whats the diffrence ??

I want to know if anyone knows whats the difference between Gonal F and clomid ? what gives more results

Message edited 8/16/2010 8:55:16 PM.

Re: whats the diffrence ??

i believe Gonal F is more 'potent', for lack of a better word.
I think Gonal F has a much higher chance of multiples and you are monitored much closer while on it - your dr should also explain the risks/chances of multiples on this drug is higher and discuss your options

Re: whats the diffrence ??

Okay... Clomid is an anti-estrogen. It "tricks" your brain into thinking it's not making enough estrogen so that your body starts making more estrogen. The result is either just ovulation or more follies at ovulation. So Clomid works indirectly to help with ovulation. Some also think it improves the egg quality. Everyone responds differently. One person can take 25mg and produce 10 eggs, where another person can take 150mg and only produce 1 follie (this was me). It depends on your Dx. The positives are: it's inexpensive and only a pill. The down side is: you can only use it for a limited amount of times in your lifetime (most REs will only let you take it for 6 months), it can have nasty side effects, and in many people it thins your uterine lining.

Now for Gonal-F... Gonal-F is FSH, which stimulates you to produce follicles. It is the direct hormone rather than a round about way to get your body to do something. Most tend to produce more follicles for this reason, however, it has to be very closely monitored and if you have PCO, there is a greater chance for hyperstimulation. The chance of multiples is definitely higher. Most of the time, the RE is able to control it by changing dosages and lots of monitoring but sometimes it can result in too many folliciles where a cycle may be cancelled or some REs give the option to convert to IVF. The good things are: less side effects and definitely more follciles. The down side: more costly, actually injections, and chance of hyperstimulation/cancelled cycles or multiples.

HTH!

Re: whats the diffrence ??

most notably, clomid is a pill and gonal-f (or follistim which is almost the same with a different brand name) is an injectable med.

clomid has some nasty side effects like thinning of the uterine lining.

gonal-f/follistim have fewer side effects because they are pure hormones that go directly where they need to go - you dont have to digest a pill.

clomid is a lot cheaper if you dont have insurance coverage.

Message edited 8/16/2010 10:09:58 PM.