Uses
What is clomiphene used for?
Clomiphene is commonly used in women who are having trouble ovulating to increase their chances of becoming pregnant.
Clomiphene may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does clomiphene work (mechanism of action)?
Clomiphene increases the levels of certain hormones that trigger ovulation.
How is clomiphene supplied (dosage forms)?
Clomiphene is available as Clomid, and generic clomiphene in the following dosage forms that are taken by mouth.
- 50 mg oral tablets
How should I store clomiphene?
Clomiphene should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F to 86 F (15 C to 30 C). Store in a cool, dry place in a closed container.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of clomiphene?
The most common clomiphene side effects are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Increase in the size of the ovaries (see below)
- Hot flushes
- Stomach discomfort, distention, bloating, nausea, and vomiting
- Breast discomfort
- Headache
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including spotting
- Vision problems (see below)
There may be other side effects of clomiphene that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of clomiphene?
While less common, the most serious side effects of clomiphene are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Clomiphene may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Clomiphene and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Vision Problems. Taking clomiphene may cause vision problems such as blurry vision or seeing spots or flashes of light. These vision changes may last for a long time and could be permanent, especially with higher doses and if taken for a long time. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience any vision changes.
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. Clomiphene can cause a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which can be serious. This condition causes the ovaries to become swollen and painful, and they may leak fluid. Stop taking clomiphene and tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Stomach pain or swelling
- Trouble breathing
- Nausea or vomiting
- Rapid weight gain
- Decreased urine (pee)
Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Clomiphene may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Stop taking [Brand or generic name] and call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis, including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.
Ovarian Cancer. Long-term use of clomiphene may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Taking clomiphene for more than a total of 6 cycles is not recommended. Talk to your healthcare provider about how long you should take clomiphene.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use clomiphene?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take clomiphene.
- Clomiphene
- Clomid
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Pregnancy. Do not take clomiphene if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare professional right away. See the Pregnancy section for more details.
Liver Problems. Clomiphene should not be taken if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your healthcare provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to take this medicine.
Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. Do not take clomiphene if you have abnormal uterine bleeding without a known cause.
Ovarian Cysts. Do not take clomiphene if you have cysts on your ovaries that are not caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Adrenal Gland, Pituitary Gland, or Thyroid Disease. Clomiphene should not be used if the cause of infertility is due to adrenal gland disease, uncontrolled thyroid disease, or a brain tumor known as a pituitary tumor. You will not respond to clomiphene if any of these conditions are the cause of infertility.
What should I know about clomiphene before using it?
Do not take clomiphene unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Take it as prescribed.
Do not share clomiphene with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Clomiphene increases the chances of becoming pregnant with multiple babies. This may increase the risk of a pregnancy outside of the uterus in the fallopian tubes. Talk to your healthcare provider about the potential complications of becoming pregnant with multiple babies while taking clomiphene.
Clomiphene can affect your vision. Do not drive or do other activities that require clear vision until you know how clomiphene affects you.
Keep clomiphene out of the reach of children.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using clomiphene?
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if clomiphene is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.
- Liver disease
- High triglyceride levels
- Abnormal vaginal bleeding
- Ovarian cyst
- Endometriosis
- Uterine fibroids
Pregnancy. Do not take clomiphene if you are pregnant. Stop taking clomiphene as soon as you become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if clomiphene passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should take clomiphene while breastfeeding.
Interactions
Does clomiphene interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between clomiphene and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect clomiphene.
Does clomiphene interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between clomiphene and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much clomiphene?
If you or someone else has taken too much clomiphene, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
What should I do if I miss a dose of clomiphene?
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.
Are you currently using Clomiphene?
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