clomiphene Health Article

Generic name(s):

clomiphene

Brand name(s):

Clomid, Serophene

What is the most important information I should know about clomiphene?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Clomiphene may cause blurred vision or other visual side effects during or shortly after therapy. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any visual side effects and use caution when performing hazardous activities, especially under conditions of variable lighting.

Clomiphene may increase the likelihood of multiple births. Multiple births may carry additional risk both for the mother and for the fetuses.

What is clomiphene?

Clomiphene stimulates the release of hormones necessary for ovulation to occur.

Clomiphene is used to stimulate ovulation (the release of an egg) when a woman's ovaries can produce a follicle but hormonal stimulation is deficient.

Clomiphene may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

Who should not take clomiphene?

Do not take clomiphene without first talking to your doctor if you

• might be pregnant;

• have a thyroid problem or another endocrine disorder;

• have undiagnosed vaginal bleeding;

• have endometriosis or endometrial carcinoma;

• have uterine fibroids;

• have liver disease;

• have ovarian cysts or ovarian enlargement not due to polycystic ovarian syndrome; or

• have any other serious or chronic medical illness.

You may not be able to take clomiphene, or you may require a lower dose or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Do not take clomiphene if you are pregnant. Clomiphene is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that it is known to cause birth defects. It is not known whether clomiphene pass into breast milk. Do not take clomiphene without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take clomiphene?

Use clomiphene exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.

Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Clomiphene is usually taken in 5 day cycles. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Store clomiphene at room temperature, away from direct light, moisture, and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of clomiphene.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention.

Symptoms of a clomiphene overdose include nausea, vomiting, flushing, blurred vision, visual spots or flashes, and abdominal pain.

What should I avoid while taking clomiphene?

Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Clomiphene may cause blurred vision or other visual side effects during or shortly after therapy. Notify your doctor immediately if you develop any visual side effects and use caution when performing hazardous activities, especially under conditions of variable lighting.