Clomiphene vs. Anastrozole for Fertility and Breast Cancer: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Clomiphene

(Clomid)

Anastrozole

(Arimidex)

Summary for Clomiphene

Prescription only

Clomiphene (Clomid) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to treat fertility problems in people who want to become pregnant. It works by helping your body release an egg, ovulation. You'll take the medication by mouth once a day for 5 days during a specific part of your menstrual cycle. Common side effects include hot flashes, bloating, and stomach pain.

Indications for Clomiphene

Female infertility

Pros and Cons for Clomiphene

Pros

Might work better for people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Usually only taken for 5 days during each cycle
Available as a tablet you take by mouth

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 Clomiphene

Swollen ovaries (14%)
Hot flashes (10%)
Stomach discomfort/bloating (6%)

Warnings for Clomiphene

Vision changes
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
Multiple pregnancy
Possible harm to unborn baby

Summary for Anastrozole

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.

Indications for Anastrozole

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

Pros and Cons for Anastrozole

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

Common Side Effects for Anastrozole

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%)

Warnings for Anastrozole

Heart disease
Bone loss
Rise in cholesterol levels
Harm to unborn baby

Prices with our coupons for Clomiphene vs. Anastrozole

Clomid30 tablets / 50mg

$111.49-

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Anastrozole12 tablets / 1mg

$10.57$105.83

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Clomiphene vs. Anastrozole

Clomiphene

Anastrozole

Summary for Clomiphene

Indications for Clomiphene

Pros and Cons for Clomiphene

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Clomiphene

Warnings for Clomiphene

Summary for Anastrozole

Indications for Anastrozole

Pros and Cons for Anastrozole

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Anastrozole

Warnings for Anastrozole

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Clomiphene

Anastrozole

Summary for Clomiphene

Indications for Clomiphene

Pros and Cons for Clomiphene

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Clomiphene

Warnings for Clomiphene

Summary for Anastrozole

Indications for Anastrozole

Pros and Cons for Anastrozole

Pros

Cons

Common Side Effects for Anastrozole

Warnings for Anastrozole