Anti-Bald Drug Has Hair-Raising Price

Merck & Co. sent letters to pharmacists Wednesday announcing the price of its anti-baldness drug Propecia.

The first pill to fight baldness, Propecia has been deemed effective by the Food and Drug Administration. Merck is currently finalizing labeling, which is also subject to FDA approval.

The drug will cost pharmacies and wholesalers $1.25 per one-day dosage. With a roughly 20 percent markup for retail, consumers can expect to pay around $50 for a monthly supply.

That compares with a retail price of $15 to $28 a month for Rogaine, the nonprescription drug made by Pharmacia & Upjohn Inc. Minoxidil, a generic version of Rogaine, retails for about $13 a month.

Merck said Wednesday that hair-replacement surgery costs $3,000 to $10,000, and a toupee costs $1,200 to $1,800.