Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Arimidex vs. Clomid

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Anastrozole (Arimidex) and clomiphene (Clomid) are both oral medications that affect estrogen levels in the body, but they are used for different purposes. Anastrozole is an aromatase inhibitor used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women by lowering estrogen levels, which can help slow the growth of certain cancer cells. Clomiphene, on the other hand, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to treat female infertility by tricking the body into thinking estrogen levels are low, which stimulates ovulation. Anastrozole is typically taken as a 1 mg tablet daily, while clomiphene is taken as a 50 mg tablet once a day for 5 days during the menstrual cycle. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Anastrozole can cause side effects like hot flashes and bone weakening, while clomiphene can cause side effects like hot flashes and stomach pain. Anastrozole should not be taken with medications containing estrogen, and clomiphene should be avoided if you have liver problems, certain thyroid problems, or are pregnant.

  • Anastrozole (Arimidex)
    Clomid (clomiphene)
  • Anastrozole (Arimidex)
    Clomid (clomiphene)

  • Summary of Arimidex vs. Clomid

    Summary for Aromatase inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Anastrozole (Arimidex) is prescription oral medication used to treat certain types of breast cancer, including both early and advanced or metastatic stages. It's FDA approved only for postmenopausal women, or those who have already gone through menopause. This medication belongs to a class called aromatase inhibitors, which works by lowering estrogen levels in the body. You take one tablet by mouth once a day, with or without food. Common side effects include hot flashes, weakness, and joint pain.

    Summary for Selective estrogen receptor modulator
    Prescription only

    Clomid (clomiphene) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to treat infertility in people wanting to become pregnant. It works by causing ovulation, or egg release. You'll take a dose by mouth every day for 5 days, typically during your menstrual period. Some of the more common side effects include hot flashes, bloating, and stomach pain.

  • Indications of Arimidex vs. Clomid

    Indications for
    •Early breast cancer (HR+) in postmenopausal women
    •Advanced or metastatic breast cancer HR+ or HR unknown in postmenopausal women
    •Advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women whose cancer has worsened after treatment with tamoxifen
    Indications for
    •Female infertility

  • Pros and Cons of Arimidex vs. Clomid

    Pros and Const for Aromatase inhibitor
    Pros
    •Oral tablet taken once a day
    •Can be taken with or without food
    •Helps reduce the risk of breast cancer coming back
    Cons
    •Only FDA approved to treat postmenopausal women
    •Commonly causes hot flashes, joint pain, weakness
    •Typically need to take it for at least 5 years
    Pros and Const for Selective estrogen receptor modulator
    Pros
    •Works well for people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
    •Usually only taken for 5 days during each cycle
    •Available as a tablet, unlike many alternatives
    Cons
    •Typically only recommended for up to 3 cycles, not a long-term treatment
    •Can cause vision problems in some rare cases
    •Not safe if you have liver problems or certain thyroid problems

  • Common Side Effects of Arimidex vs. Clomid

    Common Side Effects for

    Early breast cancer:

    •Hot flashes (36%)
    •Muscle and joint problems (36%)
    •Tiredness (19%)
    •Changes in mood (19%)
    •Nausea and vomiting (13%)
    •Bone fractures (10%)

    Advanced or metastatic breast cancer:

    •Nausea and vomiting (34%)
    •Hot flashes (26%)

    Advanced breast cancer that's worsened after tamoxifen treatment:

    •Nausea and vomiting (29%)
    •Hot flashes (13%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Swollen ovaries (14%)
    •Hot flashes (10%)
    •Stomach pain, discomfort, or bloating (6%)

  • Warnings of Arimidex vs. Clomid

    Common Side Effects for
    •Heart disease
    •Bone loss
    •Rise in cholesterol levels
    •Harm to unborn baby
    Common Side Effects for
    •Vision changes
    •Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
    •Possible risk of harm to unborn baby

  • Prices with our coupons for Arimidex vs. Clomid

    Learn more about Anastrozole
    Learn more about Clomid

Compare other Breast Cancer and Fertility drugs

Arimidex vs ClomidClomid vs AromasinClomid vs HcgClomid vs MetforminClomid vs NolvadexClomid vs TestosteroneFarxiga vs MetforminGlyset vs MetforminGlyxambi vs MetforminGonal F vs ClomidInvokana vs MetforminJardiance vs MetforminLetrozole vs ClomidMetaglip vs MetforminMetformin vs ActosMetformin vs AfrezzaMetformin vs AvandiaMetformin vs GlucovanceMetformin vs JanuviaMetformin vs MounjaroMetformin vs PhentermineMetformin vs TradjentaMetformin vs VictozaMetformin vs WegovyNesina vs MetforminOzempic vs MetforminPrandimet vs MetforminRybelsus vs MetforminTamoxifen vs ClomidToujeo vs Metformin
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.