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In Ontario, Canada, there are several options available for individuals and couples seeking fertility treatment. Some of the most common treatments include in vitro fertilization (IVF), intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), and artificial insemination.
The Ontario government provides some funding for fertility treatments through the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP), but coverage is limited. OHIP covers the cost of one cycle of IVF for patients who meet certain criteria, such as being under the age of 43 and having a certain number of failed previous attempts at pregnancy.
In addition to OHIP, there are also private clinics and hospitals in Ontario that offer fertility treatments at a cost. Some private clinics also offer additional treatments not covered by OHIP, such as egg freezing and genetic testing.
It’s also worth noting that in Ontario the funding for fertility treatments does not cover the use of donor eggs, sperm or embryo and those are provided at a cost.
It is strongly recommended that anyone considering fertility treatment consult with a healthcare professional, such as a fertility specialist, to discuss their options and determine the best course of action. They also recommend consulting with a financial specialist to have an idea of the cost and what options are available.
Fertility medication pharmacy in Ontario
In Ontario, fertility drugs, such as those used in IVF and other assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments, are typically prescribed by a fertility specialist or a reproductive endocrinologist and can be filled at Optimum pharmacy.
It’s worth noting that not all pharmacies carry the full range of fertility medications and may need to order certain drugs, so it is important to confirm with the pharmacy in advance if they carry the medication you need.
When filling a prescription for fertility medication, it is important to check with your health insurance provider to see what medications are covered under your plan. Some insurance plans may cover the cost of the medication, while others may require you to pay for it out of pocket.
If you’re not covered by insurance or if you have a high-deductible health plan, you can check with Optimum pharmacy for information about any discounts that may be available.
In addition to the medication, you should also discuss with your pharmacist any possible side effects or interactions with other medications you are taking, and any specific storage or administration instructions.
It is always best to reach out to our pharmacist at Optimum Pharmacy to make sure that everything is in order, also they can guide you with the cost and insurance coverage.
Direct billing fertility medications in Toronto
In Toronto, some specialty pharmacies like Optimum Pharmacy offer direct billing for fertility drugs, which allows patients to have their medications billed directly to their insurance provider rather than paying out of pocket and then seeking reimbursement.
This can be a convenient option for patients as it eliminates the need for them to submit claims and paperwork to their insurance provider. Direct billing is usually done through the electronic submission of claims, and pharmacy will handle the process on the patient’s behalf.
However, not all insurance providers offer direct billing and pharmacy may only offer direct billing for certain plans, so it’s a good idea to confirm in advance if this option is available and whether your insurance plan is covered.
chances of getting pregnant with fertility medication
The chances of getting pregnant with fertility drugs can vary depending on a number of factors, including the individual’s age, the cause of infertility, and the specific fertility treatment being used.
Fertility medication, such as those used in ovulation induction or in conjunction with in-vitro fertilization (IVF), can help to stimulate the ovaries and increase the number of eggs that are produced. This can increase the chances of a successful pregnancy.
However, it is important to note that fertility medication does not guarantee a pregnancy.
For example, for women who are taking ovulation induction medication to stimulate ovulation, the chance of pregnancy per cycle is about 15-20%. For women undergoing IVF, the chance of pregnancy per cycle can be as high as 40-50% for women under the age of 35, but this rate decreases as the woman get older.
In addition to the use of fertility drug, other factors that can affect the chances of pregnancy include the patient’s age, overall health, and the underlying cause of infertility. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, and stress levels can also play a role in the chances of pregnancy.
It’s important to note that even with the best treatment, some couples may not be able to achieve a pregnancy and may opt for other options such as adoption, surrogacy or just accept the fact that they may not have biological children.
It’s also recommended that patients consult with a fertility specialist, who can provide more specific information about the chances of pregnancy based on the patient’s individual case.
Fertility Coverage in Ontario
In Ontario, Canada, fertility coverage under the Ontario Health Insurance Plan (OHIP) is limited. OHIP covers the cost of one cycle of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) for patients who meet certain criteria, such as being under the age of 43 and having a certain number of failed previous attempts at pregnancy.
OHIP does not cover the cost of the medications used, and it does not cover the cost of other fertility treatments such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) or artificial insemination.
There may be additional costs for patients who don’t meet OHIP criteria and have to pay for their treatments, also the funding does not cover the use of donor eggs, sperm or embryo, and those are provided at a cost.
It is also worth noting that some employer’s benefits plans may cover some or all of the cost of fertility treatments that are not covered by OHIP, so it would be a good idea to check with your employer or benefits plan provider to see what, if any, fertility coverage is available. In most cases, benefit plans have a lifetime limit on fertility medication coverage. It’s always a good idea to contact your plan provider and inquire about any limits on fertility medication.
It is highly recommended that anyone considering fertility treatment consult with a healthcare professional, such as a fertility specialist, to discuss their options and determine the best course of action. Also, it’s wise to check and consult with a financial specialist to have an idea of the cost and what options are available.
