A provider's guide to helping patients reduce Crinone costs. Covers savings programs, discount cards, generic options, and cost conversation strategies.
For patients undergoing IVF or ART procedures, Crinone (Progesterone vaginal gel 8%) is a cornerstone of luteal phase support. But for many patients, the cost of Crinone is a significant barrier to adherence — and by extension, to treatment success.
A box of 15 applicators of Crinone 8% can cost $450 to $700 at retail pharmacies without insurance. For a standard IVF protocol requiring 10 to 12 weeks of daily use, patients may need 4 to 6 boxes, pushing total out-of-pocket costs into the $1,800 to $4,200 range — on top of the already substantial costs of the IVF cycle itself.
As a provider, you're in a unique position to help patients navigate the cost landscape. This guide covers the savings programs, strategies, and alternatives you can recommend to keep progesterone support affordable and adherence high.
Understanding the cost landscape helps you have informed conversations with patients:
Insurance coverage for Crinone is a patchwork. Key factors that affect coverage:
Unlike many brand-name medications, Crinone does not have a widely advertised manufacturer copay card or patient savings program. Merck Serono (the manufacturer) has not maintained a prominent direct-to-patient savings initiative for Crinone in recent years.
However, there are a few avenues worth exploring:
Prescription discount cards can offer meaningful savings on Crinone, especially for uninsured or underinsured patients:
Discount cards negotiate rates with pharmacies that are lower than the standard cash price. They are free to use and are accepted at most major pharmacy chains. They cannot be combined with insurance copays — they're an alternative to insurance, not a supplement.
Discount card pricing for Crinone at retail pharmacies still tends to be significantly higher than specialty IVF pharmacy pricing. A discount card might bring the retail price down from $600 to $400, but a specialty pharmacy may offer it for $65–$100. Always compare both options before recommending a specific path to patients.
When Crinone is unaffordable or unavailable, several alternatives can provide equivalent progesterone support:
A generic equivalent of Crinone is available, typically priced at $200–$400 for 15 applicators. While less expensive than brand-name Crinone, it's still more costly than some alternatives. Availability varies by pharmacy.
Endometrin is an FDA-approved vaginal progesterone insert for ART luteal phase support. It's dosed 2–3 times daily (vs. Crinone's once-daily dosing), which some patients find less convenient. However, it may be more readily available and differently priced depending on the patient's insurance formulary.
Intramuscular PIO injections are the most cost-effective progesterone option, often available for $30–$80 per vial (each vial lasts approximately 10–14 days). The trade-off is patient comfort — daily IM injections are painful and can cause injection site reactions. For cost-sensitive patients who can tolerate injections, PIO is a viable alternative.
Compounding pharmacies can prepare vaginal progesterone suppositories at various doses, typically for $1–$3 per suppository. While not FDA-approved, compounded suppositories are widely used in reproductive medicine. Ensure patients use a reputable, accredited compounding pharmacy (PCAB-accredited preferred).
Some providers prescribe Prometrium capsules for vaginal insertion (off-label). At $30–$100 for a 30-day supply, this is one of the most affordable progesterone options. Generic oral micronized progesterone is widely available.
For a comprehensive overview of alternatives, direct patients to our guide on alternatives to Crinone.
If there's one recommendation that can make the biggest difference for your patients' wallets, it's this: direct them to a specialty IVF pharmacy.
Specialty fertility pharmacies consistently offer Crinone at a fraction of retail prices — often $65–$100 for 15 applicators compared to $450–$700 at retail. These pharmacies specialize in fertility medications and often provide:
Consider establishing a relationship with one or more specialty pharmacies and including their contact information in your patient intake materials. Many fertility clinics have a preferred specialty pharmacy — if yours doesn't, it may be worth setting one up.
Cost conversations don't need to be awkward or time-consuming. Here are practical ways to integrate them into your practice:
If a patient misses doses or reports difficulty filling their prescription, ask about cost. Many patients won't volunteer that they can't afford their medication. A simple question — "Are you having any trouble affording or finding Crinone?" — can open the door to solutions.
Train your medical assistants, nurses, and IVF coordinators to:
Medication cost should never be the reason a patient's IVF cycle fails. By proactively addressing Crinone pricing, directing patients to specialty pharmacies, and having alternatives ready when cost is a barrier, you can help ensure that progesterone adherence — and treatment outcomes — remain strong.
For real-time Crinone availability and pricing tools for your practice, visit Medfinder for Providers. For patient-facing resources on finding and affording Crinone, share our guides on saving money on Crinone and finding Crinone in stock.
You focus on staying healthy. We'll handle the rest.
Try Medfinder Concierge FreeMedfinder's mission is to ensure every patient gets access to the medications they need. We believe this begins with trustworthy information. Our core values guide everything we do, including the standards that shape the accuracy, transparency, and quality of our content. We’re committed to delivering information that’s evidence-based, regularly updated, and easy to understand. For more details on our editorial process, see here.
%2C%20Color%3DOriginal.png)
