Estradiol Valerate - Injectable

[Raina Selone]

Has anyone been able to get injectable estrogen from any of the larger pharmacies (i.e. CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, et cetera)? I would soooo much prefer to get injections than pills but my pharmacy doesn't carry the injectable.

Also, do I have to buy my own sterile needles? Or are they included? How does the purchasing of the stuff work? I feel so unprepared! I just got back from my first endo appointment today and they gave me the pills, but said if I could find someplace that could fill an injectable order, they'd be happy to switch me over.

[TinaVane]

Has anyone been able to get injectable estrogen from any of the larger pharmacies (i.e. CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, et cetera)? I would soooo much prefer to get injections than pills but my pharmacy doesn't carry the injectable.

Also, do I have to buy my own sterile needles? Or are they included? How does the purchasing of the stuff work? I feel so unprepared! I just got back from my first endo appointment today and they gave me the pills, but said if I could find someplace that could fill an injectable order, they'd be happy to switch me over.

Does not carry them or out of stock and/or its a shortage where they can't special order it (->-bleeped-<- said 20mg is on backorder , the rest no )


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[JillianC]

My Walgreens is able to special order it for me.  You have to purchase syringes separately, the ones I have gotten were the syringe with the draw needle attached and a separate smaller needle for injection.  don't forget alcohol wipes.

[SadieBlake]

CVS had to order it for me and mostly due to stupidity on the part of my insurance coverage it took a week for them to get it in (should have been just a couple of days). However that was just the first one and refills have been straightforward.  On my prior plan the doc sourced it thru a specialty pharmacy that always has it in the shelf. Honestly that was easier for me but that pharmacy is all the way across town so CVS is the LCD.

Needles and syringes will be a separate prescription and you will need to change the needle from one suitable for extracting the med from the vial (19-21 ga would be typical) to a smaller gauge suitable for intramuscular or subcutaneous injection. *** You will want a nurse to train you in how to do the whole thing ***

Going by prescription that cost me more than the drug itself (10 needles, 10 syringes each a $10 copay). So now I order in bulk from an online medical supply. 100 of both ran me $31 at allegro medical and I've seen other women give similar numbers for product + shipping from other places.

[jill610]

My local CVS is showing back order with no ETA. Caremark mail order was able to get it to me but at double the in store cost which seems really backwards for the same 5ml vial.

Syringes and needles are separate.  Cost me $11 for 26 of each (I'm Bi-Weekly for now, going to weekly at half the dose), completely out of pocket. Alcohol swabs I got on amazon for like $8 for 400 or something like that. Pharmacy was much much higher.

Don't forget to get something to put the used needles in.


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[Jessica Lynne]

Go to goodrx.com and put your drug requirement in. It will bring up the places that have orcan order the drugs in your area with prices. Presently, I get mine from Hy-Vee but it can be had at any number of places. Be prepared. 5 ml of valerate is generally about 45 dollars in 20 mg. Strengthes and 70 dollars in 40 mg. Strengths. I use cypionate and 5 ml. Is 105 dollars. Both are certainly more pricey than pills. If you have no problems with tolerating pills and get your levels where your endo wants, it is without a doubt the most economical route. Good luck!

[Pisces228]

I'm a pharmacy technician at one of the big three pharmacies in America.  Injectable generic estradiol is available in generic only and you have to buy syringes separate. 

[KarynMcD]

My local CVS is showing back order with no ETA.

I'm having problems getting it from Walgreens.
On backorder for over a month.

[Kendra]

My endocrinologist knows I work in the software industry, maybe that's why I'm on a patch. 

Raina, thank you for joining Susan's and for posting.  As your first post I'll add information we provide to new members.  When you get a chance, would be great if you could introduce yourself in the introductions forum - we would all like to meet you!

Things that you should read

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All the best,

Kendra

[Susan]

Has anyone been able to get injectable estrogen from any of the larger pharmacies (i.e. CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, et cetera)? I would soooo much prefer to get injections than pills but my pharmacy doesn't carry the injectable.

Also, do I have to buy my own sterile needles? Or are they included? How does the purchasing of the stuff work? I feel so unprepared! I just got back from my first endo appointment today and they gave me the pills, but said if I could find someplace that could fill an injectable order, they'd be happy to switch me over.

