You have accessJournal of UrologyInfertility: Therapy II1 Apr 2018MP07-11 ANALYSIS OF THE CLINICAL AND COST-EFFECTIVENESS OF COMPOUNDED FSH FOR MALE INFERTILITY TREATMENT Jabez C. Gondokusumo, J. Abram McBride, Daniel J. Mazur, and Larry I. Lipshultz Jabez C. GondokusumoJabez C. Gondokusumo More articles by this author , J. Abram McBrideJ. Abram McBride More articles by this author , Daniel J. MazurDaniel J. Mazur More articles by this author , and Larry I. LipshultzLarry I. Lipshultz More articles by this author View All Author Informationhttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.juro.2018.02.3074AboutPDF ToolsAdd to favoritesDownload CitationsTrack CitationsPermissionsReprints ShareFacebookTwitterLinked InEmail INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is a gonadotropin produced by the anterior pituitary gland and is trophic to the sertoli cells to maintain spermatogenesis. FSH is prescribed to men with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (congenital or acquired) seeking fertility. Commercially available FSH, branded Gonal-F (B-FSH), is often cost prohibitive for patients, leading to the recent development of compounded alternatives. Here we compare the clinical and cost-effectiveness of B-FSH with compounded FSH (C-FSH). METHODS We retrospectively reviewed patient records from a high-volume andrology clinic for those who were prescribed C-FSH treatment for azo/severe oligozoospermia and undetectable FSH levels. All C-FSH prescriptions were sent through Empower Pharmacy in Houston, Texas. We assessed the patients initial FSH level, post-treatment FSH level, reason for seeking treatment, and follow up of treatment success, if available. In addition, the cost of B-FSH across 9 major commercial pharmacies was obtained through goodrx.com for comparison to C-FSH. RESULTS 17 patients were prescribed C-FSH, of which 11 showed statistically significant increases in baseline FSH levels (p-value = 0.003). However, patient compliance with medication administration in those not showing FSH improvement is unknown due to incomplete records. Of the 11 C-FSH responders, 5 of them were able to achieve pregnancy and live birth of healthy children, 2 with intrauterine insemination (IUI) and 3 with in-vitro fertilization (IVF). Of the remaining 6 C-FSH responders, 2 underwent unsuccessful attempts at IVF, but female factors were also present. The fertility status of the remaining 4 C-FSH responders was not known from chart review. Of importance, the average total price per unit for B-FSH across commercial pharmacies was found to be $2.20 per unit compared to $0.20 per unit of C-FSH from Empower Pharmacy. CONCLUSIONS All the patients with complete records exhibited FSH levels in the normal range after treatment with C-FSH. Realizing that the starting dose of FSH for hypogonadotropic hypogonadism is 75-150 units three times weekly until therapeutic goals are achieved (months to years), the tremendous cost saving with C-FSH is without question. © 2018FiguresReferencesRelatedDetails Volume 199Issue 4SApril 2018Page: e92 Advertisement Copyright & Permissions© 2018MetricsAuthor Information Jabez C. Gondokusumo More articles by this author J. Abram McBride More articles by this author Daniel J. Mazur More articles by this author Larry I. Lipshultz More articles by this author Expand All Advertisement Advertisement PDF downloadLoading ...