You can get finasteride in NZ through a GP or an online doctor. You can't buy it over the counter.
Finasteride is a prescription-only medicine in New Zealand, so every route starts with a doctor assessing you. The differences between routes are how long that takes, what it costs, and how the medicine reaches you.
Route 1: your GP.
Book an appointment, explain your hair loss, and if finasteride is suitable you'll be given a prescription.
Take it to a pharmacy and pay for the medication.
Repeat the consultation when the prescription needs renewing.
A GP consultation typically costs $50 to $85 per visit, on top of the cost of the medication.
Route 2: a pharmacy.
A pharmacy can only dispense finasteride against a prescription, so it can't be your first step on its own. Over-the-counter minoxidil is available at NZ pharmacies, but it treats a different part of the problem and doesn't contain finasteride.
Route 3: an online doctor or telehealth company such as Forme.
Telehealth companies such as Forme let you do the whole process online: you complete an assessment, a NZ-registered doctor reviews it, and if finasteride is appropriate the prescription is dispensed by a NZ pharmacy and delivered to your door. The steps look like this:
1. Complete a short online assessment (about two minutes).
2. A NZ-registered doctor reviews it personally. This isn't automated approval.
3. If approved, your prescription is dispensed by a NZ-registered pharmacy and delivered to you.
4. Most patients receive their first order within 1 to 2 business days of approval.
Forme's pricing: finasteride-only plans start from $31/month, the combined finasteride + minoxidil capsule from $44/month, and the combined spray from $50/month. The doctor review, delivery and ongoing prescription renewals are included, and new patients typically pay less on their first order.
Be cautious of sites with no doctor review.
Finasteride is prescription-only in New Zealand, so a legitimate provider will always have a doctor review your case before supplying it. Be cautious of any website that offers to supply it without that review: you can't be sure of what you are getting, or whether it is safe for you.
Worth knowing: Look for a doctor registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand, a thorough questionnaire, and a NZ pharmacy.
Is it legal to get finasteride online in NZ?
Yes, provided the prescribing doctor is registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand. This is how Forme operates.
How long does it take to get started?
The assessment takes a few minutes. A doctor usually reviews it within about 24 hours, and most patients receive their first order within 1 to 2 business days of approval.
Can I get finasteride without seeing a GP?
Yes. A NZ-registered online doctor can assess you and prescribe if appropriate, so a GP visit isn't required.
Is finasteride funded in NZ?
Pharmac does not fund finasteride for hair loss, so it is an out-of-pocket cost.
Take a free 2-minute assessment and get a personalised recommendation from a NZ-registered doctor.
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