH). BPH is also known as an enlarged prostate. By the time men reach the age of 80, up to 90% of men may experience this condition, wherein the prostate enlarges, pressing against the urethra. Treatment for BPH may include medications such as Finasteride, the generic for the brand name drug Proscar.
Finasteride may also be prescribed to treat male pattern hair loss, known as Androgenetic Alopecia. According to the American Hair Loss Association, some degree of hair loss due to Androgenetic Alopecia will affect two-thirds of men by the age of 35. By the age of 50, up to 85% of men will experience significant hair thinning.
How much does finasteride cost without insurance?
The cost of finasteride without insurance starts at $13.76* for 1mg and 30 tablets.
Whether you’re prescribed finasteride to help with symptoms of BPH, or to treat male pattern baldness, your prescription can be affordable. RxSaver™ offers coupons to ensure that the cost of Finasteride without insurance is manageable.
What is finasteride?
Finasteride belongs to a class of medications known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. The enzyme 5-alpha-reductase transforms naturally occurring testosterone into a different hormone, DHT, leading to prostate growth and hair loss. Finasteride halts or slows this transformation.
Finasteride may be taken alone or in conjunction with other medications or treatments to alleviate the symptoms of BPH, or to stimulate hair growth in men with male pattern baldness (MPB).
What conditions does finasteride treat?
Finasteride is a prescription medication used to treat enlarged prostate and hair loss due to Androgenetic Alopecia in men. Finasteride is not approved for prostate cancer treatment.
Common symptoms of BPH
Finasteride may help alleviate common, disruptive symptoms of an enlarged prostate such as:
- Weak urine stream
- Inability to empty the bladder
- Frequent urination, particularly at night
- Difficulty starting the urine stream
- Sudden, urgent need to urinate
- Pain after urinating
Finasteride for Hair Loss
Finasteride works to increase the number of scalp hairs in men with pattern hair loss, by increasing testosterone levels in the body. Finasteride will not cause the growth of hair in other areas of the body.
How does Finasteride work?
Finasteride is designed to shrink an enlarged prostate, by reducing the amount of a natural hormone known as DHT, that the body produces. DHT causes the prostate gland to grow over the course of a man’s life. When it grows too large, it can press on the urethra, causing symptoms of BPH.
Finasteride was also approved by the FDA in 1997 to treat male pattern baldness by reducing levels of DHT by up to 60%. DHT is responsible for shrinking hair follicles leading to baldness. By lowering the levels of DHT, hair loss can be slowed, and hair growth can resume.
Common Side Effects of Finasteride
Finasteride may cause side effects in men taking it for hair loss or for enlarged prostate. Common side effects of finasteride may include:
- Dizziness
- Swelling in hands or feet
- Weakness
- Lightheadedness
- Decreased sex drive
- Rash
- Itching/swelling
If you experience any side effects from finasteride be sure to alert your health care provider.
Can you buy finasteride over the counter?
Finasteride requires a prescription in the United States. If you’re experiencing symptoms of an enlarged prostate, or hair loss, speak with your health care provider about treatment options. If finasteride is prescribed, you will need to fill the prescription at a pharmacy.
Always Check RxSaver Before Filling a Prescription
Before you fill a prescription for finasteride or any other medication, be sure to check RxSaver. RxSaver coupons may help you to save up to 80% on your medication. RxSaver is beneficial for both insured and uninsured patients. For those who have insurance, RxSaver coupons may be used in place of your insurance at the time of payment to receive a better price than the copay required by your insurer.
finasteride: 1 mg / 30 tablets
*Lowest online price at national pharmacy chains Costco, CVS, RiteAid, Walgreens and Walmart as of 4/20/2021. Prices vary by location and pharmacy, see RxSaver.com for actual pricing in your area.
Jennifer Hadley
Jen Hadley is a freelance writer and journalist based in Los Angeles, who writes extensively about the medical, legal, health care, and consumer products industries. Jen is a regular contributor to RxSaver.
Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS
Carina Fung, PharmD, BCPPS., is a pharmacist who earned her PharmD from St. John’s University in Queens, NY. She maintains an active practice, serving as a Board-Certified Pediatric Pharmacotherapy Specialist at a large metropolitan teaching hospital in New York City. Carina has also published in pharmacy journals and works as a consultant reviewing medical articles for publication.
The information on this site is generalized and is not medical advice. It is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your healthcare professional. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard seeking advice or delay in seeking treatment because of something you have read on our site. RxSaver makes no warranty as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of this information.
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