[fitafita]

Wondering if anyone has opted for the much more affordable option of generic medications. I see them advertised at what seem to be reputable ivf medication websites-

[fitafita]

Originally Posted by fitafita

Wondering if anyone has opted for the much more affordable option of generic medications. I see them advertised at what seem to be reputable ivf medication websites-

just found at least one study that answers this question:



Journal Article http://www.springerlink.com/images/print.gif

Purpose: A large part of infertility treatment involves the use of exogenous gonadotropins. The last decade has seen a progressive switch from human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG), the original gonadotropin product, to progressively more costly products, primarily or exclusively containing follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Though obviously at least in part driven by marketing efforts of pharmaceutical companies, this switch has received relatively little scrutiny despite its obvious cost implications. We therefore investigated whether a switch back to a generic or less costly hMG-driven ovulation induction protocol would affect patient outcome after ovulation induction and, by implications, with other assisted reproductive technologies. Methods: We prospectively studied clinical pregnancy rates in a large number of consecutive ovulation induction cycles in a well-defined patient population (group 1) which, after October of 1997, had been switched from a predominantly FSH to an hMG-driven protocol, based on an institutional formulary change. Until a transition period (between July and September 1997), this patient population had been on a primarily FSH-driven protocol (between July 1996 and June 1997). In parallel, we evaluated a second patient population (group 2), which was managed by the same physicians outside of formulary requirements and remained almost exclusively on principally FSH-driven ovulation induction cycles.

Results: FSH- and hMG-driven ovulation induction protocols did not differ in pregnancy outcome during the prospective study period. Group 1 patients, however, demonstrated a significant increase in pregnancy rates after the switch from FSH to hMG stimulation had taken place (P = 0.02), while group 2 patients demonstrated no change in pregnancy rate during the same time period.

Conclusions: Generic hMG products do not adversely affect pregnancy rates in comparison to more costly FSH products in routine ovulation induction cycles and should be considered an appropriate alternative to more expensive FSH products.


follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) - ovulation induction - human menopausal gonadotropin

[jencat215]

I've used generic clomid and hcg, although they were for IUI. I would also use generic drugs for IVF. I am all for generics...save tons of money and they are just as good as the name brand stuff.

[fitafita]

Originally Posted by jencat215

I've used generic clomid and hcg, although they were for IUI. I would also use generic drugs for IVF. I am all for generics...save tons of money and they are just as good as the name brand stuff.

thank you for your response! i think i will go for it- it will make this first ivf less stressfull than paying 3 or 4 thousand on meds!

[jencat215]

your welcome... and you mean your first AND last IVF because this is gonna work for you!!!

Positive thoughts!

[fitafita]

EXACTLY, first and last! I have only found a generic form for one medication, at ivfmeds.com, it is repronex- no luck with any others. But at least that will offer some savings.

[socaintexas]

I have used Clomiphene (Clomid generic) and Repronex for the past 2 cycles. The Repronex is still rather expensive, but not nearly as much of some of the other ones. I use IVPcare and the Repronex is aboout $120 for 2 vials. Good luck to you!

[elaine123]

I used generic Lupron and it worked just fine.

[hbennett1979]

I was a pharmacy tech for 5 years and I can tell you that by law generics and brand name drugs have to have the exact same active ingredients both in name and quantity. The only difference allowed is the name and the "filler" stuff like dyes.