Clomiphene
About Clomiphene
Clomiphene belongs to the group of medications called ‘ovulation stimulants’ used to treat infertility in women who are not ovulating (producing an egg) properly or have irregular or no menstrual cycle. The problem with ovulation is a common cause of infertility in women.
Clomiphene contains ‘clomiphene’ which belongs to the class of ‘ovulation stimulants’. It is used to induce ovulation (egg production) in a woman who has problems with ovulation and wishes to get pregnant. This medicine works by stimulating the production of hormones that are responsible for the ovulation process.
You should take this medicine as prescribed by your doctor. The common side-effects of Clomiphene are flushing (reddening of the skin, especially face), vasomotor symptoms (night sweats and hot flushes), abdominal bloating or discomfort, nausea (feeling sick), vomiting (being sick), headache, vision problems and breast pain. Tell your doctor if any of these side-effects persist or get worsen.
Do not take Clomiphene if you are allergic to clomiphene or any other ingredients present in it, develop any allergic symptoms such as a rash, swallowing or breathing problems, swelling of your lips, face, throat, or tongue, previously diagnosed with liver disease, unexplained and unusual menstrual bleeding, have a type of cancer that gets worse by hormones, or have an ovarian cyst. It is not recommended to use in pregnant women. So, it is advised to take a pregnancy test before using this medicine. It is also not recommended for use in children, adolescents, men and post-menopausal women. Inform your doctor if you are breastfeeding as this medicine may affect the amount of breast milk produced. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other prescription, non-prescription medicines or herbal products before taking this medicine.
Uses of Clomiphene
Medicinal Benefits
Clomiphene is used for fertility enhancement in women who are experiencing infertility due to problems with ovulation (production and release of an egg from the ovary). It works by stimulating the hormones that are necessary for the ovulation process.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Clomiphene
- Flushing (reddening of the skin, especially face)
- Vasomotor symptoms (night sweats and hot flushes)
- Abdominal bloating
- Abdominal discomfort
- Nausea (feeling sick)
- Vomiting (being sick)
- Headache
- Visual disturbances
- Breast tenderness
Drug Warnings
Before taking Clomiphene, inform your doctor if you are having an early menopause, diagnosed as infertile, stopped menstrual periods due to underweight, previously diagnosed with fits or seizures (fits), uterine fibroids (non-cancerous tumors in the womb), polycystic ovaries (presence of small cysts on the enlarged ovaries), swollen ovaries, or hypertriglyceridemia (increased fat levels in the body) or a family history of hypertriglyceridemia. Your doctor may also check for other causes of infertility before prescribing this medicine. Clomiphene contains lactose and sucrose, so inform your doctor if you have any intolerance to sugars.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Clomiphene should not be used along with an anti-cancer agent (bexarotene) as it may cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
Drug-Food Interaction: Alcohol may increase the risk of side-effects of Clomiphene.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Clomiphene should be used with caution in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding, liver failure, hyperlipidemia (increased fat levels), uncontrolled adrenal gland dysfunction, thyroid problems and pituitary tumors.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAlcohol consumption may worsen your condition and increase the risk of side-effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeClomiphene is a category X drug. It should not be given to pregnant women as Clomiphene doesn't benefit this population and may also cause birth defects/congenital disabilities in the unborn baby.
Breast Feeding
cautionClomiphene decreases the supply of breast milk. So, it should be used with caution in breastfeeding mothers.
Driving
cautionClomiphene may cause vision problems, so do not drive or operate heavy machinery after taking Clomiphene until your vision gets normal.
Liver
cautionClomiphene should be used with extreme caution in patients with liver disease as the liver metabolizes this medicine. Dose adjustments may be necessary.
Kidney
cautionClomiphene can be used in patients with kidney diseases if clinically required.
Children
unsafeClomiphene is not recommended for use in children.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Consume a healthy diet that is rich in fibre and proteins and low in carbohydrates and fats.
- Avoid processed or high-sugar foods.
- Stay active and shed excess weight if you are overweight or obese. Do not perform intense exercises as they may negatively impact your reproductive health. Increase the intensity of exercise gradually.
- Being underweight may also reduce your chances of getting pregnant. So, prepare a diet chart that can help you to gain weight healthily.
- Avoid stress as it may decrease your chances of getting pregnant. Try relaxation techniques and receive support and counselling if necessary.
- Limit alcohol and caffeine intake. Quit smoking.
Special Advise
Clomiphene may cause multiple pregnancies (pregnant with more than one child at the same time) or ectopic pregnancy (growing of fetus outside the womb). These conditions may also occur if you are not taking this medicine. However, discuss with your doctor the possible risks before taking Clomiphene.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Female Infertility: A woman is said to have fertility problems when she cannot become pregnant within a year of trying. If a woman gets pregnant but experiences miscarriages or stillbirths, it is also included in infertility. The most common cause of infertility is the problem with ovulation or damage to the uterus.
FAQs
Clomiphene contains 'clomiphene' which can induce ovulation in women who have problems with fertility. It enhances fertility by stimulating the production of hormones that are necessary for ovulation.
Clomiphene is not a cure to infertility. It can only enhance your chance of getting pregnant by inducing ovulation. In most of the cases, the women ovulate within 7 to 10 days after taking this medicine. So, ask your doctor if you have any questions regarding the benefits of Clomiphene.
Clomiphene is given to women who cannot become pregnant due to problems with ovulation. It is not recommended for children, adolescents, men, pregnant women and post-menopausal women.
Clomiphene can be taken with or without food. However, take this medicine at the same time every day for effective results.
After taking Clomiphene, this medicine may (1) induce ovulation, and you may get your period, or (2) induce ovulation, and you get pregnant and not have a period, or (3) fail to induce ovulation. So, if you have not had your period, take a pregnancy test at home or in the doctor's office to confirm pregnancy.
Clomiphene can only enhance your chances of fertility. The reason for not getting pregnant after taking this medicine may be low dosage, other underlying causes of infertility, or any comorbid conditions that interfere with Clomiphene action. Consult your doctor to know the exact reason.
