Clomid vs. Aromasin

• Are Clomid and Aromasin the Same Thing?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Clomid?
• What Are Possible Side Effects of Aromasin?
• What is Clomid?
• What is Aromasin?
• What Drugs Interact with Clomid?
• What Drugs Interact with Aromasin?
• How Should Clomid Be Taken?
• How Should Aromasin Be Taken?

Clomid (clomiphene citrate) and Aromasin (exemestane) both work to reduce the estrogen levels in the body, but the drugs have different uses. Aromasin is a type of antineoplastic (anticancer) agent called an aromatase inhibitor that inhibits estrogen production and is used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Aromasin is often given to women whose cancer has progressed even after taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox) for 2 to 3 years. Clomid is a nonsteroidal ovulatory stimulant used to treat ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic ovary syndrome in women who, after other reasons for pregnancy failure have been ruled out, desire pregnancy and follow additional instructions that make pregnancy more likely to occur with this drug use.

Common side effects of Clomid include:

• abnormal vaginal/uterine bleeding,
• breast tenderness or discomfort,
• headache,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• diarrhea,
• flushing,
• blurred vision or other visual disturbances, or
• ovarian enlargement presenting as abdominal or pelvic pain, tenderness, pressure, or swelling.
• Clomid may increase the likelihood of multiple births.
• Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) may occur: ovarian enlargement, severe GI symptoms, abdominal swelling, shortness of breath, pleural effusions, decreased urination. Seek medical care if these symptoms develop.

Common side effects of Aromasin include:

• hot flashes,
• headache,
• hair loss,
• joint/bone/muscle pain,
• tiredness,
• anxiety,
• unusual or increased sweating,
• nausea,
• upset stomach,
• diarrhea,
• dizziness,
• depression, and
• trouble sleeping (insomnia).

Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Aromasin including:

• bone fractures,
• mental/mood changes (such as depression, anxiety),
• vaginal bleeding,
• persistent nausea or vomiting,
• unusual tiredness,
• dark urine, or
• yellowing eyes or skin.

Clomid (clomiphene citrate) is a nonsteroidal, ovulatory stimulant used to treat ovulatory dysfunction and polycystic ovary syndrome in women who, after other reasons for pregnancy failure have been ruled out, desire pregnancy and follow additional instructions that make pregnancy more likely to occur with this drug use (see below about dosage and use). In addition, these women and their sperm donors usually need to undergo a number of tests scheduled by their OB-GYN doctor before Clomid is started.

Aromasin (exemestane) is an antineoplastic (anticancer) agent used to treat breast cancer in postmenopausal women. Aromasin is often given to women whose cancer has progressed even after taking tamoxifen (Nolvadex, Soltamox) for 2 to 3 years.

Clomid may interact with other drugs.

Aromasin may interact with rifampin, rifabutin, rifapentine, St. John's wort, seizure medications, bosentan, dexamethasone, barbiturates, HIV medications, or medicines to treat narcolepsy.

Clomid is available in 50 mg tablets. Treatment of the selected patient should begin with a low dose, 50 mg daily (1 tablet) for 5 days; dose changes are made by the treating physician. The first dose should occur on the 5th day of the female's ovulatory cycle and then subsequent doses at about the same time of day for a total of 5 days. Patients should be familiar with their ovulatory cycle so that properly timed coitus and ovulation stimulated by the drug occur. Long term therapy (past 6 cycles) is not recommended to avoid possible increases in cancer risk. Clomid may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use.

The recommended dose of Aromasin in early and advanced breast cancer is one 25 mg tablet once daily after a meal.