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Compare Letrozole vs. Clomid

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

Key takeaways

Letrozole (Femara) and Clomiphene (Clomid) are both prescription medications that can be used to help with fertility, but they work differently and have important differences. Letrozole is an aromatase inhibitor mainly used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal females, but is sometimes used off-label to help females become pregnant. Clomiphene, on the other hand, is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that is FDA-approved to treat female infertility by causing ovulation. Letrozole is taken daily, while Clomiphene is taken for 5 days during the menstrual period. Letrozole side effects include hot flashes and joint or muscle pain, while clomiphene can cause hot flashes, bloating, and stomach upset. Letrozole can raise cholesterol levels and weaken bones over time, whereas clomiphene can lead to ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome if used long-term.

  • Letrozole (Femara)
    Clomid (clomiphene)
  • Letrozole (Femara)
    Clomid (clomiphene)

  • Summary of Letrozole vs. Clomid

    Summary for Aromatase inhibitor
    Prescription only

    Letrozole (Femara) is an aromatase inhibitor, a type of hormonal therapy. It’s FDA-approved to treat or prevent breast cancer in females who’ve already gone through menopause. It’s sometimes prescribed off-label by fertility specialists to help females become pregnant. Letrozole (Femara) is taken by mouth, typically once a day for breast cancer. Common side effects include hot flashes and pain in the bones, muscles, and joints.

    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 Letrozole vs. Clomid

    Indications for
    •Breast cancer in females who have already gone through menopause:
    •Preventing breast cancer from coming back (hormone receptor-positive early breast cancer), sometimes after treatment with tamoxifen (Nolvadex)
    •Treatment of advanced or metastatic breast cancer
    Indications for
    •Female infertility

  • Pros and Cons of Letrozole vs. Clomid

    Pros and Const for Aromatase inhibitor
    Pros
    •Can be used during early and advanced stages of breast cancer
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Only for females who've reached menopause (for treating breast cancer)
    •Can cause menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats
    •Can weaken your bones if taken long-term
    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 Letrozole vs. Clomid

    Common Side Effects for
    •High blood cholesterol levels (52%)
    •Hot flashes (34%)
    •Muscle, bone, or joint pain (25%)

    Note: Side effects reported by females who took letrozole (Femara) after surgery for early breast cancer.

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

  • Warnings of Letrozole vs. Clomid

    Common Side Effects for
    •Weakened bones
    •High cholesterol levels
    •Liver problems
    •Risk of drowsiness
    •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 Letrozole vs. Clomid

    Learn more about Letrozole
    Learn more about Clomid

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