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Key takeaways
Clomid is a widely used prescription medication used to treat infertility.
Fertility treatment plans are personalized and tailored to fit each person’s specific needs.
Alternative options include Femara (letrozole), follicle-stimulating hormone medications, human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) medications, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) medications, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist medicines.
Lifestyle changes and diet modifications can be used as additional techniques for fertility treatment plans.
Clomid is a brand-name prescription drug that is a female infertility treatment used to induce ovulation. Clomid is also available as a generic called clomiphene citrate. Infertility is defined by the failure to achieve a pregnancy after twelve months or more of regular unprotected sexual intercourse. There are a variety of different factors that can cause infertility in either the male or female reproductive systems. Medications for ovulation induction have a major role in infertility treatment. Clomid belongs to a class of drugs called selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs). Clomid works to stimulate the ovaries, promote ovulation, and increase the chances of pregnancy. However, each person’s fertility treatment is individualized to fit their path to pregnancy, and Clomid may not be the best treatment option for everyone.
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RELATED: Ovulation 101: Learn more about cycles, calculators, and conception
What can I take instead of Clomid?
There are other options available to treat female infertility when pregnancy with Clomid is not achieved. There are a variety of alternative fertility drugs that work in different ways to either promote ovulation, regulate hormones, or improve the environment of the uterus. These alternative prescription medications include Femara (letrozole), follicle-stimulating hormone medications, human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) medications, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) medications, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist medicines. These options may be more suitable for certain individuals due to their different approaches to infertility, potential side effects, and dosages.
| Compare Clomid alternatives | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Uses | Dosage | Savings options |
| Clomid
(clomiphene citrate) |
-Treatment of ovulatory dysfunction in patients desiring to become pregnant | Take one tablet by mouth once daily for a 5-day course; the course may be repeated if needed | Clomid coupons |
| Femara
(letrozole) |
-Treatment of breast cancer in post-menopausal patients
-Ovulation induction in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and anovulatory infertility |
Ovulation induction dose:
Take one tablet by mouth once daily for a 5-day course; the course may be repeated if needed |
Femara coupons |
| Follistim
(follitropin beta) |
-Ovulation induction in anovulatory infertile patients
-Controlled ovarian stimulation as part of in vitro fertilization (IVF) -Spermatogenesis induction in patients with primary and secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (a condition where the hypothalamus or pituitary gland produces hormone imbalances like low testosterone levels or low estrogen levels) |
Ovulation induction dose:
Inject 50 units subcutaneously (under the skin) once daily for at least the first 7 days; subsequent dosage adjustments are made at weekly intervals based upon ovarian response |
Follistim coupons |
| Gonal-F
(follitropin alfa) |
-Ovulation induction in oligo-anovulatory infertile patients in whom the cause of infertility is functional and not caused by primary ovarian failure
-Multifollicular development during assisted reproductive technology -Spermatogenesis induction in men with primary and secondary hypogonadotropic hypogonadism |
Ovulation induction dose:
Inject 75 units subcutaneously (under the skin) once daily for 14 days in the first cycle; subsequent dosage adjustments are made based upon ovarian response |
Gonal-F coupons |
| Menopur (menotropins) | -Multifollicular development and pregnancy during assisted reproductive technology | Inject 225 units subcutaneously (under the skin) once daily beginning on cycle day 2 or 3; after 5 days, subsequent dosage adjustments are made based upon ovarian response | Menopur coupons |
| Pregnyl
(chorionic gonadotropin) |
-Induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the anovulatory, infertile woman in whom the cause of anovulation is secondary and not caused by primary ovarian failure, and who has been appropriately treated with human menotropins
-Treatment of hypogonadism secondary to a pituitary deficiency in males -Prepubertal cryptorchidism |
Ovulation induction dose:
Inject 5,000 to 10,000 units intramuscularly (directly into muscle) one day following the last dose of menotropins |
Pregnyl coupons |
| Novarel
(chorionic gonadotropin) |
-Induction of ovulation and pregnancy in the anovulatory, infertile woman in whom the cause of anovulation is secondary and not caused by primary ovarian failure, and who has been appropriately treated with human menotropins
-Treatment of hypogonadism secondary to a pituitary deficiency in males -Prepubertal cryptorchidism |
Ovulation induction dose:
Inject 5,000 to 10,000 units intramuscularly (directly into muscle) one day following the last dose of menotropins |
Novarel coupons |
| Ovidrel
(choriogonadotropin alfa) |
-Induction of ovulation and pregnancy in anovulatory patients who are infertile, in whom the cause of infertility is functional and not caused by primary ovarian failure
-Multifollicular development during assisted reproductive technology |
Inject 250 mcg subcutaneously (under the skin), given one day following the last dose of follicle-stimulating agent | Ovidrel coupons |
| Cetrotide
(cetrorelix) |
-Inhibition of premature luteinizing hormone surges in patients undergoing controlled ovarian stimulation | Inject 0.25 mg subcutaneously (under the skin) once daily, the morning or evening of ovarian stimulation day 5, or the morning of ovarian stimulation day 6; continue 0.25 mg once daily until the day hCG is administered | Cetrotide coupons |
| Fyremadel
(ganirelix) |
-Inhibit premature luteinizing hormone surges in patients undergoing controlled ovarian hyperstimulation | Inject 250 mcg subcutaneously (under the skin) once daily during the mid-to-late phase after initiating follicle-stimulating hormone on day 2 or 3 of the cycle; continue daily until the day of chorionic gonadotropin administration | Fyremadel coupons |
There are other commonly used prescription medications to help with infertility that differ from typical fertility medications.
- Bromocriptine (Parlodel) and cabergoline can treat disorders associated with high levels of prolactin, like infertility, and regulate normal pituitary function, helping to regulate menstruation.
