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.

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

Summary of Arimidex vs. Clomid

Summary for Aromatase inhibitor
Prescription only

Anastrozole (Arimidex) is one of the first-choice options used for early or metastatic breast cancer, but it's only FDA approved to treat women who have gone through menopause (postmenopausal). It comes as an oral tablet that's typically taken daily. And common side effects include hot flashes, tiredness, nausea, and vomiting. Anastrozole (Arimidex) is available both as a generic medication and under the brand name Arimidex.

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 stage HR+ breast cancer in postmenopausal women
•Advanced or metastatic HR+ breast cancer in postmenopausal women
•Advanced breast cancer in postmenopausal women that's getting worse after treatment with tamoxifen
Indications for
•Female infertility

Pros and Cons of Arimidex vs. Clomid

Pros and Const for Aromatase inhibitor
Pros
•Oral tablet that you only need to take once a day
•Can be taken with or without food
•Available as a lower-cost generic version
Cons
•Only FDA approved for breast cancer in postmenopausal women
•Can cause menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes
•Can weaken your bones and raise your risk for fractures
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 stage breast cancer:

•Hot flashes (36%)
•Muscle and joint problems (36%)
•Tiredness (19%)
•Changes in mood (19%)
•Nausea and vomiting (13%)
•Bone fractures (10%)
•Cataracts (6%)
•Vaginal bleeding (5%)

Advanced or metastatic breast cancer:

•Nausea and vomiting (34%)
•Hot flashes (26%)
•Depression (5%)

Advanced breast cancer that's worsening after tamoxifen treatment:

•Nausea and vomiting (29%)
•Hot flashes (13%)
•Swelling in the body (7%)
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 thinning and weakness
•High cholesterol
•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 Nolvadex
View More

Browse medications

View All

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