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Compare Clomid vs. Nolvadex

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

Key takeaways

Clomid (clomiphene) and Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) are both selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), but they have some important differences. Clomid is primarily used to treat female infertility by inducing ovulation, while tamoxifen is used to treat and prevent hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer. Clomid is taken orally for 5 days during the menstrual cycle, whereas tamoxifen is typically taken once daily for several years, depending on the condition being treated. Both medications are available as a lower-cost generic. Common side effects of Clomid include hot flashes and stomach pain. Tamoxifen can cause hot flashes, vaginal discharge, and swelling in the arms and legs. While Clomid is not recommended for long-term use, tamoxifen is often used long-term but can increase the risk for serious side effects such as blood clots and uterine cancer. Both medications should be avoided during pregnancy due to potential harm to an unborn baby.

  • Clomid (clomiphene)
    Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
  • Clomid (clomiphene)
    Tamoxifen (Nolvadex)

  • Summary of Clomid vs. Nolvadex

    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 Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)
    Prescription only

    Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It’s used to treat early stage and advanced or metastatic hormone receptor-positive (HR+) breast cancer in males and females. It’s also used to lower the risk for breast cancer in females who have a higher risk for breast cancer. Tamoxifen (Nolvadex) is an oral tablet that's taken by mouth, usually once a day. Common side effects of this medication include hot flashes, vaginal discharge, and swelling in the arms and legs, which might lead to weight gain. Brand name Nolvadex is no longer available.

  • Indications of Clomid vs. Nolvadex

    Indications for
    •Female infertility
    Indications for
    •Metastatic HR+ breast cancer
    •Early-stage HR+ breast cancer after surgery to lower the risk of breast cancer coming back
    •Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) in females after breast surgery and radiation to lower the risk of breast cancer coming back
    •Lowering the risk of breast cancer in females who are considered high risk

  • Pros and Cons of Clomid vs. Nolvadex

    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 Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM)
    Pros
    •Usually taken once a day
    •Oral tablet is available as a lower-cost generic
    •Might help prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause
    Cons
    •Might raise your risk for blood clots, uterine cancer, and cataracts
    •Can’t take while pregnant or breastfeeding
    •Usually taken long term (at least 5 years)

  • Common Side Effects of Clomid vs. Nolvadex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Swollen ovaries (14%)
    •Hot flashes (10%)
    •Stomach pain, discomfort, or bloating (6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Hot flashes (up to 80%)
    •Vaginal discharge (up to 55%)
    •Swelling in the arms and legs (up to 32%)
    •Nausea (up to 26%)
    •Irregular or no monthly bleeding (up to 25%)
    •Vaginal bleeding (up to 23%)
    •Weight loss (23%)
    •Skin changes (19%)

  • Warnings of Clomid vs. Nolvadex

    Common Side Effects for
    •Vision changes
    •Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
    •Possible risk of harm to unborn baby
    Common Side Effects for
    •Blood clots
    •Changes in the uterus and risk of uterine cancer
    •Eye problems
    •Liver problems
    •High calcium levels in the blood
    •Low platelet count (risk of bleeding)
    •Harm to unborn baby

  • Prices with our coupons for Clomid vs. Nolvadex

    Learn more about Clomid
    Learn more about Tamoxifen

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