Hims, an online direct-to-consumer drug company aimed at curing male hair loss and erectile dysfunction, has now expanded its branding to include women.
It was estimated that during the first full week of sales for the online retailer last year, the online drug company had made over $1 million in sales — and this first week proved to be one of their slowest on record.
Now, the company hopes to continue this success as it expands its marketing to women with the creation of Hers.
Hers will work in a similar way to Hims. Each month, you can purchase a number of prescription drugs and healthcare products and have them shipped directly to your door. Hers will include a range of skin care products, prescription medications, and even birth control.
“Men have been told for years that it’s weird to want to take care of yourself. As women, as we looked around the table, and we felt like we’ve been inundated,” says Hilary Coles, brand lead for Hers.
Of course, patients are still required to talk to doctors before a diagnosis is made. For an online company like Hims and Hers, the client will fill out a form regarding their medical history and information. Should they want to try a new medicine, they will also consult with a doctor online before obtaining a prescription for Hims. Additionally, a monthly follow-up is required, making it a safe alternative for people who cannot visit their primary doctor as often as they’d like.
Additionally, it’s not always easy to get into contact with your doctor. For online options with customer support around the clock, this type of care may rival the presence of urgent care facilities. Around 3 million people visit urgent care centers each week in America.
But they aren’t the only company that has discovered how effective a reliable direct-to-consumer prescription box can be.
It’s estimated that chronic sinusitis alone can result in up to 22 million doctor visits each year in the United States. For other chronic issues like erectile dysfunction and depression, online health options are becoming more popular.
Big name companies like Amazon and even CVS are following suit and investing in online prescription drug options for their consumers.
Recently, Amazon acquired PillPack, an online medication sorting and delivery service. In this huge acquisition, reported to reach heights of $1 billion, the final price tag was revealed at the end of the third quarter. The cost? Amazon earnings show the deal was worth $753 million.
