Ways to afford the medicines?

[IndieBlue]

We've finally gotten to where we can do another cycle, but now the meds are going to be an issue. We changed to the antagonist protocol so I thought the meds would be around the same as last year...since we're losing Lupron but adding Ganirelix. I was WRONG. Last year when we did the study, the pharmacy that the RE used gave us a discount as well....who knew. So now I'm wondering if there are any creative ways to afford the meds.

Most of them are pretty affordable (as far as IVF meds go) but that GonalF and Menopur are going to kill us since you have to order so much.

Any input would be appreciated on how you afforded the meds Thanks!!!

[jennywit]

Indieblue-I can tell you that last year after my cycle I sold both my Gonal-F's on freegaragesale.com-I personally never bought anything on the site-but a lot of people were selling meds (IVF) on that site-I sold each syringe for $200.00 and I remember it was the high dose. It still didn't make a dent in what we put out-$24,000.00-but at least it didn't go to waste, and someone may have gotten their BFP with those meds also. Check it out.

[to_have_fun08]

IndieBlue - You can check for pharmacy's that have Design RX. Desing RX is for people that don't have insurance coverage. I could get follistim for the same price through them that i could through my insurance company and my insurance company paid 50%. You could also check out pharmacies in the UK, I think the site is IVFmeds.com. They have discounted prices.


Chris

[Ghost]

We've finally gotten to where we can do another cycle, but now the meds are going to be an issue. We changed to the antagonist protocol so I thought the meds would be around the same as last year...since we're losing Lupron but adding Ganirelix. I was WRONG. Last year when we did the study, the pharmacy that the RE used gave us a discount as well....who knew. So now I'm wondering if there are any creative ways to afford the meds.

Most of them are pretty affordable (as far as IVF meds go) but that GonalF and Menopur are going to kill us since you have to order so much.

Any input would be appreciated on how you afforded the meds Thanks!!!

Some ideas:

1. Find a clinic doing a research study. These often have some free meds. I've seen studies where all of the meds were free. They might also discount the IVF cycle itself.

2. See if your clinic has any "donated meds". Sometimes patients have a few doses they don't use and give back to the clinic. Also, sometimes when a study is over, the clinic gets to keep any undispensed meds for "compassionate use".

3. Ask your doc if there is a less expensive protocol that should work just as well for you. For example, I would question whether ganirelix is even needed at all in a Lupron cycle. More often, patients just continue with the Lupron (which they already have). As Lupron is used this way in 90% of cycles in the US, it clearly works to prevent premature ovulation (the same thing ganirelix does, but a different way). Staying on the Lupron instead of switching to the ganirelix would save you around $500 right there. Up to your doc, of course. The IVF coordinators at your clinic might have some other ideas, like using a different brand of FSH or hCG. They will know the local pricing very well, but of course, a change like that needs your docs approval (usually no problem).

4. Also see if you can get a cheaper form of progesterone. Some are over $30 per day (depending on dosage), others are less than $5.