Optum Store offers both OTC and prescription hair loss medications including Finasteride and Rogaine. You can transfer an existing prescription or get a new one online. Read on for our full review.
What is Optum Store?
Optum Store is an online pharmacy. It’s owned by RVO Health, the same company that owns Healthline.
At Optum Store, you can buy health-related items, such as:
- over-the-counter (OTC) medications and treatments
- vitamins
- at-home tests
- other health and wellness products
Anything you buy will be shipped directly to your home. Shipping is free if you spend at least $35.
If you already have the following existing prescription from your doctor, Optum Store will allow you to fill them online:
- birth control
- hair loss medications
- erectile dysfunction (ED) medications
If you don’t have a prescription, you may still be able to get a prescription through Optum Store. To do this, you’ll need to answer a questionnaire covering your medical history and symptoms.
Then, a licensed healthcare profession will review your answers and — if you’re eligible — issue you a prescription for a low cost medication that can be sent to your door for free.
Does Optum Store sell hair loss treatments?
Yes, Optum Store sells both OTC and prescription hair loss treatments.
If you’re interested in prescription hair loss treatments, you can either provide your existing prescription or submit your information directly through Optum Store to see if you’re a good candidate.
One thing to know: While Optum Store sells OTC hair loss medication for men and women, prescription treatments are only available for men, according to the website.
What hair loss products are available through Optum Store?
Optum Store offers three different hair loss treatments:
Finasteride
- Price: starts at $15 per month
- Dosage: 1 milligram (mg) or 5 mg
- Frequency of use: 1–4 times daily
- Prescription required: yes
Finasteride is the generic form of the hair loss medication Propecia. It’s a pill that you take up to four times daily.
Finasteride can decrease hair loss on your head, though hair on other parts of the body isn’t affected.
It can cause certain side effects, such as a lower sex drive and difficulty getting or maintaining an erection.
Rogaine
- Price: $28.99
- Dosage: 2% or 5% solution
- Frequency of use: twice daily
- Prescription required: no
If you prefer an OTC treatment, you can purchase Rogaine through Optum Store without a prescription. Rogaine is a topical solution that you apply to your scalp twice a day.
There are two formulations of Rogaine: a 2% solution and a 5% solution. The 2% solution is for women, while the 5% solution is for men.
Potential side effects of Rogaine include itching or irritated scalp.
Healthy Hair Bundle
- Price: starts at $10 per month
- Prescription required: yes
Optum Store also offers both finasteride and generic Rogaine (minoxidil) bundled together.
Pros and cons of using Optum Store for hair loss treatments
Pros
- You don’t need to visit a doctor in person: You can find out if you’re a candidate for prescription hair loss medication online after submitting your information. You don’t have to visit a doctor in person or via a video call.
- You can transfer an existing prescription: If you’re already taking a prescription hair loss medication but want to start receiving it through Optum Store, you can transfer your prescription easily.
- Affordable out-of-pocket costs: You can purchase generic forms of effective, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved hair loss medications for a lower cost than at many other pharmacies.
- Discounts available: You can save up to 61% if you order a 180-day supply.
Cons
- No prescription options for women: According to Optum Store, prescriptions are only available for men. The only treatment available for women is OTC Rogaine.
- There are fewer options at Optum Store than other retailers: Optum Store only carries Rogaine, topical minoxidil, and oral finasteride. However, other online companies carry a wider variety of treatment options.
How do these medications work?
Finasteride and minoxidil are the only two FDA-approved medications for hair loss treatment in men.
Finasteride
Finasteride is the generic form of Propecia. It’s a type of medication called a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. It can stop or slow hair loss because it prevents the hormone testosterone from turning into dihydrotestosterone (DHT).
DHT is a hormone that that makes your prostate grow larger, but it can also stop hair from growing.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil is the generic form of Rogaine. It’s topical medication that can stimulate new hair growth to help combat hair thinning.
Minoxidil increases blood circulation and decreases hormones that stop hair from growing. It’s also an anti-inflammatory. Minoxidil is absorbed in the hair follicle or root, so it’s generally used topically.
Optum Store vs. competitors
Optum Store isn’t your only option for getting hair loss medication online. Here’s how Optum Store stacks up against the competition
| Treatment options | Monthly cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Optum Store | • oral finasteride • topical minoxidil • Rogaine | starts at $10–$15 |
| Hims | • thickening shampoo • thickening conditioner • biotin gummies • topical minoxidil • oral finasteride • minoxidil and finasteride spray | $15–$45 |
| Keeps | • oral finasteride • topical minoxidil • topical ketoconazole | $10–$46 |
Reputation and reviews
Optum Store doesn’t have a high rating Better Business Bureau (BBB) rating. It has received over 1,000 complaints in the last 3 years and it isn’t BBB accredited.
Privacy policy
Optum Store, like any online service, collects personal data in order to serve your healthcare needs. According to their terms of service, they may use this info to:
- recommend products to you
- process an application for a product
- communicate with you
- protect your health and safety
It does share some personal data with its affiliates, court orders, or other third parties it has a business relationship with.
If you’re concerned about this, be sure to read the company’s privacy policy to fully understand how your personal data is used.
Shipping policy
Shipping at Optum Store is free if you order over $35 in OTC products. It’s also free if you’re getting a prescription.
The company ships to all 50 states but not any U.S. territories.
If your order is under $35, shipping costs $9.99.
When to talk with your doctor
Although hair loss medications can be helpful, it’s still important to keep in close contact with your doctor while you’re taking them. Talk with your doctor if:
- medications aren’t improving your hair loss
- you’re experiencing significant side effects, including decreased sex drive, ED, or in severe cases, an increase in suicidal thoughts
Frequently asked questions about Optum Store
Is Optum Store legit?
Yes, Optum Store is a legitimate online pharmacy and wellness company where you can purchase OTC medications, at-home tests, and prescription treatments.
Where is Optum Store located?
Optum store is an online retailer. You can’t visit the pharmacy in person.
Can I get a doctor’s prescription from Optum Store?
Yes. If you don’t have a current prescription, you may be able to get one from Optum Store. You’ll need to first fill out a form about your symptoms and medical history.
Your information will be evaluated by a healthcare professional who will determine if you’re a good candidate for medication. If you are, they’ll issue you a prescription. You can then order the medication and have it shipped to you.
Takeaway
Optum Store is a convenient option for hair loss treatments, but its offerings are more limited than other telehealth companies. You can save on out-of-pocket prices if you don’t have insurance — especially if you order 180-day supplies. If you have insurance, you’ll be able to use it.