The Process of getting Fertility medications
filling a fertility prescription typically involves getting a new prescription from your fertility specialist and taking it to Optimum pharmacy to have it filled.
To receive a new prescription, usually, your fertility team will do frequent ultrasounds and also blood work to see how the treatment is progressing and based on the test results, they will decide on the next day’s dose. Then the prescription will be faxed or called into the pharmacy. Our team will prepare your medications, and your drug benefit if any, will be billed and you will be notified.
Our fertility expert pharmacist will explain to you how each medication works, the injection techniques and training, possible side effects and how to store each medication.
Ovulation induction drugs
Ovulation induction drugs are medications that are used to stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs. These drugs are often used to treat infertility caused by ovulation disorders, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or anovulation (the lack of ovulation).
Fertility drugs that stimulate the Ovaries (STIMS)
Although they have different mechanisms of action, they are used for the same goal: Increasing the number of circulating follicles stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH).
Increasing FSH & LH stimulates ovaries to produce follicles.
Depending on the type of medication, the dosage and the expected ovarian response will vary.
With ovarian stimulation for IVF, the goal is to get approximately 8-15 quality eggs during the egg retrieval procedure.
Although ovarian stimulation should be sufficient to get approximately 8-15 quality eggs during retrieval, we do not want to have overstimulation of the ovaries, which can be very uncomfortable for women.
Overstimulation in rare cases can result in ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome (OHSS).
Gonadotropins, on the other hand, are injectable medications that contain FSH and LH, which directly stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs. Gonadotropins are administered by subcutaneous injection, usually for about 7-12 days, starting on days 2-4 of the menstrual cycle.
Both of these ovulation induction drugs are used in combination with ovulation-predicting kits, ultrasound or blood tests to ensure the ovulation is happening, and timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination to increase the chances of pregnancy.
It’s important to note that ovulation induction drugs can increase the chances of multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets, so it’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your fertility specialist before starting treatment.
It’s also important to keep in mind that ovulation induction drugs are not guaranteed to be successful, success rates can vary widely depending on the underlying cause of infertility and the patient’s age.
Medication that stimulates the ovaries are:
- Letrozole and Clomiphene
- Gonal F
- Menopur
- Rekovelle
- Pergoveris
- Luveris
- Puregon
Other than Letrozole and Clomiphene, the rest of these medications are injectable and are used as subcutaneous.
1- Clomiphene and Letrozole:
These two medications work by decreasing estrogen levels & consequently increasing the amount of FSH secreted from the pituitary gland.
It is often used to stimulate ovulation in women with absent periods, infrequent periods or long cycles. The recommendation of the American society for reproductive medicine (ASRM) is only 3-6 cycles using any of these agents.
There might be some side effects primarily due to reduced estrogen levels.
Side effects such as:
- Hot flashes
- Headache
- Mode swing and depression
- Breast tenderness
- Increased chance of multiple births
2- Gonadotropins
Gonadotropins, on the other hand, are injectable medications that contain FSH and LH, which directly stimulate the ovaries to produce eggs. Gonadotropins are administered by subcutaneous injection, usually for about 7-12 days, starting on days 2-4 of the menstrual cycle.
Both of these ovulation induction drugs are used in combination with ovulation-predicting kits, ultrasound or blood tests to ensure the ovulation is happening, and timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination to increase the chances of pregnancy. It’s important to note that ovulation induction drugs can increase the chances of multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets, so it’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your fertility specialist before starting treatment.
It’s also important to keep in mind that ovulation induction drugs are not guaranteed to be successful, success rates can vary widely depending on the underlying cause of infertility and the patient’s age.
Gonadotropins
- Gonal F
GonalF is a brand name of a medication called follitropin alfa. It is a type of medication called a recombinant follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and is used for ovulation induction and assisted reproduction techniques such as in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
GonalF works by stimulating the ovaries to produce multiple eggs in a single cycle, which can increase the chances of a successful pregnancy. It is a type of gonadotropin, which means it is similar to the hormones that are naturally produced by the body to regulate ovulation.
The medication is given by subcutaneous injection and it’s usually given for 7-12 days, depending on the treatment plan. The dosage and duration of treatment are determined by the physician based on the patient’s individual needs.
GonalF is typically used in combination with other fertility drugs such as luteinizing hormone (LH) and human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), and is often used in conjunction with ovulation-predicting kits, ultrasound or blood tests to ensure the ovulation is happening, and timed intercourse or intrauterine insemination to increase the chances of pregnancy.
It’s important to note that ovulation induction drugs like GonalF can increase the chances of multiple pregnancies, such as twins or triplets, so it’s important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with your fertility specialist before starting treatment.
It’s also important to keep in mind that the treatment with GonalF may not be successful and it varies based on individual factors, consulting with a fertility specialist can give a better idea of the success rate of the treatment.
- Rekovelle
It contains the active ingredient follitropin delta, which is a recombinant form of human follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
- Pergoveris
Pergoveris contains 2 medications: follitropin alfa and lutropin alfa. Both medications belong to gonadotropins. Both of these hormones play a role in the development and maturing of eggs in the ovaries.
