Key Takeaways
- Oral minoxidil is a good option for individuals with androgenic alopecia who experience side effects from topical minoxidil or who are not seeing the results they hoped for.
- You can get an oral minoxidil prescription online by completing a virtual consultation with a state-licensed physician from a telemedicine platform.
- Online oral minoxidil prescriptions may be more convenient and affordable than in-person doctor’s appointments.
- Oral minoxidil can produce side effects in some people, including dizziness and headaches.
Oral minoxidil is a treatment option for androgenic alopecia, or pattern hair loss. It’s generally considered for people who don’t respond well to topical minoxidil. If you’re a good candidate for oral minoxidil, you can obtain a prescription online from certain telehealth platforms after undergoing a virtual consultation with a state-licensed physician.
Oral minoxidil differs from topical minoxidil because it’s a systemic treatment, meaning it affects the entire body. Topical minoxidil is absorbed through the scalp and only affects the application site. This means that oral minoxidil can cause systemic side effects, like lightheadedness, while topical minoxidil can cause local side effects, like scalp irritation. Additionally, topical minoxidil is FDA-approved for androgenic alopecia; the FDA hasn’t yet approved oral minoxidil for hair loss.
In this article, we’ll explore the process for getting an oral minoxidil prescription online and compare the telehealth platforms that offer this treatment. We also spoke with Dr. Jonathan Rick, a board-certified dermatologist, about the effectiveness and safety of oral minoxidil.
How to Get an Oral Minoxidil Prescription Online
The process of getting an oral minoxidil prescription online can differ slightly depending on which telehealth platform you choose. However, you’ll typically need to start by completing a questionnaire about your hair loss symptoms and medical history to determine if you’re a candidate for the medication.
Next, you’ll complete a remote consultation with a licensed physician, who can provide an oral minoxidil prescription if appropriate. Usually, the prescription is shipped directly to your doorstep.
This differs from in-person appointments for hair loss because you don’t have to travel to the doctor’s office and you can complete the consultation at a time that works for you (rather than squeezing into a physician’s appointment schedule). Additionally, many telehealth platforms offer affordable pricing, either through your insurance plan or out-of-pocket, and provide convenient automatic refills.
Oral vs. Topical Minoxidil
Topical minoxidil is FDA-approved, available without a prescription, and backed by more extensive research than oral minoxidil. However, individuals who experience scalp irritation, itching, burning, or related symptoms from topical minoxidil can consider oral minoxidil as an alternative. Research shows that they may be equally effective for androgenic alopecia, as both work by improving blood flow to the hair follicles.
What Doctor Can Prescribe Oral Minoxidil?
Any state-licensed physician can prescribe oral minoxidil. However, it’s generally recommended to see a dermatologist for hair concerns, as they specialize in diagnosing and treating hair loss.
Online Consultation and Prescription Services
To obtain an online oral minoxidil prescription, you’ll need to undergo an online consultation with a telehealth platform. This process typically begins with a questionnaire about your hair concerns and medical history. You may also need to provide photos of your hair and areas of thinning.
Next, one of the platform’s licensed healthcare providers will review your answers and photos, if applicable. Some telehealth services require that you speak with your provider via phone or video call. Other services simply conduct the consultation via instant messaging in an online portal.
If your provider determines that you’re a good fit for oral minoxidil, they’ll prescribe an appropriate dosage. The medication may be shipped to your doorstep or sent to your local pharmacy for pickup.
When compared to in-person doctor appointments, telehealth services provide:
- Greater convenience and flexibility, as you can complete the consultation from the comfort of home
- More affordability, particularly for individuals without insurance
- Automatic refill reminders
However, telehealth services aren’t for everyone. If your hair loss is caused by an underlying medical condition or if you currently take medications that may interact with oral minoxidil, you may need a more comprehensive evaluation than telehealth platforms can provide.
Does Insurance Cover Oral Minoxidil?
Oral minoxidil for hair loss is covered by many, but not all, insurance plans. If it’s not covered by your insurance plan, telehealth platforms may offer low, out-of-pocket pricing.
Some telehealth platforms offer oral minoxidil for $22 to $39 per month. Some platforms also provide a free virtual doctor consultation, making it more affordable to obtain the prescription online.
Generic minoxidil from an in-person appointment costs around $10, although prices vary depending on the pharmacy. An in-person appointment with a dermatologist, however, can cost between $100 and $500 without insurance.
