Virginia Law Prevents Pharmacists From Compounding Drug To Treat At-Risk Pregnancies

The drug compound known as “17 HP” has historically been used to treat pregnant women who are not producing enough of the progesterone hormone. This hormone deficiency has been linked to a high rate of premature births and miscarriages in pregnant women. 

According to reports, local pharmacies that have been compounding and dispensing the drug for decades may no longer do so due to a nuance in Virginia’s law. Section 54.1-3410.2 of the Virginia Code permits pharmacists to compound medications so long as they are not commercially available. Recently, KV Pharmaceutical began manufacturing the drug. Reports indicate that the drug can cost up to $1,500 from the new manufacturer. Previously, patients were able to purchase the drug for $10-$35 per does from their pharmacist.

Since local pharmacies are no longer permitted to create the medication, the only way that pregnant woman who are in need of the medication can get it is to purchase it from the pharmaceutical company. Tragically, at $1,500 per dose, it could potentially cost $30,000 or more to treat a woman with this type of hormone deficiency throughout her pregnancy. Women who cannot afford the medication may end up losing their children if the law is not changed.