- Puregon
PUREGON solution for injection contains follitropin beta, a hormone known as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
Menopur: is a brand name of a medication called menotropins, which is a combination of Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH). Similar to Gonal-F, it is used to stimulate ovulation and increase the chances of pregnancy. Menopur is also given as a subcutaneous injection.
Orgalutran: is a brand name of a medication called ganirelix, a synthetic gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonist. It works by blocking the action of GnRH, which prevents the ovaries from releasing eggs prematurely and it’s usually given as a subcutaneous injection
Cetrotide: is a synthetic decapeptide with gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonistic activity.Cetrotide allows the release of an egg to be controlled so it is released at the best time for pregnancy to occur.
Trigger Shots
HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin): is a hormone that helps to mature the eggs and triggers ovulation. It is given as an injection and is often used in conjunction with other fertility drugs.
Pregnyl: is a brand name of HCG (Human chorionic gonadotropin) and it is used to trigger ovulation and support pregnancy. It is given as a subcutaneous injection
Decapeptyl: Decapeptyl or Triptorelin is a GnRH agonist is another trigger shot and has the advantage of reducing the risk of developing ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in high responders and the chance of cycle cancellation
Ovidrel: Ovidrel is a trigger shot that mostly being used in a cycle with timed sexual intercourse, and intrauterine insemination (IUI).
Progesterones
Endometrin: is a vaginal effervescent tablet containing progesterone 100mg. Progesterone is a female hormone required for ovulation and menstruation. Progesterone causes changes in the lining of the uterus, making it easier for a fertilized egg to attach to the uterus at the beginning of pregnancy. Progesterone then helps your body maintain the pregnancy.
Crinone: is a vaginal gel that contains natural progesterone It’s inserted into the vagina as a prefilled applicator.
Prometrium: Prometrium is another form of progesterone that is used vaginally to thicken the uterine lining.
Progesterone in Oil:
Is an injectable form of progesterone that needs to be injected into big muscles like the gluteal muscles. Progesterone is usually compounded in sesame oil. If you have allergies to peanuts or sesame, make sure to mention it to your doctor. They may prescribe progesterone in olive oil instead.
It’s important to note that these medications are typically prescribed and administered under the guidance of a fertility specialist and are used in conjunction with other fertility treatments such as ovulation induction and in-vitro fertilization (IVF).
As with any medication, it’s important to talk to your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of these medications, as well as any possible side effects, before starting treatment.
Peak fertility on Clearblue ovulation test
Clearblue ovulation tests are urine-based tests that detect the surge of luteinizing hormone (LH) that occurs prior to ovulation. The LH surge is a key indicator of the most fertile time of a woman’s menstrual cycle.
When the test is positive, it indicates that ovulation is likely to occur in the next 12-36 hours. This is considered to be the peak of a woman’s fertility.
Clearblue ovulation tests are easy to use and come with detailed instructions. Typically, a woman will start testing around day 8-10 of her menstrual cycle and will continue testing until the LH surge is detected. The test can be done at any time of the day, but it’s recommended to use the first urine of the day as it usually contains the highest level of LH.
Once the LH surge is detected, it is considered to be the peak fertility time, and the woman is most likely to conceive if she has intercourse in the next 12-36 hours, although the window of fertility may extend for a few more days as sperm can survive for up to 5 days in the female reproductive tract.
It’s important to note that ovulation tests are not 100% accurate and that individual results can vary. It’s best to discuss the test results and your overall treatment plan with your fertility specialist to determine the best course of action. Also keep in mind that ovulation tests are not recommended for women with certain medical conditions such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), high levels of LH, or irregular menstrual cycles.
It’s also worth noting that some women may not ovulate even with a positive ovulation test, and this is where consultation with a fertility specialist is needed.
Have questions about your fertility treatment or medications?
Our specialized, registered pharmacists with more than 10 years of experience in fertility therapy are available to support you throughout your fertility journey.
Why choose a fertility pharmacy?
By choosing a pharmacy with exclusive expertise in fertility medications, you get the advantage of gaining access to their unique support and high quality services. This choice can affect your fertility treatment experience.
We understand the time-sensitive nature of fertility medications and therefore we ensure these medications are well stocked and readily available when you need them.
Also, Considering fertility medications are mostly costly and expensive, we offer competitive pricing and provide you with direct billing to your drug benefit insurance to help you with budgeting the journey.
At Optimum Pharmacy, we are dedicated to providing the most satisfactory service for fertility medications in the Greater Toronto Area.
Call us (905) 235 8820
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Address
Optimum Pharmacy
615 Davis Dr. Unit#101, Newmarket,
ON L3Y 2R2
Pharmacy Hours
Monday -Thursday : 9:30am – 6:00pm
Friday: 9:30am – 5:00pm
Saturday: 11:00am – 3:00pm
Sunday: Closed
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307499