Oral minoxidil prescriptions can usually be made more affordable by opting for the generic version in a standard dose (0.25 mg, 2.5 mg, or 5 mg).
Where to Get Oral Minoxidil for Female Pattern Hair Loss
We’ve compared Musely, Hers, PlushCare, XYON, and Happy Head to help you find a telemedicine platform that offers oral minoxidil.
Swipe or scroll to view all columns →
|
Musely vs. Hers vs. PlushCare vs. XYON vs. Happy Head |
 Musely |
 Hers |
 PlushCare |
 XYON |
 Happy Head |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | From $28/month | From $29 to $39/month | Depends on insurance coverage | $87/3-months | $22/month for oral minoxidil $89/month for combined capsule |
| Minoxidil dosage | 1mg and 2mg | 1.25mg and 2.5mg | As recommended by a doctor | 2mg | 2.5mg |
| Customizable dosage? | ✅ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Recommended usage | Once daily | Once daily | Once daily | Once daily | Take 1.25mg (1/2 tablet) orally once per day |
| Other active ingredients | Spironolactone Dutasteride Biotin Vitamin C and D Folic Acid Zinc | Biotin, Vitamin C, D, B5, B6, Zinc | ❌ | ❌ | Spironolactone Vitamin D3 |
| Prescription or OTC? | Prescription | Prescription | Prescription | Prescription | Prescription |
| Quantity | 1 and 3 month supply | 1 and 3 month supply | Not listed | 3 month supply | 1, 3, and 6 month supply |
| Free doctor consultation? | ❌ $20 doctor's visit | ✅ | Without insurance $129 for first visit and $99 thereafter | ✅ | ✅ |
| Accepts insurance? | ❌ | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Free shipping? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Website | Musely | Hers | PlushCare | XYON | Happy Head |
Our Overall Pick
Hers is our overall pick for convenient oral minoxidil prescriptions, with the option of minoxidil with biotin or hair vitamins. At $29 to $39 per month with a free doctor consultation and ongoing support, it provides the greatest value for virtual hair loss treatment. Additionally, Hers offers customizable dosages, allowing your physician to recommend a dose that will produce your desired results and minimize side effects.
Hers Overview
4.7/5 ★★★★★ 4.7/5
- Product: Oral Minoxidil, Minoxidil & Biotin Chew, and Hair Vitamins + Minoxidil
- Price: $29-$39 per month
- Minoxidil dose: 1.25mg and 2.5mg
- How to use: Take once daily
- Time it takes to work: 3-6 months
Hers is a prominent telehealth platform offering hair loss, sexual health, mental health, skincare, and primary care services. Hers offers once-daily oral minoxidil tablets, as well as a Minoxidil & Biotin Chew and Hair Vitamins + Minoxidil. These formulations with added nutrients may support the effects of oral minoxidil for female pattern hair loss. Plus, the lemon-flavored Minoxidil & Biotin Chew is a unique option for individuals who don’t like swallowing pills.
With Hers, the doctor consultation occurs over virtual chat after you complete a quick online questionnaire. This may be more convenient than a video call for individuals with busy schedules. However, it may not work for individuals who need face-to-face time with a physician.
Related reading: Hers Hair Loss Review - Can It Regrow Thinning Hair
Musely Overview
4.5/5 ★★★★★ 4.5/5
- Product: The Hair Pill containing minoxidil, biotin, vitamin C, vitamin D, folic acid, and zinc, with the option of compounding with spironolactone and/or dutasteride
- Price: Starts at $28 per month
- Minoxidil dose: 1mg and 2mg
- How to use: Take once daily
- Time it takes to work: 3-6 months
For female pattern hair loss, Musely offers The Hair Pill, a custom-compounded medication with minoxidil, biotin, folic acid, zinc, and vitamins C and D. Spironolactone and/or dutasteride may also be added, if appropriate, making Musely a good choice for individuals who want to address hair loss from multiple angles. Additionally, Musely is an affordable option for oral minoxidil, as it comes out to $0.93 per day.
To obtain a prescription for The Hair Pill, you’ll provide your medical information and photos of the treatment area in an online questionnaire. Then, your assigned board-certified dermatologist will review your submission to prescribe your custom formulation, if appropriate.
Related reading: Musely Hair Solution Review – Does It Work For Women’s Hair Loss?
