Some medications can be swapped out for other brands or their generic version without changing the medication's function or effectiveness. A substitution may be made based on cost, availability, or user preference.
Why Medications Are Sometimes Interchangeable
Some medications are interchangeable with others because both medications are made up of the same compound or a compound that is bio-equivalent. This means that the chemical compound that makes up each of the drugs functions the same way. For example, if you have been using Gonal-F for the first few days of your cycle, but run out and only Follistim is available, you can safely switch brands without any issues because both medications are made up of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and work the same way within the body.
There are a few other categories of medications that have some interchangeable alternatives. We've created a list to help you research your options!
Some of the interchangeable medications listed below may come in different strengths or are packaged in different quantities than what you were initially prescribed. Make sure to check your prescribed dose and the contents of the packaging before ordering. Your pharmacist is a great resource for making sure you get what you need!
List of Interchangeable Medications
Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG)
Generic human chorionic gonadotropin
Pregnyl
Novarel
Ovidrel
Gonadotropins
Gonal-F
Follistim
Antagonists
Ganirelix
Fyremadel
Cetrotide
Estrogen
Delestrogen
Generic Estradiol Valerate
Even if these medications are interchangeable, it's important to always make sure to check with your fertility care team or pharmacist to confirm which medications in your protocol can be swapped.