Clomid vs. Femara

When comparing Clomid vs. Femara for the treatment of infertility, both appear to be equally effective at helping women ovulate. Some healthcare providers, however, are reluctant to prescribe Femara, since Clomid has been around longer and is generally cheaper. For women who have not ovulated while taking Clomid, Femara may be prescribed. It also seems less likely to have negative effects on the cervix and uterus.

 

An Overview of Clomid Versus Femara

Femara® (letrozole) is a prescription medication used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. It is part of a group of medications called aromatase inhibitors. Clomid® (clomiphene citrate) is a prescription medication that is used as an infertility treatment in women.
 
Early studies have shown that Femara may be at least as effective as Clomid at treating infertility and that Femara may be effective in women who did not become pregnant while taking Clomid.
 

What Does the Research Say About Clomid vs. Femara?

Several small studies have looked at Clomid vs. Femara for the treatment of infertility. Some of these studies showed that Femara is more effective than Clomid, while other studies showed that they are equally effective. A few studies have suggested that Femara may be effective in cases in which women have not ovulated while taking Clomid (these women are said to be "Clomid-resistant" or "clomiphene-resistant").
 
There is some thought that Femara may be less likely to cause negative effects on cervical mucus and the thickness of the uterine lining, compared to Clomid. Although Clomid is usually effective at causing ovulation, it can also cause problems with cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus (which may explain why some women ovulate on Clomid but do not become pregnant).
 
(Clomid vs. Femara Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;