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Clomid vs. HCG

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

Key takeaways

Clomid (clomiphene) and HCG (human chorionic gonadotropin) are both prescription medications used to treat female infertility, but they belong to different medication classes. Both medications help to promote ovulation, but they do so in different ways. Clomid is taken orally for 5 days, while HCG is given as an injection, typically after other fertility treatments. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of Clomid include hot flashes, bloating, and stomach pain, while HCG can cause headaches and irritability. Both medications can lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), but HCG also carries risks like blood clots. HCG can be used for other conditions like low testosterone in males. When used for prepubertal cryptorchidism, HCG can cause puberty to begin too early.

Clomid

(clomiphene)

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HCG

 

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Summary for Clomid

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 for Clomid

Pros and Cons for Clomid

Pros

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 for Clomid

  • Swollen ovaries (14%)
  • Hot flashes (10%)
  • Stomach pain, discomfort, or bloating (6%)

Warnings for Clomid

  • Vision changes
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
  • Possible risk of harm to unborn baby

Summary for HCG

Prescription only

Human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) is a hormone that's naturally made in the body during pregnancy. It's also very similar to luteinizing hormone (LH), a hormone involved in reproduction in males and females. As a medication, HCG (Pregnyl, Novarel) is used for fertility treatments in females. It's also used in certain cases to raise testosterone levels in males and to help the testes descend in males who haven't yet reached puberty (cryptorchidism). HCG is injected into the muscles (or as directed by your provider), typically a few times a week. Some common side effects of HCG can include headache, irritability, and feeling restless.

Indications for HCG

Pros and Cons for HCG

Pros

  • If appropriate and with proper training, can be injected at home
  • Can be used in children 4 years and older (in certain conditions)
  • Mixed vials can be stored in the refrigerator for 30 days (Novarel) or 60 days (HCG and Pregnyl)

Cons

  • Need to mix before injection, which can be inconvenient
  • Only available as an injection
  • Can cause headaches and irritability as side effects

Common Side Effects for HCG

  • Headache
  • Irritability
  • Restlessness
  • Depression
  • Fatigue or tiredness
  • Edema (swelling)
  • Early puberty
  • Growth of breasts in males
  • Pain at injection site

Warnings for HCG

  • Severe allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis (closing of the throat)
  • Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
  • Blood clots
  • Getting pregnant with more than one baby
  • Early puberty
  • Risk of cancer with use for male infertility caused by hypogonadism
  • Water retention

Prices with our coupons for Clomid vs. HCG

Price Card Drug Icon
Clomid30 tablets / 50mg
$111.49-
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HCG1 vial / 10ml of 10000 units
$265.75$455.22
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