Your patient wants Annovera — now help them actually get it

You've discussed the options, weighed the risks and benefits, and decided that Annovera (segesterone acetate and ethinyl estradiol vaginal system) is the right contraceptive for your patient. But here's the reality: writing the prescription is only half the battle.

Annovera is one of the most innovative contraceptives available — a single reusable vaginal ring that provides pregnancy prevention for up to one year. But its high retail cost ($2,670–$3,275), lack of generic competition, and limited pharmacy stocking mean your patients may struggle to fill it. That's where proactive provider support makes a real difference.

This guide gives you a practical, actionable workflow for helping patients access Annovera.

Current availability landscape

As of 2026:

• No FDA-listed shortage: Mayne Pharma continues manufacturing Annovera without interruption.
• Limited pharmacy stocking: Most chain pharmacies don't keep Annovera on the shelf due to its high unit cost and low fill volume.
• No generic available: Annovera remains a single-source brand product.
• Insurance variability: Coverage under ACA mandates is generally required, but some plans impose prior authorization or step therapy requirements.

For a detailed supply analysis, see our companion briefing: Annovera shortage: What providers and prescribers need to know in 2026.

Why patients can't find Annovera

Understanding the barriers helps you address them proactively:

• Cost-driven stocking decisions: Pharmacies avoid tying up $2,670+ in a single product with uncertain demand.
• Patient surprise: Many patients don't realize their pharmacy won't have it until they try to fill the prescription.
• Insurance delays: Prior authorization requirements can add days or weeks to the process.
• Limited awareness: Some pharmacists are unfamiliar with Annovera and may not know how to order it efficiently.

What providers can do: 5 actionable steps

Step 1: Identify reliable pharmacy partners

Don't send your patient out blindly. Identify 1–2 pharmacies in your area that reliably stock or can quickly order Annovera.

• Use Medfinder for Providers to search for pharmacies with Annovera in stock by zip code.
• Independent and specialty pharmacies — particularly those focused on women's health — are more likely to carry it.
• Build a short list of "Annovera-friendly" pharmacies and share it with patients at the point of prescribing.

Step 2: Submit prior authorization proactively

Don't wait for a pharmacy rejection. If you know the patient's plan requires PA for Annovera, initiate it at the time of prescribing.

Effective PA rationale includes:

• Year-long dosing improves adherence vs. monthly alternatives
• One of the lowest daily ethinyl estradiol doses available (0.013 mg/day)
• Patient-controlled, reversible, and procedure-free
• ACA mandates require coverage of at least one option per contraceptive delivery category

Step 3: Provide savings program information at the visit

Many patients don't know about the Annovera Patient Savings Program from Mayne Pharma. Share this before they leave your office:

• Insured patients: May pay as little as $0 with the copay savings card.
• How to enroll: Text RING to 60323 or visit annovera.com/savings-information.
• Limitation: Not available for government-insured patients (Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE).

For uninsured patients, discount cards from SingleCare or GoodRx may reduce the price to approximately $2,200. Direct patients to our cost guide: How to save money on Annovera.

Step 4: Set patient expectations

A brief conversation at the time of prescribing can prevent frustration:

• "Annovera is a specialty product — not every pharmacy stocks it. Here's a pharmacy that does."
• "If they need to order it, it usually takes 1–3 business days."
• "Here's the savings card information so you're not surprised by the price."

This takes less than a minute and dramatically improves the patient experience.

Step 5: Follow up on fill status

Consider building a brief follow-up step into your workflow — a staff member checking in 5–7 days after prescribing to confirm the patient was able to fill the prescription. This catches access problems before they become gaps in contraceptive coverage.

Alternatives to consider

If a patient cannot access Annovera despite your best efforts, these alternatives provide similar non-daily contraception:

• NuvaRing / Eluryng: Monthly vaginal ring. Eluryng (generic) is widely available at $30–$90/month.
• Xulane: Weekly contraceptive patch. Widely stocked, $150–$250/month without insurance.
• Twirla: Lower-dose weekly patch. BMI limitation (not recommended for BMI ≥30).

For a patient-facing comparison, share: Alternatives to Annovera if you can't fill your prescription.

Workflow tips for your practice

• Create a pharmacy reference card: Maintain a short list of local pharmacies that stock or can order Annovera. Update it quarterly.
• Bundle PA submission with prescribing: Integrate prior authorization into your EHR workflow at the time of the office visit.
• Stock savings program materials: Keep Annovera copay card information in your exam rooms or patient education materials.
• Educate front-desk and nursing staff: Ensure your team knows the basics so they can answer patient questions about finding and affording Annovera.
• Use Medfinder: Bookmark medfinder.com/providers for quick pharmacy stock lookups during patient visits.

Final thoughts

Annovera's access challenges are solvable at the practice level. Proactive pharmacy identification, early PA submission, savings program education, and clear patient expectations can make the difference between a prescription that gathers dust and one that gets filled.

Your patients chose a year-long, patient-controlled contraceptive — help them get it into their hands. Start with Medfinder for Providers and the Annovera savings program, and build Annovera access into your standard contraceptive counseling workflow.