Clomiphene

Generic name: Clomiphene
Drug class: Synthetic ovulation stimulants

Usage of Clomiphene

Clomiphene is a non-steroidal fertility medicine. It causes the pituitary gland to release hormones needed to stimulate ovulation (the release of an egg from the ovary).

Clomiphene is used to cause ovulation in women with certain medical conditions (such as polycystic ovary syndrome) that prevent naturally occurring ovulation.

Clomiphene may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Clomiphene side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to clomiphene: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some women using this medicine develop a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), especially after the first treatment. OHSS can be a life threatening condition. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms of OHSS:

stomach pain, bloating;

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;

rapid weight gain, especially in your face and midsection;

little or no urinating; or

pain when you breathe, rapid heart rate, feeling short of breath (especially when lying down).

Stop using clomiphene and call your doctor at once if you have:

pelvic pain or pressure, enlargement in your pelvic area;

vision problems;

seeing flashes of light or "floaters" in your vision;

increased sensitivity of your eyes to light; or

heavy vaginal bleeding.

Common clomiphene side effects may include:

flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);

breast pain or tenderness;

headache; or

breakthrough bleeding or spotting.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Clomiphene

You should not use clomiphene if you are allergic to it, or if you have:

unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding;

an ovarian cyst that is not related to polycystic ovary syndrome;

past or present liver disease;

a pituitary gland or other brain tumor;

an untreated or uncontrolled problem with your thyroid or adrenal gland; or

if you are pregnant.

To make sure clomiphene is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

endometriosis or uterine fibroids.

Do not use clomiphene if you are already pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about the possible effects of this medicine on a new pregnancy.

Clomiphene can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. This medication may slow breast milk production in some women. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Using clomiphene for longer than 3 treatment cycles may increase your risk of developing an ovarian tumor. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.

Higher doses of clomiphene can also lead to visual disturbances, which may be irreversible, or a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). OHSS can be a life threatening condition. Symptoms include abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, weight gain, and trouble breathing.

Fertility treatment may increase your chance of having multiple births (twins, triplets). These are high-risk pregnancies both for the mother and the babies. Ask your doctor about this risk.

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How to use Clomiphene

Usual Adult Dose for Ovulation Induction:

50 mg orally once a day for 5 days. Therapy should be initiated on or near the 5th day of the menstrual cycle, but may be started at any time in patients without recent uterine bleeding. If ovulation occurs and pregnancy is not achieved, up to 2 additional courses of clomiphene 50 mg orally once a day for 5 days may be administered. Each subsequent course may be started as early as 30 days after the previous course and after pregnancy has been excluded. Most patients ovulate following the first course of therapy. However, if the patient fails to ovulate, a second course of 100 mg/day for 5 days may be given as early as 30 days following the initial course. A third course of 100 mg/day for 5 days may be given after 30 days, if necessary.

Warnings

Do not use clomiphene if you are already pregnant.

You should not use clomiphene if you have: liver disease, unexplained abnormal vaginal bleeding, an uncontrolled adrenal gland or thyroid disorder, an ovarian cyst (unrelated to polycystic ovary syndrome), or if you are pregnant.

What other drugs will affect Clomiphene

Other drugs may interact with clomiphene, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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