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Drugs & Medications - Clomiphene Citrate Oral

Clomiphene Citrate Oral

Important Note

CLOMIPHENE - ORAL

Pronunciation: (KLO-meh-feen)

Brand Name(s): Clomid, Serophene

Warnings
Uses
Side Effects
Precautions
Interactions
Overdose
Clomiphene Citrate Oral Warnings
Clomiphene Citrate Oral Uses

This medication is used to treat infertility in women. It works by stimulating an increase in the amount of hormones that support the growth and release of a mature egg (ovulation). This medication is not recommended for women whose ovaries no longer make eggs properly (primary pituitary or ovarian failure).

How to use Clomiphene Citrate Oral

Clomiphene must be taken by mouth exactly as directed by your doctor in order to be most effective. It is important to follow your dosing schedule carefully.

Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not take it more often or for a longer time than prescribed by your doctor. Long-term treatment with this medication is not recommended and should not be more than 6 cycles.

You may be directed to record your body temperature, perform ovulation tests, and properly time sexual intercourse for best results. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Clomiphene Citrate Oral Side Effects

Stomach upset, bloating, abdominal/pelvic fullness, flushing ("hot flashes"), breast tenderness, headache, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Vision changes (e.g., blurred vision, seeing spots or flashes) may sometimes occur during clomiphene treatment, especially if you are exposed to bright light. These side effects usually go away a few days or weeks after treatment is stopped. However, in rare cases, vision changes may be permanent. Tell your doctor immediately if any of the following occur: vision problems/changes, eye pain.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: abnormal vaginal bleeding, mental/mood changes.

This medication may cause a condition known as ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS). Rarely, serious OHSS causes fluid to suddenly build up in the stomach, chest, and heart area. This may occur during therapy or after treatment has been stopped. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop any of the following side effects: severe pain/swelling in the lower abdomen (pelvic) area, sudden/rapid weight gain, nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, shortness of breath, change in the amount of urine, pain/redness/swelling of the legs, chest pain, fast/irregular heartbeat.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Clomiphene Citrate Oral Precautions

Before taking clomiphene, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.

This medication should not be used if you have certain medical conditions. Before using this medicine, consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have: ovarian cysts or enlarged ovaries (not due to polycystic ovary syndrome), abnormal vaginal bleeding, liver disease, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal gland problems, tumor in the brain (pituitary tumor).

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: polycystic ovary syndrome, uterus problems (e.g., uterine fibroids, endometriosis).

Use of clomiphene may result in multiple births (e.g., twins, triplets). Consult your doctor for more details.

This drug may make you dizzy or cause vision changes. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

Stop using this medication when you become pregnant. This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. This drug may reduce milk production. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Clomiphene Citrate Oral Interactions

Your healthcare professionals (e.g., doctor or pharmacist) may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring you for it. Do not start, stop or change the dosage of any medicine before checking with them first.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products you may use.

Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist.

Clomiphene Citrate Oral Overdose

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly. Symptoms of overdose may include: vomiting, abdominal/pelvic pain, vision problems.

NOTES:

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (e.g., hormone levels, pelvic examination/ultrasound) should be performed regularly to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE:

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor promptly for further instructions. Do not double the dose to catch up unless your doctor directs you to do so.

STORAGE:

Store at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C). Keep in a closed container protected from heat, light, and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product.

Information last revised March 2009 Copyright(c) 2009 First DataBank, Inc.

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