Crinone vs. PIO vs. Endometrin

anared · September 2018

Hi Ladies,

I am preparing for my FET and was originally prescribed crinone by my RE. He originally gave me the option and said if it were him, he would choose suppositories rather than the needle, so I went with that. Anyway, the pharmacy called and said crinone wasn't covered by insurance and would be $2k per month or refill. My nurse then gave me the option of Endometrin or PIO. I can't find much comparative data, so just wondering what did you prefer? Or which was more successful?

jusgigi · September 2018

i have been prescribed all three at one point or another throughout the past 5 years and i prefer PIO. It is a bit of a hassel (but if you numb the area before hand, warm the filled syringe in your hand for a few minutes and then sit on a heating pad afterwards) you dont get and lumps or knots. Plus you dont have to worry about clumpy discharge or spotting from irritation like you do with the other two. I would much prefer a shot than dealing with messy discharge.

mayflower513 · September 2018

I did endometrin and while it wasn’t super pleasant it was fine. I just always wore a liner.

bpietronicco · September 2018

I bled through the endometrin when I shouldn’t- if doing suppositories my RE prefers crinone, but I know I have responded best on the PIO.

more14 · September 2018

*TW pregnancies*

My first pregnancy (4 years ago) I was on PIO and Endometrin, this time I was on PIO and Crinone. To the best of my understanding, Endometrin and Crinone are basically the same and each insurance company picks whichever it wants to cover. Kind of like different brands of Insulin.

In my opinion, they're both kind of ugh. The suppositories have that "wonderful" discharge and, for me, they changed my natural smell and I wasn't a fan. The PIO shots are, well, unpleasant and annoying, especially if you do them yourself (which I did half the time).

If you are uncomfortable with needles, go with the suppositories. PIO is usually 1 a day, the suppositories might be 2-3 a day (ask your doctor, he is the only one who can tell you exactly how much you'll need). More suppositories, more discharge, but PIO is LITERALLY a pain in the butt.

If your doctor honestly doesn't think there is a difference if you take PIO or suppositories, take whichever feels more comfortable for you. Both are time sensitive but it's easier to take the suppositories with you than the PIO shots, in case you need to be out of the house.

Best of luck!

anared · September 2018

Thank you everyone! Your input definitely helps!

Neither of the suppositories are covered by my insurance. Endometrin is about half the price of crinone but it is still a few thousand. The PIO is covered and will be considerably cheaper. If it means a difference in effectiveness then I would spend the money on the suppositories, but if it doesn't I may go with PIO. I only have one embryo from this cycle, so the money I save with PIO could go for another round of IVF when the time comes. My nurse didn't say much about any of them standing out as more effective, so I take it as they are all the same.

roisis · September 2018

I always wondered why so many people in the states used PIO whereas I don't hear of it so much in Europe - that price difference really explains it! I've always used Crinone - it's just what my RE prescribes and it is covered here - but he said he might add in injectibles too in this round. PIO sounds like a pain (literally as @more14 points out!) but if it's going to save you that level of cash that you can put towards another round - I'd definitely go for it.

mayflower513 · September 2018

Yes if it’s a matter of coverage I’d definitely go with what’s covered and address if needed.

mbradfo2 · September 2018

There's probably no major difference between the suppositories and the injection -- if anything, I would think the injection to be a bit more exacting and effective. My RE does crinone for the IUI cycles and PIO for IVF.
Two things to consider --
The suppositories can irritate the cervix and cause spotting which will likely freak you out alot, especially after a BFP in the first tri!
HOWEVER, the sesame oil based PIO can cause allergic reactions in some (not all) people, mostly those with more sensitive skin like myself. I had to use an ethyl oleate compounded PIO which came from a separate pharmacy. I don't remember if it was more expensive than the sesame oil one, so that might be something to consider -- check if both PIO's are covered if you're concerned about the possibility of a reaction.

suzycupcake · September 2018

@anared Try goodrx.com My sister told me about that awhile ago when I needed Endometrin. I was able to get 42 inserts of 100mg for like $400. Have you asked about an oral option?

mayflower513 · September 2018

@mbradfo2 I think the argument for suppositories is they’re inserted right near the uterus so they so they don’t have to get there via blood.

anared · September 2018

@mayflower513 thanks! that is what I ended up doing.

@suzycupcake Thats an amazing price. I wish I knew about that before. I already ordered my PIO- it was covered and I just had a copay.

@mbradfo2 thanks for the information! I ended up going with the PIO. I asked about ethyl oleate but the pharmacy I am going through only carries sesame oil. No known allergies so I should be ok, hopefully.

@roisis I have heard that IVF outside the U.S. doesn't use PIO. And it does sound like it will be quite an experience, but hopefully it will be worth it.

Want a personalized experience?

Crinone vs. PIO vs. Endometrin

Re: Crinone vs. PIO vs. Endometrin

Choose Another Board

Search Boards