DRUGS AND SUPPLEMENTS

Clomiphene

March 21, 2017

Clomiphene Citrate Oral tablet

What is this medicine?

CLOMIPHENE (KLOE mi feen) is a fertility drug that increases the chance of pregnancy. It helps women ovulate (produce a mature egg) during their cycle.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • adrenal gland disease

  • blood vessel disease or blood clots

  • cyst on the ovary

  • endometriosis

  • liver disease

  • ovarian cancer

  • pituitary gland disease

  • vaginal bleeding that has not been evaluated

  • an unusual or allergic reaction to clomiphene, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

  • pregnant (should not be used if you are already pregnant)

  • breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Take exactly as directed for the exact number of days prescribed. Take your doses at regular intervals. Most women take this medicine for a 5 day period, but the length of treatment may be adjusted. Your doctor will give you a start date for this medication and will give you instructions on proper use. Do not take your medicine more often than directed.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

  • herbal or dietary supplements, like blue cohosh, black cohosh, chasteberry, or DHEA

  • prasterone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Make sure you understand how and when to use this medicine. You need to know when you are ovulating and when to have sexual intercourse. This will increase the chance of a pregnancy.

Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. You may need tests to check the hormone levels in your blood or you may have to use home-urine tests to check for ovulation. Try to keep any appointments.

Compared to other fertility treatments, this medicine does not greatly increase your chances of having multiple babies. An increased chance of having twins may occur in roughly 5 out of every 100 women who take this medication.

Stop taking this medicine at once and contact your doctor or health care professional if you think you are pregnant.

This medicine is not for long-term use. Most women that benefit from this medicine do so within the first three cycles (months). Your doctor or health care professional will monitor your condition. This medicine is usually used for a total of 6 cycles of treatment.

You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this drug affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.

Drinking alcoholic beverages or smoking tobacco may decrease your chance of becoming pregnant. Limit or stop alcohol and tobacco use during your fertility treatments.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

  • allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

  • breathing problems

  • changes in vision

  • fluid retention

  • nausea, vomiting

  • pelvic pain or bloating

  • severe abdominal pain

  • sudden weight gain

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

  • breast discomfort

  • hot flashes

  • mild pelvic discomfort

  • mild nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Protect from heat, light, and moisture. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.

Updated:  

March 21, 2017

Sources:  

U.S. FDA-approved Package Insert