Fertility Medication in the DMV
As the leading fertility treatment pharmacy in Northern Virginia, Hann’s Pharmacy has a long history of working with patients who are going through what can often be the long and emotional journey to parenthood. We understand that the fertility treatment process might be overwhelming, so we have focused our practice to provide our patients the best possible care and educate them on how to best administer their fertility medication safely and effectively.
What are the most common fertility medications?
Fertility medications vary according to the type of cycle a patient is undergoing, as well as their history and coexisting conditions such as endometriosis or polycystic ovarian syndrome.
Fertility medications can also change throughout the fertility treatment according to bloodwork results and ultrasounds. Some more common fertility medication names are Menopur, Gonal, and Follistim which stimulate follicle development. Ganirelix and Cetrotide may also be seen in a cycle to decrease the chances of premature ovulation. And then human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG) in the forms of Novarel or Pregnyl can be used to trigger ovulation when the timing is appropriate.
This is not a complete list of fertility medication options, there are many fertility medications that Hann’s Pharmacy can fill and help you understand how they work and how they apply to you. Hann’s Pharmacy is happy to take the time to discuss your personalized regimen as not every fertility treatment is the same.
Do I have to give fertility injections to myself?
Hann’s Pharmacy realizes that using a syringe might be frightening and possibly painful, and we also realize that using these fertility medications isn’t a one-time only event. While eventually, one might find that they can give themselves injections, Hann’s Pharmacy can connect you to travel nurses who can be available to assist with the fertility injections and/or who can assist you until you are comfortable with the process. Hann’s Pharmacy also has a digital library of fertility medication how-to videos. And let’s not forget the partners, family, and friends that may need assistance in learning how to give these injections, specifically the more likely intramuscular injections, that can be difficult for the patient to administer to themselves.
Do fertility injections hurt?
The most common fertility injections, as noted above, are subcutaneous, which require a very small needle to inject just under the skin, most commonly in the abdomen, upper thigh, or back of the arm. The injection process can cause discomfort, but it is relatively quick. Other fertility injections are intramuscular injections, meaning they require a longer needle to reach the muscle tissue. Suggestions for reducing possible pain include relaxation techniques, icing the site beforehand, and removing a fertility medication from refrigeration 15 minutes before injecting to lessen discomfort.
Is my fertility medication covered by insurance?
Hann’s Pharmacy prides itself on the knowledge our staff has about insurance coverage of fertility medications according to the type of cycles or procedures that are covered, which only comes with many years of experience in the fertility field. We encourage ALL orders to be sent to us so that we can assess the coverage, contact the necessary departments, and facilitate prior authorizations in a timely manner. A patient will hear from us immediately so that they don’t have to sit on phones to find their order. And if Hann’s is not the pharmacy your insurance requires for coverage, we will get it to that pharmacy, communicate this to you and your doctor, and then follow up to make sure it is being filled. Hann’s wants to help every patient regardless of whether we fill the order, and this is what sets us apart from the competition.
How long does it take for my fertility medications to work?
The effectiveness and timeline of fertility medications depend on many factors, all of which your doctor will explain to you thoroughly and specific to your situation. There are guidelines for the approximate duration of use of your medications that the pharmacists at Hann’s can discuss with you. However, bloodwork and sonograms are the determining factors as they can tell the doctors whether follicle stimulation is completed and if ovulation is ready to occur. The important thing to remember is to follow the steps instructed to you by both your doctor and your pharmacists at Hann’s Pharmacy.
Where can I get the syringes and needles needed for my fertility injections?
Hann’s Pharmacy provides free syringes and needles for all fertility injections. We label them carefully so that you will know which to use with which fertility medication, and the prescribed schedule. In addition, we provide you with alcohol wipes to disinfect the injection site, as well as a disposable container for the syringes and needles post-use. Please remember that syringes and needles should never be used more than once and should be disposed of properly as directed by your local ordinances.
Fertility Medication Pharmacy in Fairfax, VA
Your fertility health is of utmost importance to all of us at Hann’s Pharmacy. Never hesitate to ask questions of our professionals, as we are dedicated to your fertility journey for the duration. Please email us at info@hannspharmacy.com or call/text 703-495-3350 to speak to one of our pharmacists.