Why Fertility Medications Are So Much Cheaper Abroad

Gonal-F is $1000 more expensive in the US

A single Gonal-F pen (900 IU) costs over $1,000 in the U.S., but just $250 in Spain for the exact same drug. Literally the same formula. Same manufacturer. Same efficacy. The only real difference? One has some Spanish words on the box (in addition to English).

But Why Is This the Case?

Fertility medications in the U.S. are notoriously expensive—sometimes making up half the total cost of an IVF cycle.

In many cases, meds alone can run $4,000–$6,000 per cycle. But abroad? The same drugs are available for 50–75% less.

Let’s break down why — and how you can access these savings without cutting corners.

What Are Fertility Medications Used For?

Before egg retrieval or embryo transfer, patients follow a carefully timed protocol of medications that:

• Stimulate the ovaries

• Prevent premature ovulation

• Trigger ovulation

• Support the uterine lining

Here are the key medications:

• Menopur – stimulates multiple follicles

• Gonal-F or Follistim – FSH stimulation

• Cetrotide or Ganirelix – prevents premature ovulation

• Ovidrel or Lupron – triggers ovulation

• Progesterone – supports implantation

They’re essential — and they’re a major cost driver.

U.S. vs. Abroad: Real Price Comparisons

Here’s how prices typically compare:

Note: Prices reflect average retail or clinic-direct rates. U.S. prices are often inflated due to insurance, middlemen, and markups.

Why the Huge Price Difference?

1. No Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs):
In the U.S., PBMs sit between drug manufacturers and pharmacies, adding opaque layers of cost.

2. Government Price Negotiation:
Countries like Spain, Turkey, and Colombia regulate medication pricing — negotiating directly with manufacturers to keep costs down.

3. Clinic-Direct Sales:
Many international clinics provide meds through in-house or partner pharmacies — without the extra U.S. overhead.

4. Fewer Middlemen:
In short: less red tape, less markup.

Are These Medications Safe?

Yes. Nearly all of them are manufactured by the same companies that supply U.S. pharmacies — Merck, Ferring, EMD Serono — with identical formulations. You may see different packaging or localized branding, but the active ingredients are the same.

Can U.S. Patients Actually Access These Prices?

Yes. Under the FDA’s “personal importation” policy, U.S. patients are allowed to bring in up to a 90-day supply of prescription medication for personal use — as long as they have a valid prescription.

Many of the patients we support choose to purchase their medications from trusted pharmacies abroad, where the savings can be significant. We help make that process easier by:

• Coordinating prescriptions with your physician

• Connecting you with reliable, licensed pharmacies abroad

• Guiding you through timing, documentation, and logistics

We don’t dispense or ship medication ourselves — but we’re here to help you navigate it safely and confidently.

Final Thoughts

If you’re paying $4,000+ for fertility medications in the U.S., you deserve to know there’s a better option. With access to trusted pharmacies abroad and personalized support throughout your care journey, Origin Fertility helps make IVF more affordable — without compromising safety or quality.

Curious what your savings could look like?

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