IVF medications typically cost $3,000–$7,000 per cycle, with an average around $5,000. The biggest cost drivers are injectable gonadotropins (Gonal-F, Follistim, Menopur), which account for 60–70% of the medication bill. TrumpRx, specialty pharmacies, manufacturer programs, and international treatment can reduce medication costs by 30–84%.
- Injectable gonadotropins are the most expensive IVF medications, ranging from $2,000–$5,000 depending on dose and protocol
- TrumpRx.gov (launched February 2026) offers Gonal-F, Ovidrel, and Cetrotide at up to 84% off retail — but not all IVF medications are included
- Specialty pharmacies (Freedom Fertility, Encompass, Alto) consistently beat retail pharmacy pricing and may offer additional savings programs
- Costco’s fertility care partnership (launched March 2026) can reduce Follistim from approximately $1,268 to around $300
- IVF abroad (Colombia, Czech Republic, Spain) often includes medications in the cycle fee, eliminating this cost category entirely
What Medications You’ll Take and What They Cost
A standard IVF cycle involves multiple medications across several phases. Here’s what to expect:
Ovarian Stimulation (8–14 days)
| Medication | Purpose | Retail Cost | With Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gonal-F (follitropin alfa) | Stimulate follicle growth | $500–$900 per 900 IU pen | $80–$150 via TrumpRx |
| Follistim (follitropin beta) | Stimulate follicle growth | $1,000–$1,268 per 900 IU | ~$300 via Costco |
| Menopur (menotropins) | FSH + LH stimulation | $85–$110 per vial | $65–$85 specialty pharmacy |
| Cetrotide or Ganirelix | Prevent premature ovulation | $250–$500 per kit | $40–$80 via TrumpRx (Cetrotide) |
A typical stimulation protocol requires 2–4 pens/vials of gonadotropins plus 4–6 doses of antagonist. Total stimulation medication cost: $2,000–$5,000 at retail, $800–$2,000 with savings programs.
Trigger Shot
| Medication | Retail Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ovidrel (choriogonadotropin alfa) | $200–$350 | Covered by TrumpRx (~$35) |
| Pregnyl (hCG) | $100–$200 | Generic option available |
| Lupron (leuprolide) trigger | $50–$150 | Used in OHSS-risk patients |
Luteal Support / FET Medications
| Medication | Retail Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Progesterone in oil (PIO) | $30–$80 per vial | 8–12 weeks if pregnant |
| Endometrin (progesterone vaginal insert) | $500–$800 per month | Alternative to PIO |
| Estrace (estradiol) | $30–$60 per month | FET lining preparation |
| Vivelle patches (estradiol) | $80–$150 per box | Alternative to oral estradiol |
How to Reduce Your Medication Costs
The TrumpRx government drug portal, launched February 2026, negotiated lower prices for several IVF medications. Gonal-F, Ovidrel, and Cetrotide are available at up to 84% off retail. However, not all IVF medications are included (Follistim, Menopur, and most progesterone formulations are not on the platform as of mid-2026). For a step-by-step guide, see our TrumpRx for IVF guide.
Specialty Pharmacies
Never fill IVF prescriptions at a retail pharmacy. Specialty pharmacies consistently offer 20–40% savings plus additional benefits:
- Freedom Fertility Pharmacy: Price matching, compassionate care program for qualifying patients
- Encompass Fertility: Multi-cycle discount programs
- Alto Pharmacy: Same-day delivery in select cities, insurance navigation
- MDR Pharmacy: Compounding pharmacy that can custom-formulate some medications at lower cost
Manufacturer Savings Programs
- EMD Serono (Gonal-F): Compassionate Care program for qualifying patients; multi-vial discounts
- Organon (Follistim): Savings card for commercially insured patients
- Ferring (Menopur): HEART program offering discounts for qualifying patients
Costco Fertility Partnership
Costco’s 2026 partnership with Sesame and IVI RMA offers Follistim at roughly $300 (compared to $1,268+ retail). This requires a Costco membership ($65/year) and access to a participating clinic. The savings on a single cycle of Follistim can exceed $2,000.
International Treatment
At many international fertility clinics, medications are included in the cycle fee. In Colombia, for example, a full IVF cycle including all medications typically costs $3,500–$8,500 total — less than the cost of medications alone in the US.
Before filling any prescription, call at least two specialty pharmacies and check TrumpRx for each medication on your list. Prices vary significantly between pharmacies, and your clinic’s “preferred pharmacy” may not be the cheapest option. This single step can save $500–$2,000 per cycle.