In-vitro fertilization (IVF) is a way for you to grow your family. IVF requires medication as it consists of a series of procedures can lead to a pregnancy.
Knowing the list of IVF medications used can give you an idea of their utility, cost and side effects, helping you determine if it’s a viable path to parenthood for you.
Contact us online to be connected with fertility clinics that can give you an in-depth look at the IVF medications used at their practice. To learn more about how to keep track of your IVF medication schedule, check out this resource.
This article will take a general look at IVF medications, from the side effects that come with them to their cost and impact on the journey.
IVF Medications List
IVF medications all have a purpose, from helping stimulate the ovaries to supporting the luteal phase. Some of the most common IVF medications used during the process include:
Clomiphene
Clomiphene is prescribed to induce ovulation in women who do not produce eggs but wish to become pregnant.
It’s a tablet taken by mouth that works similar to estrogen by increasing the levels of certain hormones that help trigger ovulation. Clomiphene is typically taken once a day for five days or around day five of the cycle.
Brand names of Clomiphene in the U.S. that might be more recognizable are Clomid and Serophene.
Gonadotropins
When it comes to IVF, gonadotropin medications stimulate the ovaries. This results in the ovaries producing multiple follicles which hold the eggs during an IVF cycle.
Gonadotropins are three hormones, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), that are produced naturally in your body.
LH and FSH are produced in the pituitary gland and hCG is produced by the cells of the placenta during pregnancy.
Gonadotropin IVF medications are synthetic forms of these hormones and those that are commonly used and prescribed include:
Gonal-f (FSH) Follistim (FSH) Menopur (FSH, LH) Repronex (FSH, LH) Pregnyl (hCG) Ovidrel (hCG) Profasi (hCG)
GnRH Agonists
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is naturally produced by your body too.
GnRH agonists are synthetic forms of GnRH, these IVF medications stimulate the pituitary gland to release any stored gonadotropins before stopping the production of any new gonadotropins.
Stopping new gonadotropins from being produced helps control the development of eggs during IVF while also stopping premature ovulation from occurring.
Common forms of GnRH agonists are:
- Lupron
- Synarel
- Suprecur
- Zoladex
GnRH Antagonists
GnRH antagonists are also synthetic IVF medications and a form of GnRH that stops premature ovulation. Stopping premature ovulation is important for IVF because timing matters and GnRH’s help ensure the most eggs can be retrieved.
Examples of common GnRH antagonists include:
- Antagon
- Ganirelix
- Orgalutran
- Cetrotide
Progesterone
Progesterone is a hormone that helps prepare the uterine lining for implantation.
Normally, progesterone is produced by the ovaries in the middle of a menstrual cycle during ovulation.
Because of those IVF medications listed above that help stop premature ovulation, you may be prescribed progesterone supplements to help the embryo implant.
These progesterone supplements can come in different forms such as:
Endometrin suppositories Crinone gel Prometrium tablets Injectable progesterone in oil
Whether you are looking for a reputable fertility clinic that can give you more insight to the medications they use or just want to know more about your options if infertility stands in the way of you and your dreams of becoming a parent get in touch with us today to get the support you deserve.
Side Effects of IVF Medications
Utilizing IVF opens the door for you to be able to experience parenthood.
If it is right for you, you should be aware of the risks that come when taking any medications. IVF medications have common side effects such as:
- Mild soreness or bruising at the site of injections
- Nausea
- Breast tenderness
- Increased vaginal dryness
- Mood swings
- Fatigue
And although the procedures and IVF medications used are tried and true, here are some potentially serious side effects to be aware of:
OHSS is the body’s response to excess hormones. It causes the ovaries to swell and become painful and while typically mild, severe symptoms may require hospitalization. Multiple pregnancies are more likely to occur as a result of IVF and increase the chance of preterm labor or delivery. This can result in health issues for the baby as well as the birth mother. An ectopic pregnancy means the embryo has implanted but not in the uterine lining. Ectopic pregnancies only happen as a result of IVF 2-5% of the time but it requires medication to end the pregnancy or surgery to remove it. Possible symptoms include sharp, stabbing pain, vaginal spotting or bleeding, low back pain, low blood pressure and dizziness or fainting. Egg retrieval can result in bleeding, infection and or damage to the bowel, bladder or blood vessel. This comes from the needle used to retrieve the eggs and although mild bleeding or spotting is normal, excessive or long-term bleeding is cause to contact your doctor. Severe cases can even require hospitalization. Allergic reactions to IVF usually revolve around the site of the injection for any necessary medications. Itchiness and redness are common symptoms but still should result in a discussion with your doctor for how to proceed.
IVF Medication Price List
Cost is a common concern for those looking at different avenues to growing their family.
IVF medication prices can change depending on clinic location, treatment protocols and your specific needs but GoodRx released this article in 2024 that cited the average cost of one IVF cycle at $15,000-$30,000.
Those costs can be impacted by your insurance coverage and if IVF is right for your situation, be sure to clarify beforehand what costs your insurance will cover.
Medications to Suppress Ovulation Cost (Doses Per Package) Lupron $868 (multiple doses) Cetrotide $349 (single dose) Ganirelix $360 (single dose)
Medications to Stimulate Egg Growth Cost (Doses Per Package) Gonal-F $2,274 (multiple doses) Follistim $1,050 (multiple doses) Menopur $1,580 (multiple doses)
Medications to Trigger Egg Release Cost (Doses Per Package) Pregnyl $172 (single dose) Ovidrel $293 (single dose)
If cost is a concern for you for IVF medications, your insurance may cover some of those costs. If surrogacy could be right for your circumstances, fill out our online contact form to learn more IVF medications and insurance coverage for their cost.