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Compare Clomid vs. Metformin

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

Key takeaways

Clomid (clomiphene) and metformin (Glucophage) are both medications that can be used to address fertility issues, but they belong to different medication classes and have important differences. Clomid is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) primarily used to treat female infertility by inducing ovulation. It is taken orally for 5 days during the menstrual cycle. Metformin, on the other hand, is a biguanide used mainly to manage type 2 diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels. It is also sometimes used off-label to improve fertility in women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Metformin is usually taken once or twice daily with food to minimize stomach upset. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of Clomid include hot flashes and stomach pain, whereas metformin often causes diarrhea and nausea. Clomid can cause vision problems and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, while metformin can increase the risk of lactic acidosis.

  • Clomid (clomiphene)
    Metformin
  • Clomid (clomiphene)
    Metformin

  • Summary of Clomid vs. Metformin

    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.

    Summary for Biguanide
    Prescription only

    Immediate-release metformin is an oral diabetes medication. It's approved for people 10 years of age and older with Type 2 diabetes. The medication belongs to the drug class called biguanides. It works best to lower blood sugar levels with a diabetes-friendly diet and exercise plan. Immediate-release metformin comes as a tablet and an oral solution. You take this medication by mouth usually two to three times a day. It's recommended to take each dosage with food to help lessen side effects like diarrhea and nausea.

  • Indications of Clomid vs. Metformin

    Indications for
    •Female infertility
    Indications for
    •Type 2 diabetes in people ages 10 years and older

  • Pros and Cons of Clomid vs. Metformin

    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
    Pros and Const for Biguanide
    Pros
    •One of the first-choice options for Type 2 diabetes
    •Works well at lowering blood sugar levels (can lower your A1C by up to 1.5% in a few months)
    •Unlikely to cause weight gain
    •Available as a liquid for people who have trouble swallowing tablets
    Cons
    •Typically need to take a couple times per day
    •Can cause stomach upset, including diarrhea, nausea, gas, and stomach cramping
    •Not a good choice for people with severe kidney problems
    •Not recommended for people with liver problems

  • Common Side Effects of Clomid vs. Metformin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swollen ovaries (14%)
    •Hot flashes (10%)
    •Stomach pain, discomfort, or bloating (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Diarrhea (53%)
    •Nausea or vomiting (26%)
    •Gas (12%)
    •Weakness (9%)

  • Warnings of Clomid vs. Metformin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Vision changes
    •Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
    •Possible risk of harm to unborn baby
    Common Side Effects for
    •Lactic acidosis
    •Low vitamin B12 levels
    •Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when taken with certain other diabetes medications

  • Prices with our coupons for Clomid vs. Metformin

    Learn more about Clomid
    Learn more about Metformin

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