Provider Briefing: Crinone Availability in 2026

For reproductive endocrinologists, OB/GYNs, and other prescribers, patient access to Crinone (Progesterone vaginal gel, 4% and 8%) remains a recurring concern. While Crinone is not currently listed on the FDA Drug Shortage database, clinicians regularly hear from patients who cannot fill their prescriptions at retail pharmacies.

This briefing covers the current supply landscape, clinical implications for prescribing, cost considerations, and practical tools to help your patients access this medication.

Supply Timeline and Current Status

Crinone, manufactured by Merck Serono, has maintained relatively stable manufacturing output. Unlike oral Progesterone capsules and some compounded formulations that have experienced intermittent supply disruptions, Crinone vaginal gel has not been subject to FDA-reported shortages.

However, the practical reality is different from the official status:

• Retail pharmacy stocking gaps: Major chain pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid) frequently do not carry Crinone due to low prescription volume relative to their general inventory. Patients calling these pharmacies are often told the product is "unavailable" or "on backorder," which can be mistaken for a supply shortage.
• Specialty pharmacy concentration: The majority of Crinone dispensing occurs through specialty and fertility-focused pharmacies, creating a distribution pattern that doesn't align with where many patients expect to fill prescriptions.
• Insurance-driven access barriers: Many insurance formularies restrict Crinone to specific specialty pharmacy networks, further limiting fill options even when stock exists at other locations.

Prescribing Implications

The stocking and access challenges around Crinone have several implications for clinical practice:

Treatment Timing Sensitivity

In ART protocols, Progesterone supplementation must begin at precisely the right time — typically the day of or the day after oocyte retrieval, or on a specific day during FET preparation. Delays in filling a Crinone prescription can directly impact cycle outcomes. Proactive prescribing — sending prescriptions to pharmacies well in advance of the needed start date — is essential.

Formulary and Prior Authorization Considerations

Many payers require prior authorization for Crinone, particularly when prescribed for ART (which is not universally covered). Key considerations:

• States with fertility insurance mandates generally provide better coverage, but requirements vary significantly.
• Step therapy protocols may require documentation of failure or intolerance of oral Progesterone before approving vaginal formulations.
• Appeals processes can take days — too long for many time-sensitive fertility protocols.

Generic Availability

Generic Progesterone vaginal gel is available but inconsistently stocked. When prescribing, specifying "DAW" (Dispense As Written) for brand Crinone may limit fill options, while allowing generic substitution can improve access. Discuss with patients whether brand-name Crinone is clinically necessary for their situation.

Current Availability Picture

Based on 2026 data, Crinone availability breaks down roughly as follows:

• Specialty IVF pharmacies: Generally well-stocked; many offer competitive pricing ($65-$100 for 15 applicators of Crinone 8%)
• Independent pharmacies: Variable — some carry it, many can special-order within 24-48 hours
• Major chain pharmacies: Low availability; most do not stock routinely
• Mail-order specialty pharmacies: Generally available with 1-3 day shipping

Cost and Access Landscape

Crinone pricing varies dramatically by dispensing channel:

• Retail cash price: $450-$700 for 15 applicators (Crinone 8%)
• GoodRx/discount cards: ~$453 for 15 applicators
• Specialty IVF pharmacies: $65-$100 for 15 applicators
• Patient assistance programs: ~$80/month through The Rx Advocates and similar services

For patients without fertility coverage, the cost differential between retail and specialty channels is substantial. Directing patients to specialty pharmacies can save them $400-$600 per prescription fill.

Alternative Progesterone Products — Comparative Overview

When Crinone access is problematic, consider these alternatives:

• Endometrin (Progesterone vaginal inserts, 100 mg): FDA-approved for ART luteal phase support. Dosed 2-3x daily. Similar efficacy profile. Cost: $400-$700/month at retail.
• Prometrium (Micronized Progesterone capsules, 100-200 mg): FDA-approved for amenorrhea and endometrial hyperplasia prevention. Widely used vaginally off-label for luteal phase support. Significantly lower cost: $12-$30 with coupon. Contains peanut oil (allergy consideration).
• Progesterone in Oil (IM injection, 50 mg/mL): Gold-standard for IVF luteal support. Some data suggesting superior outcomes in FET. Cost: $20-$50/vial. Patient compliance limited by injection discomfort.
• Compounded Progesterone suppositories: Custom-dosed. Not FDA-approved. Quality varies. Often used when commercial products are unavailable.

Tools and Resources for Your Practice

Several tools can help streamline medication access for your patients:

• Medfinder for Providers: Real-time pharmacy availability search. Helps patients locate Crinone in stock near them without calling multiple pharmacies.
• Specialty pharmacy partnerships: Establishing relationships with 2-3 specialty IVF pharmacies ensures reliable access and often better pricing for patients.
• Prior authorization templates: Pre-built PA templates specific to Progesterone products can reduce turnaround time and approval rates.
• Patient education materials: Direct patients to resources like how to find Crinone in stock and how to save money on Crinone.

Looking Ahead

The fertility medication landscape continues to evolve. Key trends to watch:

• Expanding fertility mandates: More states are considering or implementing fertility insurance coverage requirements, which may improve Crinone access and reduce out-of-pocket costs for patients.
• Generic competition: Increased generic Progesterone gel availability could improve access and drive down costs.
• Telehealth integration: Telehealth-enabled fertility consultations paired with specialty pharmacy networks may streamline the prescribing-to-dispensing pathway.

Final Thoughts

While Crinone is not in a formal shortage, practical access barriers persist for many patients. Proactive prescribing, familiarity with alternative Progesterone formulations, and leveraging tools like Medfinder for Providers can significantly improve your patients' experience and treatment continuity.

For the patient-facing version of this update, see our Crinone shortage update for patients. For guidance on helping patients navigate costs, see our provider's guide to helping patients save on Crinone.