PlushCare Overview
4.4/5 ★★★★★ 4.4/5
- Product: Oral minoxidil
- Price: Depends on insurance coverage
- Minoxidil dose: As recommended by a doctor
- How to use: Take once daily
- Time it takes to work: 2-4 months
With PlushCare, you can obtain an online oral minoxidil prescription by booking a virtual appointment with one of the platform’s physicians. Same-day appointments are available, and you can book from anywhere in the U.S. You’ll talk to your doctor via video call, providing more face-to-face time than other remote telehealth consultations. PlushCare then sends the prescription to your local pharmacy for pickup.
While PlushCare doesn’t offer customizable dosages, like Hers and Musely, it’s the only platform in this review that accepts insurance. However, it may not be the best choice for people paying out of pocket.
XYON Overview
4.3/5 ★★★★★ 4.3/5
- Product: Oral minoxidil tablets
- Price: $87 for a 3-month supply ($29 per month)
- Minoxidil dose: 2mg
- How to use: Take once daily
- Time it takes to work: 6-12 months
XYON offers oral minoxidil tablets with a 12-month subscription approach and automatic refills. While the platform doesn’t offer compounded medications or minoxidil with added nutrients, it provides free ongoing physician consultations. This makes it easy to adjust your dosage or ask about side effects through XYON.
To get an oral minoxidil subscription with XYON, you’ll need to answer questions about your medical history and provide photos of the treatment area. During your virtual consultation, a physician will review the photos and information to prescribe 2mg oral minoxidil tablets, if appropriate.
Related reading: XYON Hair Loss Review for Women
Happy Head Overview
4.6/5 ★★★★★ 4.6/5
- Product: Oral minoxidil, Minoxidil + Spironolactone + Vitamin D, Finasteride + Minoxidil + Vitamin D, Dutasteride + Minoxidil + Vitamin D
- Price: $22 per month for oral minoxidil, $89 per month for combined capsules
- Minoxidil dose: 2.5mg (1.25mg in combined capsules)
- How to use: Take ½ tablet once daily
- Time it takes to work: 3-6 months
Happy Head offers oral minoxidil alone or in compounded pills with vitamin D and finasteride, dutasteride, or spironolactone. The oral minoxidil tablets cost just $22 per month, making them the most affordable option in this comparison. However, the compounded capsules cost $89, which is more expensive than comparable options.
To obtain a Happy Head prescription, you’ll complete the Hair Loss Questionnaire with medical information and photos of your hairline. One of the platform’s state-licensed physicians will then review your submission and write a prescription, if appropriate.
Related reading: Happy Head SuperCapsule Review – Is It Better Than Traditional Finasteride?
Where to Get Minoxidil Pills for Male Pattern Hair Loss
We’ve compared Hims, Roman, and Strut Health to help you find the right brand of minoxidil pills for your needs.
Swipe or scroll to view all columns →
|
Hims vs. Roman vs. Strut Health |
 Hims |
 Roman |
 Strut Health |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | From $39/month | From $24/month | $55 |
| Minoxidil dosage | 2.5mg | 2.5mg and 5mg | 1.25mg |
| Customizable dosage? | ✅ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Recommended usage | Once daily | Once or twice daily | Once daily |
| Other active ingredients | Finasteride Ketoconazole Biotin Vitamin B5 | ❌ | ❌ |
| Form | Chew | Tablet | Tablet |
| Prescription or OTC? | Prescription | Prescription | Prescription |
| Quantity | 1, 3, and 6 month supply | 3 month supply | 3 month supply |
| Free doctor consultation? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Accepts insurance? | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Free shipping? | ✅ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Website | Hims | Roman | Strut |
Our Overall Pick
Hims offers customizable dosages and the option of combining minoxidil with other active ingredients, making it our top pick. With a free doctor consultation and ongoing support, Hims offers superior personalization for an affordable price.
Hims Overview
4.7/5 ★★★★★ 4.7/5
- Product: Minoxidil + Supplement Blend Chew, Minoxidil & Finasteride Chew
- Price: $39 per month
- Minoxidil dose: 3mg
- How to use: Take once daily
- Time it takes to work: 3-6 months
Hims offers two oral medications with minoxidil for male pattern hair loss: the Minoxidil + Supplement Blend Chew and the Minoxidil & Finasteride Chew. These options make Hims a good option for individuals who want to support the effects of minoxidil by addressing nutrient deficiencies or blocking DHT with finasteride. Unlike Roman and Strut Health, Hims offers customizable dosages of these medications.
To get an oral minoxidil prescription through Hims, you’ll complete an online questionnaire. A physician will review your answers and reach out via online chat to ask any further questions and prescribe the medication, if appropriate.
