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Many of our patients have been prescribed fertility medications. Whether they are oral or injectable, filling these prescriptions could be confusing and expensive.  Here is some information that may help make your fertility journey a little easier.

·    Can my prescriptions be filled at any pharmacy?

    Yes. 

·    Should I just get them filled anywhere?

    Not necessarily.  All pharmacies can charge different prices (even within the same chain) and many pharmacies don’t keep the medication in stock.  While these pharmacies can order the medications, they are probably not very familiar with this class of medications.

·    Where should I go then?

    Our staff is aware of some local pharmacies that carry these medications and offer competitive pricing.  There are also mail order pharmacies (usually can ship overnight) that specialize in fertility medications and offer some of the best prices and quality customer service.

·    I have prescription coverage; won’t they be covered with my normal co-pay?

    Maybe.  Many insurance companies have placed fertility medications in a special category and the coverage may have different co-pay or the medications might not be covered at all.

·    How can I find out about coverage?

    The best way to find out about your coverage is to contact your insurance carrier.  However, this has proved to be a challenging task for some patients.  Another source of assistance is Fertility LifeLines™ at 1-866-LETS-TRY (1-866-538-7879) or on the web at www.fertilitylifelines.com.

·    It looks like one type of FSH injectable medication is covered but not the one that was ordered by my doctor.  Can we switch for the one that is covered?

    For most of our patients it is possible to change the prescription to the medication that is covered.  The nursing staff or physician can assist in determining if this is possible based on your medical history.

·    If it is okay to change the medication to the covered one, then why didn’t the physician order that one to begin with?

    We try to order what we know will be covered.  However, all insurance policies are different and it is close to impossible for the physician to ascertain which medications might be covered by a specific policy. 

·    Is there a list of injectable fertility medications so I know what to ask the insurance company about?

    Yes.  Under most circumstances the following medications can be used interchangeably:  Repronex, Menopur, Bravelle, Follistim, and Gonal F (also Gonal F RFF, Gonal F multi-dose).  Check with the doctor or nurse regarding your daily dosage as it will vary.

The Fertility Center and RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association are celebrating the 19th Annual National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW), October 19-25, 2008, joining millions of infertile women and men, healthcare professionals, psychologists and other leaders to promote greater awareness about infertility.  RESOLVE, in its 34th year of service, is the leading consumer voice in advocating for needed insurance coverage to enable greater access to effective and affordable treatments, increased infertility research for cures and improved therapies, expanded public education about infertility risks and options and incentive to foster adoption as a family building alternative.

RESOLVE’s National Infertility Awareness Week is a time for us to help educate the general public and create greater awareness and understanding about infertility in Michigan, to help women and men find the answers and get the support they need to make important medical decisions and address the medical, emotional, social and economic challenges infertility can present.

“RESOLVE is here during NIAW and throughout the year–to help women and men struggling with infertility to take charge of their family building journey”, said Barbara Collura, Executive Director, RESOLVE.  “We are delighted to join with The Fertility Center during National Infertility Awareness Week to help educate and support the American public about infertility.”

RESOLVE’s National Infertility Awareness Week (NIAW) 2008 is supported by Columbia Laboratories, EMD Serono, and Ferring Pharmaceuticals.

In recognition of NIAW, The Fertility Center will offer a Free Initial New Patient appointment to all who schedule during the week of October 20-24.

Founded in 1974, RESOLVE: The National Infertility Association, headquartered in McLean, VA, is the oldest and largest consumer-based, non-profit group that provides education, advocacy and compassionate support for those struggling with infertility in the United States.  Each year, RESOLVE and its nationwide network of affiliates and chapters handle more than 1.5 million contacts from people seeking information and help.  For more information, visit the RESOLVE website at www.resolve.org or www.resolve.org/takecharge.