Not taking the progesterone

Pmmama · April 2014

Hey girls,
So after taking three days to find a pharmacy who makes progesterone suppositories, the guy just called me back to tell me that instead of it being $60, it's actually $120 for the month bc he didn't realize it was twice a day. I told him to forget and have decided not to take them. Should I feel bad?? Bc I do! But my rationale is- I should already be 7 wks, 2 days.. Even though I'm measuring 6 days behind.. They're expensive for what might only be a placebo... My dr only prescribed them at my behest.. And I have to travel a half hour to get them. Does anyone agree w me???

doglover31 · April 2014

I would discuss with your doctor before deciding to just not take them. The Progesterone might not just be a placebo. And to me if it would help my pregnancy I would find someway to try and pay for it. Also can you try seeing if they can prescribe a different form of the suppositories? The ones I were on were a capsule and had a generic so with my insurance it was only around $10. Whereas if I had been prescribed Crinone it would have been way more expensive.

Pmmama · April 2014

Thanks for your reply @jalara48‌
From what I've read, most doctors prescribe either while ttc or as soon as bfp. Both my re and my ob don't think they're necessary in my case. My first m/c was a chromosomal abnormality and my second couldn't be determined (not enough tissue to test at d&c). But I did ask to be put on them.. For peace of mind.. without realizing they were so expensive and hard to get. And now so much time has passed. But you're right, I should call and talk to my dr about it.

[Deleted User] · April 2014

Wow, that does sound expensive. Do you know how many milligrams you were prescribed? Mine were twice a day as well, but only 50 mg per suppository. It cost me a little less than $50 for a 30 day supply (60 suppositories total). I had to fill the prescription once so I paid about $100 total for this treatment (which I'll be taking my final one tonight).

The suppository thing was my idea to the doctor. When I brought it up to her, she just kind of nodded and said "Well it can't hurt so we'll give it a try." So I do think, to a point, they are sometimes prescribed for the placebo effect. If I had to pay $120 a month instead of $50, it's likely I wouldn't have picked them up. I do agree with the PP's though, that it's a good idea to touch base with your doctor to make sure what's best for you overall.

Pmmama · April 2014

@noonandj04‌
That's the other thing I meant to mention. My prescription is 400mg BID! Has anyone else been prescribed such a high dose? It just seems like 400mg BID might make my vagina explode!!!!

[Deleted User] · April 2014

Pmmama said:

@noonandj04‌ That's the other thing I meant to mention. My prescription is 400mg BID! Has anyone else been prescribed such a high dose? It just seems like 400mg BID might make my vagina explode!!!!

Dang...that seems high! Then I definitely think you need to talk to your doctor. I doubt s/he'd be prescribing such a potent suppository if it were just a placebo. That could also be why it's so expensive. FX you get it all worked out!

Pmmama · April 2014

She said "I'm only giving you the prescription because if you do lose this one, I think you'll feel better that you tried everything."

jess123456 · April 2014

I'm on 100 mg three times a day and I take the suppositories. I pay out of pocket for it because my insurance doesn't cover fertility drugs. It's not cheap at all. I am paying $120 for 30 suppositories which only last me 10 days because I am on them three times a day. Luckily I had some Crinone left over from another pregnancy when my old insurance covered it which got me through the first several weeks. I am not happy with paying so much but did have low progesterone in another pregnancy so it makes me feel better to take it.

I do recommend calling your doctor and asking and also it's possible there are more cost effective options out there. The cost can change from pharmacy to pharmacy and from brand to brand. I am going to take the progesterone until 12 weeks but I know many doctors only prescribe until 9 or 10 weeks because of the placenta.

KMW08 · April 2014

I'm on prometrium 100mg vaginal suppositories twice a day. A 20daysupply is $25 for me.

katiebartton · April 2014

I took the suppositories because when they tested my level it was 11, I feel like it did have an impact and helped save my pregnancy. I might have missed it but did they tell you what your level was? If it's not low and you asked as a just in case deal than is talk to the doctor and it's probably fine to not take.

If your levels are in fact low I would pay and drive any distance for it.

Pmmama · April 2014

Of course we would all do anything for our pregnancies. The only reason I'm considering not taking them is bc it was my idea to go on them, they are expensive and it is very late to start them. But I'm waiting to speak to my doctor. Thanks for your thoughts.

kz's_girlygirl · April 2014

You could try a different pharmacy to see if the prices are different-I know that if I use mail order O get better prices. Also, if your insurance isn't covering it because it is being classified as a fertility med., make sure your dr. codes it as necessary for pregnancy. My insurance covers nothing associated with infertility treatment, but as soon as I get a BFP, they begin to cover things.

kateitho · April 2014

I took the generic Prometrium 200mg vaginally 3 times a day until we saw a heartbeat, then 2 times a day until 13 weeks. You should check this out https://www.goodrx.com/prometrium#/?filter-location=&coords=&label=progesterone&form=capsule&strength=200mg&quantity=60.0&qty-custom= And you can us the coupon along with your insurance...

kateitho · April 2014

Also, if you can switch to a generic, you get 40-65% off generics with your Sam's Club card at Walmart.

2momsinCA · April 2014

I took 100mg twice a day from 2 dpo up till 12 weeks. I honestly would think that by 6 or 7 weeks the impact of progesterone supplementation would be low- it seems likes it's most important in this very first weeks. If your progesterone was just tested and it's especially low then I would probably pay the money and do what you could but if it was just tested and it's high enough to get by then it may not be worth it. Also definitely make sure your doc is coding it correctly- my insurance covers everything that is necessary to sustain an existing pregnancy, but nothing for ttc. And my progesterone was out of pocket just the first 2 weeks then free the following 8.

Unknown · April 2014

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Pmmama · April 2014

My levels were never tested. Still waiting to hear back from the doctor.

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