Clomiphene

Introduction To Clomiphene

Clomiphene is a medicine used to treat female infertility. It is used in women who are unable to become pregnant, due to ovulation problems or suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Clomiphene should be taken with or without food, but take it at the same time every day to get the most benefit. The dose and how often you take it depends on what you are taking it for. Your doctor will decide how much you need to improve your symptoms. It is not a safe medicine for long term use, hence it is usually advisable for a period of 3 menstrual cycles.

The most common side effects of this medicine include nausea, vomiting, bloating, headache, and hot flushes. If these bother you or appear serious, let your doctor know. Some serious side effects which mean your doctor should know immediately include ovary overstimulation (pelvic pain, stomach pain, trouble breathing and weight gain), and blurring of vision.

Before taking this medicine, tell your doctor if you have ever had an early menopause or infertile, or have ovarian fibroids or swollen ovary. Your doctor should also know about all other medicines you are taking as many of these may make this medicine less effective or change the way it works. Generally, you should avoid alcohol while taking this medicine.

Uses of Clomiphene

  • Female infertility

Benefits of Clomiphene

Female infertility
Clomiphene helps in normal development of an egg in a woman's ovary (female reproductive organ), and stimulates the release of a healthy, matured egg. This helps to treat infertility in women and increases the chance of a successful pregnancy. It is commonly used in women who are taking treatment for ovulation related issues or for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Take this medicine in the dose and duration prescribed by the doctor.

Side effects of Clomiphene

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Ubiphene C

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Bloating
  • Headache
  • Enlarged ovary
  • Hot flashes
  • Metrorrhagia (menstrual bleeding at irregular intervals)
  • Breast discomfort

How to use Clomiphene

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Clomiphene may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

How Clomiphene works

Clomiphene is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) which treats female infertility. It works by promoting the release of reproductive hormones. This helps stimulate the release of eggs from the ovary (ovulation).

Quick tips

  • Clomiphene promotes the release of reproductive hormones so it is used in women who cannot get pregnant because they are not ovulating or have a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome.

  • It is not safe for long-term use. Hence, it is advisable not to use it for more than 3 menstrual cycles.

  • The medicine will cause ovulation after 5-10 days. It is advisable to have regular intercourse during this period.

  • It may cause blurring of vision. Be cautious while driving or doing anything requiring mental focus.

  • Inform your doctor if you experience abdominal pain and distention, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight gain while taking this medicine.

Safety Advice

sdsPregnancyUNSAFE

Can I take Clomiphene if I’m pregnant?

Clomiphene is highly unsafe to use during pregnancy. Seek your doctor's advice as studies on pregnant women and animals have shown significant harmful effects to the developing baby.

sdsBreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Clomiphene if I’m breastfeeding?

Clomiphene is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

sdsAlcoholCAUTION

Is drinking alcohol while taking Clomiphene safe?

Caution is advised when consuming alcohol with Clomiphene. Please consult your doctor.

sdsDrivingUNSAFE

Can I drive after taking Clomiphene?

Clomiphene may cause blurring of your vision for a short time just after its use. Do not drive until your vision is clear.

sdsKidneyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Can I take Clomiphene if I have/had kidney diseases?

There is limited information available on the use of Clomiphene in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.

sdsLiverUNSAFE

Can I take Clomiphene if I have/had liver diseases?

Clomiphene is probably unsafe to use in patients with liver disease and should be avoided. Please consult your doctor.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is the Clomiphene used for?

Clomiphene is used in some women who are unable to become pregnant, due to problem with ovulation (release of an egg) or have a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

Q. How and in what dose should I take Clomiphene?

For best results, take Clomiphene strictly as per the advice of your doctor. The number of doses you take each day, and the duration for which you take the medicine depends on the medical problem being treated.

Q. After how many days of Clomiphene intake should I have sex to get pregnant?

It is ideal to have sex after 5-10 days of taking Clomiphene. However, your doctor may examine you regularly during the treatment and suggest you the best possible days.

Q. For how many cycles can I take Clomiphene?

Your treatment with Clomiphene may be repeated by the doctor until you get pregnant. However, the treatment can be repeated only for up to 4 menstrual cycles.

Q. What are the common side effects of using Clomiphene?

The most common side effects associated with Clomiphene are hot flushes (red and warm face), stomach discomfort, and breast pain. Most of these symptoms are temporary. However, if they persist, check with your doctor as soon as possible.

Q. Can I take Clomiphene without a doctor’s prescription?

No, Clomiphene is a prescription drug. It is not available or sold without a doctor’s prescription

Q. Can I take Clomiphene if I have an ovarian cyst?

No, Clomiphene should not be taken, if there is a cyst in the ovary. Please consult your doctor before use

Q. Can I take Clomiphene with metformin?

Clomiphene can be taken with metformin, only if advised by your doctor.

References

Written By:

Dr Advikka Ridhy

Dr Advikka Ridhy

MBBS

RMO, Aster MIMS

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