- The common Type 2 diabetes drug, metformin, can be used in females with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), as this condition is associated with infertility. Metformin helps treat insulin resistance, commonly associated with PCOS, that leads to improved ovulation frequency.
RELATED: What your fertility labs mean
Top 5 Clomid alternatives
The following are some of the most common alternatives to Clomid.
1. Femara (letrozole)
Femara is a commonly used brand-name prescription medication also available as a generic drug called letrozole. This alternative belongs to a group of drugs called aromatase inhibitors, typically used for treating breast cancer, and its use for ovulation induction is considered off-label. Using letrozole for infertility is backed up with various clinical literature and multiple committee opinions that support the efficacy and safety for ovulation induction. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recommends letrozole as a preferred treatment for females with PCOS over Clomid (clomiphene) for ovulation induction. Like Clomid, letrozole is an oral medication taken by mouth. Common side effects include dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and hot flashes that are often more mild than hot flashes associated with Clomid. Letrozole is a suitable alternative for those who have not responded to Clomid treatment.
RELATED: How much is letrozole without insurance?
2. Follicle stimulating hormones (Follistim, Gonal-F)
Follicle-stimulating hormone medications, like Follistim and Gonal-F, are subcutaneous injectables administered into the fatty tissue just beneath the skin. These medications act as a version of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), a natural hormone the body makes to help regulate the reproductive system. These infertility treatments trigger the growth and maturation of ovarian follicles that promote egg development. A healthcare provider trains the user how to properly administer these injectables to make sure they are used correctly. Follistim or Gonal-F may be well-suited options for individuals comfortable with injections.
3. Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists (Cetrotide, Fyremadel)
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists, like Cetrotide and Fyremadel, are other subcutaneous injectables used to treat infertility. These options are often used in addition to other fertility treatments. During in vitro fertilization (IVF), these medications can allow for better-timed egg retrieval by controlling ovulation time. These medications can improve the chance of fertilization and pregnancy. Learning proper administration technique is important as these injections have a unique dosing schedule and route of administration. Cetrotide or Fyremadel may be suitable alternatives for those pursuing IVF.
4. Human menopausal gonadotropins (Menopur)
Menopur is a human menopausal gonadotropin drug that is mixed and injected under the skin. The alternative is made up of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), which causes the ovaries to produce eggs. This alternative has a higher risk of producing multiple pregnancies. Menopur may be used alongside IVF. This option is typically used in complex infertility cases or when other treatments have not succeeded.
5. Human chorionic gonadotropins (Pregnyl, Ovidrel, Novarel)
Human chorionic gonadotropins are effective injectable medications that include Pregnyl, Ovidrel, and Novarel. These options act as a substitute for luteinizing hormone (LH) to stimulate ovulation. Part of IVF treatment may include human chorionic gonadotropins. Understanding proper technique is crucial, as some brands, like Ovidrel, are administered under the skin, while others, like Pregnyl and Novarel, are administered into the muscle. Commonly used with other fertility treatments, these may be suitable alternatives to use as part of an IVF treatment plan.
Natural alternatives to Clomid
There are alternative remedies that can help increase the chances of pregnancy, including lifestyle changes and diet modifications. Smoking, drug misuse, high intake of alcohol, and caffeine can cause infertility issues for both females and males. There is evidence that smoking can damage the DNA in sperm, negatively impact hormone production, and harm the reproductive system. It’s important to stop smoking and limit intake of alcohol and caffeine.
A healthy diet and regular exercise can be beneficial in achieving pregnancy. This includes eating fat-rich diets, fish, vegetables, legumes, and foods with antioxidants. Regular exercise can be especially helpful for overweight or obese infertile females. Obese females have a higher incidence of menstrual cycle dysfunction and are at a high risk for reproductive health issues.
RELATED: The best diet for fertility
How to switch to a Clomid alternative
1. Discuss all health conditions with a healthcare provider
Before switching from Clomid to an alternative, it’s important that the healthcare provider is aware of all medical conditions. Certain alternatives should be used with caution or avoided with certain medical conditions.
2. Do not suddenly stop taking Clomid without medical advice
Although Clomid can be safely discontinued and is not believed to cause withdrawal effects, a fertility plan must be established with a fertility specialist to determine next steps.
3. Discuss all prescription and over-the-counter medications with a healthcare provider
Before switching from Clomid to an alternative, the fertility provider must review a complete medication list, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and supplements. Certain alternatives have dangerous drug interactions and may impact fertility issues.
Choosing the right path for infertility treatment
- Starting an infertility treatment plan can be challenging, but consulting with a fertility specialist can be a great first step.
- Everyone working to build their family will have their path to pregnancy, and certain medications may be a more suitable treatment plan.
- Alternative prescription medications include oral medicines and injectables into either the skin or muscle. These options include Femara (letrozole), follicle-stimulating hormone medications, human menopausal gonadotropin (hMG) medications, human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) medications, and gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonist medicines.
- There are online resources to use throughout the pregnancy journey.
- Female infertility, StatPearls (2022)
- Ovulation induction techniques, StatPearls (2023)
- Infertility, World Health Organization (2024)
- Clomid prescribing information, FDA
- Fertility medications recommended, Adore Fertility
- Aromatase inhibitors in gynecologic practice, The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (2018)
- Effects of lifestyle factors on fertility, Reproduction and Fertility (2021)
- Femara prescribing information, DailyMed
- Follistim prescribing information, DailyMed
- Gonal-F prescribing information, DailyMed
- Menopur prescribing information, DailyMed
- Pregnyl prescribing information, DailyMed
- Novarel prescribing information, DailyMed
- Ovidrel prescribing information, DailyMed
- Cetrotide prescribing information, DailyMed
- Fyremadel prescribing information, DailyMed