IVF Meds...clinic won't accept the likes of Asda

[Darkchoc]

Hi all,

I start my first cycle of IVF next month, self-funding. I am horrified at the price of the drugs alone and my consultant has stated categorically that he won't accept any drugs bought from Asda as they basically can't trust the quality. I'm no idiot and know the pharmaceutical controls in the UK are pretty high. I sense the clinic is just trying to rake in extra cash, which for me will come in at approx £1400 and will limit my ability to do an extra round of IVF if first cycle fails!!

He also said my GP will be highly reluctant to do the prescription.

Any advice out there?

Big hand to you choc for making such a decision, and please do name and shame when you are well out of there.

My clinic practically told me to request a private prescription and go to ASDA and that this would save me money.

Like pesipan's wise words - this has been a really (unnecessarily) stressful time for you so be kind to yourself and make sure you are looked after well...

Best of luck with your new clinic x

Am shocked at this thread. Very unethical of the clinic to insist on 'brand names' for want of a better term. Well done to you for being firm despite what you are going through. You are very courageous.

Good luck in finding a better clinic. My fingers are crossed for your eventual BFP. :)

They sound atrocious. I'd be tempted to name and shame once you have your notes. They are exploiting vulnerable women and couples.

Sounds like a move to another clinic will be for the best. Keeping my fingers crossed for your cycle at the new clinic.

Good on you! I am so so sorry this has happened to you, do name and shame, if you don't want to I will do it for you! im currently weighing up my local chemist, a few places online and Asda. And my clinic know and support this

Darkchoc

I used CRGH in London (I was 39 and it worked first time thankfully).

If by any chance this is the clinic you are using (or even if not) and want advice, then do send me a Message.

Would be happy to help or just give me experience

Wishing you the very best of luck

Darkchoc - sorry to hear your clinic wouldn't listen to reason - I'm pleased to hear that you've decided to jump ship though and I really hope that you follow up with a complaint. What possible incentive do they have to price drugs competitively if they refuse to accept perfectly legal prescriptions from other pharmacies - and this business is expensive enough as it is!

It's so important that you feel comfortable with your clinic - both medically and financially.

Thanks everyone for offering support, I can truly say that it was a horrendous experience and extremely stressful. Unfortunately the hell did not end with the prescription. I experienced further problems this week with the clinic when I came to tying up all the lose ends to start IVF with my new clinic. Also today I discovered that my AMH level is low...contrary to what the previous clinic had told me. They stated that my AMH level was actually normal/good for my age...stupid me for not requesting the figures at the time!

Anyhow, the good news is I collect my first prescription tomorrow from a pharmacy of my choosing so I can start my first cycle of IVF at the beginning of April :-)

Thanks again ladies! Just goes to show that the support offered here is really beneficial and can make a difference x

Wow. Sounds as if it was the right decision all round then....terrifying that you can't trust the original clinic at all....we are so much in their hands and there is a lot of money at stake, not to mention our hopes and dreams. Good luck, Darkchoc - wishing you every success x

Best wishes for your IVF, Darkchoc.

Hi, I can see this thread is quite old but thought it might be worth asking. Has anyone here used the Access plan for fertility treatment? We are currently and I have just had a FET from my first round of IVF (fresh embryo didn't work) and am now on my two week wait.
With access, we still have to pay for the drugs and I wondered if the clinic might be less inclined to offer a prescription when we are already getting a reduced rate on the treatment itself. Does anyone have any experience of this please?