Progesterone in cream form?

2ndGeneration

Hi Ladies!

 I called the midwife Friday to tell her I got the bfp-per the plan we had made in my preconception visit-and she prescribed me a progesterone cream, that you insert vaginally (like yeast infection cream, once a day she said).

 I've heard of progesterone in pill or wax insert forms but hadn't heard of this-anyone familiar with it?

 But I went to pick it up yesterday and turns out, it needs insurance 'preapproval'...why I wonder? it's not like it can be abused or sold on the street lol, Without insurance it's over $300. so I don't have it yet, and the midwife will call me Monday to get me in for an appt and blood draw.

Geeps2

I was on Cirinone 8% gel that required the preapproval.  Not sure why the pharmacy needed pre-approval but I had to pay out of pocket and then fight the insurance to get my money back.  I was on it with both pregnancies due to a previous miscarriage.  I was using it up until my 10th or 12th week?  I can't remember with my horrible pregnancy brain lol.  I only had to use it once a night.  Sorry if this is TMI but if it is Cirinone that is prescribed there will be some buildup that you will have to dig out at times.  Unlike the wax this stuff doesn't melt away.  Also, if it is the same gel you may see a coral color discharge when you wipe, do not freak out, it is just the remnants of the gel suspension.  The literature warns you of such things.  Good luck and congrats on your BFP

obscurereference

It might need preapproval because it is considered a fertility drug? That would be my guess.

sweetky_06

If it doesn't make any difference, you might want to just ask for the script to be changed to Prometrium - it typically doesn't require preapproval and is a generic so it's cheap.

2ndGeneration

@Geeps2, that is what I just picked up-Cirinone 8%. And WITH insurance, 15 days worth was $131!!! I'm in shock!!!

 The pharmacist told me that the suppositories are $100 for 30 days-are they as effective? Should I ask the midwife to change the scrip? I did go ahead and get 15 days worth so I could start right away-I don't want to wait! But 8 weeks of this stuff at that price is over $500 AFTER insurance!!!

eta to spell it correctly

Guennie

I used the suppositories in first tri as well and my insurance covered it. Wasn't expensive. I would definitely ask your midwife to change it, the suppositories are also a bit less messy.

Geeps2

2ndGeneration said:

@Geeps2, that is what I just picked up-Cirinone 8%. And WITH insurance, 15 days worth was $131!!! I'm in shock!!!

 The pharmacist told me that the suppositories are $100 for 30 days-are they as effective? Should I ask the midwife to change the scrip? I did go ahead and get 15 days worth so I could start right away-I don't want to wait! But 8 weeks of this stuff at that price is over $500 AFTER insurance!!!

eta to spell it correctly

HOLY POOPS!!!!!!! When I was pregnant with my daughter I had to spend $400 out of pocket and fight with the insurance company to get my money back and I remember it costing over $100 in the end with the 1st round.  With this pregnancy It only cost my co-pay which for the life of me I can't remember (luckily I don't take meds very often).  Maybe talk with a rep at your insurance company because that sounds like highway robbery.  I paid the $400 out of pocket the 1st time because I had just suffered a heartbreaking miscarriage that most likely was caused by low progesterone levels so I had to do it.  If not plenty of women have been on the Prometrium and if that is cheaper then I would talk to my Dr about it and make the switch. 

Good Luck!  I would love to know how this works out for you.  I had no complaints with the Cirinone while on it but if something works just as well for less money I would switch. 

Jennys9

My 30 day supply of prometrium/progesterone (vaginal suppositories) was $5 with my insurance.  The nurse told me to go to this website where you can print off coupons to get it for either $47 at CVS or $50 at Walgreens (cheaper in some zip codes).  I've paid more to have it compounded into a lotion for my inner arm.

https://www.goodrx.com/

TrishW2014

I've been using a natural progesterone lotion that I rub into my skin. I buy it online or at whole foods. No script needle and I've read that the natural stuff is better for you than the synthetic that most docs prescribe. It's about $30 for a tube that lasts for about a month.
https://natural-fertility-info.com/progesterone-fertility-guide

quiana55

I had Crinone 8% for my first 12 weeks, and it was expensive, but yes, I had gotten coupons. It was $60 every two weeks, but the coupons were $50 off, so I only paid $10. Yes, it was kind of gross when it came back out, and it seemed to intensify my pregnancy symptons, but I haven't had any horrible effects, and now I'm done with it, thank goodness. I was prescribed it because of a previous miscarriage earlier this year as well.