Community Conversation => Transitioning => Hormone replacement therapy => Topic started by: turnet on July 06, 2010, 02:50:17 PM Return to Full Version

Title: Estro Injection cost (vs. pill?)
Post by: turnet on July 06, 2010, 02:50:17 PM
I am in the San Diego area and was written a prescription for Estradiol Valerate from my doc last week, and neglected to ask him about the cost, thinking it would be similar to pill form. My excitement about switching to injections after nearly year of pills turned to shock as I have gotten quotes of over $300 for a month's supply. Is this accurate???? Is is that much more for injections? Wow I hope I don't have to stay on pills. Currently on the $4 estro/spiro plan at Wal Mart ;)
Title: Re: Estro Injectible cost (vs pill?)
Post by: shanetastic on July 06, 2010, 02:58:20 PM
That seems a little steep

When I was on injectables I paid roughly $60 for 4-6 months worth.

Oral which I'm on now is roughly $15 a month. 
Title: Re: Estro Injection cost (vs. pill?)
Post by: Cindy Stephens on July 06, 2010, 06:39:52 PM
I take beta estradiol in oil and it isn't very expensive.  I get it from a compounding pharmacy , and I think it runs maybe 30 a month-tops with needles and syringes.  I seem to recall trying to run my first prescription through wallgreens to get the insurance (didn't work)and getting a shock like you.  try calling stroeheakers (877-252-9393)in Portland Ore and see if you can get a cheaper price-note I am not in Ore either-they ship.You may have to get your doc to send a script direct.  They have been very helpful when I had some questions, they are familiar with our issues, and that is why I recommended them.  If I have broken any TOS I apologize, please delete.  Oh, I also inject depoprovera (medroxyprogesterone) and that is pretty expensive-$60 a month.
Title: Re: Estro Injection cost (vs. pill?)
Post by: pamshaw on July 06, 2010, 06:47:38 PM
My estrogen shots are about $50/mo. I really like them and since they bypass the liver they are safer for us middle aged girls.

Pam
Title: Re: Estro Injection cost (vs. pill?)
Post by: Flan on July 06, 2010, 07:12:51 PM
about $90 a month for delestrogen (brand) here, although my insurance covers it (syringes and other supplies are couple bucks). generic should be cheaper
Title: Re: Estro Injection cost (vs. pill?)
Post by: Dale on July 06, 2010, 09:19:53 PM
Have your Doctors use Womens International Pharmacy is Madison, WI. Monthly shots of Estrogen and Progestrone are about $7-8 each
Title: Re: Estro Injection cost (vs. pill?)
Post by: Epigania on July 06, 2010, 10:28:17 PM
Have you looked at Costco?   Their Pharmacy has some of the lowest prices you'll find and they don't require a membership to use the Pharmacy.

You can search their Internet Pharmacy prices at this Link (http://www.costco.com/Pharmacy/frameset.asp?trg=HCFrame.asp&hcban=Banner.asp&hctar=finddrugs.asp&catid=678&fromscript=1&Article=pricing%20information&log=).

Title: Re: Estro Injection cost (vs. pill?)
Post by: turnet on July 07, 2010, 12:52:51 PM
Thanks to all for the helpful replies everyone :), turns out i was being a n00b as that hefty price i was quoted was for the equivalent of a 5-6 month supply (and shelling out $300 at once just kinda threw me off)

I've since found a pharm in San Diego that will sell a 2-month supply to the tune of about $80, so I'll be getting the first shot tomorrow afternoon 8)
Title: Re: Estro Injection cost (vs. pill?)
Post by: LynnER on July 07, 2010, 06:09:03 PM
Go to a compounding pharmacy that has a clean room for making injections... the cost is greatly reduced. Prepackaged Estrodiol shots are only made by one pharmaceutical company and they jacked the prices way up about 2 years ago.

I pay 15 dollars a week for my combined E and P shot.
Title: Re: Estro Injection cost (vs. pill?)
Post by: NDelible Gurl on July 09, 2010, 12:19:42 AM
What is a compounding pharmacy?  :embarrassed:
Title: Re: Estro Injection cost (vs. pill?)
Post by: LynnER on July 09, 2010, 12:23:36 AM
Compounding (also pharmaceutical compounding and compounding pharmacy) is the mixing of drugs by a pharmacist, physician, or veterinarian to fit the unique needs of a patient. This may be done for medically necessary reasons, such as to change the form of the medication from a solid pill to a liquid, to avoid a non-essential ingredient that the patient is allergic to, or to obtain the exact dose needed. It may also be done for voluntary reasons, such as adding favorite flavors to a medication.

Basically they custom mix and make your prescription for you instead of it being blended and mass produced by a pharmaceutical company.  Most don't have sterile rooms for mixing injectables though, so you have to look around.
Title: Re: Estro Injection cost (vs. pill?)
Post by: Naturally Blonde on July 09, 2010, 10:37:28 AM
I'd like to try injections but it's illegal in the U.K! even if I ordered it from overseas the GP's and NHS here wouldn't support me. I'm convinced injectable HRT would be better for me and need to try them. I've been on pills and patches for about 12 years and my physical feminine development is quite poor.
Title: Re: Estro Injection cost (vs. pill?)
Post by: pebbles on July 09, 2010, 10:49:12 AM
Quote from: Naturally Blonde on July 09, 2010, 10:37:28 AM
I'd like to try injections but it's illegal in the U.K! even if I ordered it from overseas the GP's and NHS here wouldn't support me. I'm convinced injectable HRT would be better for me and need to try them. I've been on pills and patches for about 12 years and my physical feminine development is quite poor.
No it's not, Just because the NHS are dicks doesn't mean it's illegal.
Title: Re: Estro Injection cost (vs. pill?)
Post by: pheonix on July 09, 2010, 11:22:17 AM
OP, be wary of Stroehekers, their prices are great but I know more people who have had allergic reactions (and this includes people who've no other allergies) to their formulation than those who have not.  If you take it and discover the injection site to be red, swollen and painful, it's likely a reaction which will get worse over time.  Usually by injection two walking becomes painful for a few days and by injection 3 it will last over a week.
Title: Re: Estro Injection cost (vs. pill?)
Post by: Bam on July 09, 2010, 11:52:49 AM
I do my own shots of Estrodial every three weeks,syringes are about 50c and the vial runs about $75 but lasts about 3mths or so here in Fl.
Title: Re: Estro Injection cost (vs. pill?)
Post by: turnet on July 09, 2010, 04:15:37 PM
Well I had to put it off until next Thursday, as I am going to hold out for the $180 vial (which is about 3 months worth for me) That seems to be the most economical 'local' option for me anyway. Super disappointed I couldn't start injections this week, but patience is a virtue I guess!

This leads to another question: What are your thoughts of taking Spiro via injection vs orally? I've been prescribed Spiro pills the last 8 mo., but have heard there is an inject-able option; Would consider it if more effective, and since I'm switching to the injectible estro next week anyway....Opinions? Experiences?
Title: Re: Estro Injection cost (vs. pill?)
Post by: Naturally Blonde on July 10, 2010, 01:16:30 AM
Quote from: pebbles on July 09, 2010, 10:49:12 AM
No it's not, Just because the NHS are dicks doesn't mean it's illegal.

Well I can't get injectables unless I order them from outside the U.K. and as I have an NHS GP, so they won't support me with any illegal activity. They claim injectables are not licensed in the U.K and they cannot be provided through the NHS in the U.K. I know the NHS are nothing but bad news and that they are completely biased against people with GD.

If you can find a way round it Pebbles I'm all ears?  PM me if  it's more appropriate.