Has anyone used opened/expired Follistim?

[wanting2010]

I am getting ready to start an injectables cycle in a week or so and I have a question regarding using leftover meds from previous cycles. Basically- has anyone done this?

I have a 900 iu cartridge which I used 675 iu out of back in December, leaving 225 iu plus the overfill, which I'm reading is about 150 iu per cartridge. I also have an unopened 300 iu cartridge (not expired). If I go based on my previous cycle, I won't have to buy any more Follistim if I use the opened cartridge. Since I'm paying out of pocket, that would be great not to have to buy more meds if not necessary.

I know the guideline is that it expires 28 days after opening, but I have stored it in the refrigerator in its own drawer in the pen ever since I finished stimming in December.

 

[Mrs. Bear]

I haven't used it but I suspect it deteriorates much more quickly once it has been opened. I would advise using your unopened pen, which should be fine, and getting a new one to make up the difference. It will cost more now but I would hate to see you have a failed cycle due to expired meds.

 

[wanting2010]

You know, that's very true. I guess I hadn't really thought of it in that way. I've been debating over whether or not to reuse the opened cartridge basically ever since I realized I would have some leftover. I guess in a case like this it's definitely better safe than sorry! I can spend an extra $300 now or save that and risk losing $1000+ if the potency of the med was effected. Especially considering I can only do one injectables cycle every few months due to the cost, I probably should make sure I do everything 100% by the book and not take a risk!!

The expiration date on the unopened cartridge is 11/2012, so I'm definitely okay on that and should have enough if I buy another 300 iu cartridge. To be honest, what's another $300 anyway when you're already spending $1000+?

Thanks for your input and advice!

 

[Mrs. Bear]

Glad I could help Isn't it funny how $300 seems like loose change to us once we get into the high expenses of assisted conception? Not 'ha ha' funny of course, but spending that much on anything else we would think twice about it but with ttc it's just another expense. Kind of like when you buy a house. What's another few hundred for a new refrigerator once you have spent so much already

 

[wanting2010]

Oh I know what you mean! It's just a drop in the bucket compared to the total costs of everything else! I can't really think of anything else that I'd buy and be like, "it's just $300" haha. In the world of infertility though, I guess I feel fortunate that that's all I'll have to pay for meds this time. When I bought my meds for my last cycle it was $1700, but I had too much and will be using some of it this round. It's crazy that it's all so outrageously expensive though!!

 

[Chiles]

After it is open it expires 30 days after for future reference. HTH!!!! I wouldn't recommend using it either.