Related reading: Hims Review - Is It Legit for Men’s Hair Loss and ED Treatment?
Roman Overview
4.5/5 ★★★★★ 4.5/5
- Product: Oral minoxidil
- Price: Starts at $24 per month
- Minoxidil dose: 2.5mg or 5mg
- How to use: Take once or twice daily
- Time it takes to work: 3-6 months
Roman offers oral minoxidil tablets in 2.5mg or 5mg doses. While Roman doesn’t offer the option to add finasteride or extra nutrients, like Hims, it’s an affordable option at $24 per month. Additionally, with a Roman prescription, you can reach out to your physician via messaging, phone, or video call at any point, for free.
Related reading: Roman Review - Is It Legit for Men's Hair Loss?
Strut Health Overview
4.4/5 ★★★★★ 4.4/5
- Product: Oral minoxidil tablets
- Price: $55 for 3 months ($18.33 per month)
- Minoxidil dose: 1.25mg
- How to use: Take once daily
- Time it takes to work: A few months
At $55 for a 3-month subscription, which comes out to $18.33 per month, Strut Health offers the most affordable online minoxidil prescriptions for male pattern baldness. Strut also provides a free online appointment with your physician and free follow-up care. However, this platform only offers a 1.25mg dose of oral minoxidil, with no customization available.
Oral Minoxidil Side Effects
Oral minoxidil may trigger side effects in some people, including:
- Excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis)
- Increased heart rate
- Swelling in the feet
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headaches
- Mild blood pressure changes
- Fluid retention
A Word From Our Expert
— Dr. Jonathan Rick
Oral minoxidil is about as effective as topical minoxidil. It can be administered once a day and has minimal side effects on healthy individuals. Minoxidil is a blood-pressure medication and the low doses used for hair loss do cause very minor reductions in blood pressure.
Who Should Not Take Oral Minoxidil?
Oral minoxidil generally isn’t prescribed for individuals who have:
- High blood pressure
- Cardiovascular disease
- Heart failure or a high risk for heart failure
- Pheochromocytoma, a hormone-secreting tumor
- Pulmonary hypertension
Individuals who are pregnant or breastfeeding also usually aren’t advised to take oral minoxidil.
When to Seek Emergency Medical Care
Seek emergency medical care while taking oral minoxidil if you experience shortness of breath, sudden chest pain, or if any of the side effects listed above become severe.
Summary
Oral minoxidil is commonly used to treat androgenic alopecia. You may want to consider getting a prescription for this medication online instead of scheduling an in-person appointment with a dermatologist to save time and money, especially if you’re paying out of pocket. Keep in mind that oral minoxidil can produce side effects, including excessive hair growth, dizziness, and headaches.
For those assigned female at birth, we recommend Hers. Hers offers customized dosages, compounded medications, a free doctor consultation, and ongoing support.
For those assigned male at birth, our top pick is Hims. Similar to Hers, Hims offers customizable dosages, the option of combining minoxidil with other active ingredients, a free doctor consultation, and ongoing support for a competitive price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens when you stop taking oral minoxidil?
When you stop taking oral minoxidil, new hair growth will likely stop, and any new growth that you experienced may gradually go away.
Is minoxidil bad for kidneys?
Minoxidil can cause kidney damage in individuals with uncontrolled high blood pressure.
Will oral minoxidil grow a beard?
Oral minoxidil can lead to beard growth in some people.
Is 2.5mg oral minoxidil enough?
2.5mg of oral minoxidil is enough to produce hair regrowth in many individuals.
Does oral minoxidil cause weight gain?
Mild weight gain from water retention is a possible side effect of oral minoxidil.
Methodology
We conduct extensive research to evaluate the pricing, effectiveness, accessibility, overall quality, and user experience of each product we review. This also included examining and comparing them to several alternatives.
Swipe or scroll to view all columns →
| Review Process | Key Metrics | Weighting |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase online | – ease of completing intake form – affordability – upfront commitment or subscription required? – money back guarantee or refund policy? | 1 |
| Shipping + unboxing | – shipping cost – time from order to treatment delivery – sustainable packaging | 1 |
| Testing + journal for 1-3 months | – ease of use – transition into habitual use – taste / smell / feel / pain | 1.5 |
| Results after 3 months of use | – efficacy / results – ease of forming a health habit – requires additional purchase? – responsive customer support – willingness to recommend to a friend | 1.5 |