The needles are cheap around 25 cents each. Make sure you buy a sharps container as well, you should be able to buy one at your local pharmacy.

[Pisces228]

I'm having problems getting it from Walgreens.
On backorder for over a month.

hmm that's odd.  I checked the vendor website at my no-name big pharmacy chain I work at before my drs appointment in November and it said it was available (ended up sticking with pills anyway).  Perhaps it was depleted since it is still a somewhat limited supply.

[Pisces228]

The needles are cheap around 25 cents each. Make sure you buy a sharps container as well, you should be able to buy one at your local pharmacy.

Just remember you can't return the full container back to the pharmacy for disposal.  You usually mail it off in the box it came in.

[Raina Selone]

My endocrinologist knows I work in the software industry, maybe that's why I'm on a patch. 

Raina, thank you for joining Susan's and for posting.  As your first post I'll add information we provide to new members.  When you get a chance, would be great if you could introduce yourself in the introductions forum - we would all like to meet you!

Things that you should read

Site Terms of Service & Rules to Live By	Standard Terms & Definitions	Post Ranks (including when you can upload an avatar)
Reputation rules	Cautionary Note	Photo, avatars, & signature images policy

All the best,

Kendra

OK, your joke made me laugh. That was a nice one, but a bit too much for a byte.

[LexiDreamer]

So I called my local Rite Aid and generic Estradiol Valerate is indeed on backorder. They said the brand name is available though.
I called my primary and they said it's very hard to get insurance to pay for brand name meds. But their own pharmacy says the generic will be available mid December.
I have enough doses to get me to the end of December, bit I hope they're right about it being in stock again soon. I don't like the idea of cutting it this close.

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[Jessica Lynne]

So I called my local Rite Aid and generic Estradiol Valerate is indeed on backorder. They said the brand name is available though.
I called my primary and they said it's very hard to get insurance to pay for brand name meds. But their own pharmacy says the generic will be available mid December.
I have enough doses to get me to the end of December, bit I hope they're right about it being in stock again soon. I don't like the idea of cutting it this close.

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So weird. Delestrogen is ridiculously expensive from the manufacturer. I wonder where these shortages are originating from?

[LexiDreamer]

Honestly, I really think it's a result of so many Transwomen coming out and starting HRT.
Both my therapist and my primary have indicated that the number of transgender folks contacting them has skyrocketed.
I think (in the US at least), people are just becoming more comfortable with it and it has a positive feedback effect.
The more trans folk that are "out" and being noticed, the more the closet trans folk realize it's ok to come out.

I don't think the pharmaceutical companies ever anticipated the demand for a somewhat niche drug increasing as fast as it is.

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[SadieBlake]

The prior shortage, about a year ago was due to a manufacturing problem with the producer of the castor oil that it's diluted in and it affected both brand name delestrogen and the Perrigo generic because they both sourced the oil from the same supplier.

As far as I know there are no problems with 40mg/ml concentration, however the more widely used 20mg concentration is in shortage. FDA has no reason for shortage posted right now.

[KarynMcD]

I have a feeling that a component part might be manufactured in Puerto Rico and with the devastation from the hurricanes this year they might not be making a lot of it.

[mako9802]

Just placed an order on 11/29/2017 from Walgreens...delayed...1 day and counting.....

[Jessica Lynne]

The prior shortage, about a year ago was due to a manufacturing problem with the producer of the castor oil that it's diluted in and it affected both brand name delestrogen and the Perrigo generic because they both sourced the oil from the same supplier.

As far as I know there are no problems with 40mg/ml concentration, however the more widely used 20mg concentration is in shortage. FDA has no reason for shortage posted right now.

Yes. I've found no indication of lack regarding the 40 mg. solution. Fortunately, I'm using depo and have found no problems in the supply line. I'm sure it will iron out and if Lexi is correct in her assertions then it should rectify itself in short order. Let's be frank, there's no shortage of wild yams, so this has to be either unanticipated demand with the manufacturer unaware, or something else is at play. Given the present politics, a wild guess could take you down any number of rabbit holes.