Clomid
Clomid (clomiphene) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) used to treat infertility in people wanting to become pregnant. It works by causing ovulation, or egg release. You'll take a dose by mouth every day for 5 days, typically during your menstrual period. Some of the more common side effects include hot flashes, bloating, and stomach pain.
What is Clomid (clomiphene)?
What is Clomid (clomiphene) used for?
How Clomid (clomiphene) works
Clomid (clomiphene) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM). It works by tricking your body into thinking that estrogen levels are low, which causes it to release more follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) to help eggs grow and develop. When the eggs are mature, your body will release a large amount of luteinizing hormone (LH), triggering ovulation (egg release) so that they can be fertilized by sperm.
Drug Facts
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What are the side effects of Clomid (clomiphene)?
Common Side Effects
- Swollen ovaries (14%)
- Hot flashes (10%)
- Stomach pain, discomfort, or bloating (6%)
Other Side Effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Breast discomfort
- Blurry vision or sensitivity to light
- Headache
- Abnormal bleeding or spotting
Serious Side Effects
- Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome: severe pelvic or stomach pain and swelling, nausea, vomiting, sudden weight gain, diarrhea, trouble breathing, trouble urinating
Source: DailyMed
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The following side effects have also been reported
Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
Less common or rare
Blurred vision
decreased or double vision or other vision problems
seeing flashes of light
sensitivity of eyes to light
yellow eyes or skin
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common
Less common or rare
Breast discomfort
dizziness or lightheadedness
headache
heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between periods
mental depression
nausea or vomiting
nervousness
restlessness
tiredness
trouble in sleeping
Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pros and cons of Clomid (clomiphene)
Pros
Works well for people with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
Usually only taken for 5 days during each cycle
Available as a tablet, unlike many alternatives
Cons
Typically only recommended for up to 3 cycles, not a long-term treatment
Can cause vision problems in some rare cases
Not safe if you have liver problems or certain thyroid problems
Pharmacist tips for Clomid (clomiphene)
Clomid (clomiphene) doesn't cause you to ovulate right away. Most people will ovulate about 5 to 10 days after their dose. If you aren't using any other fertility treatments or procedures, it's important to have sex during this timeframe for the greatest chance of success. Ask your fertility provider to see when would be the best days for you to try to conceive.
Unfortunately, Clomid (clomiphene) doesn't work for everyone. While there are many reasons why it might not work, a possible reason is that the starting dose isn't high enough for you. So if Clomid (clomiphene) doesn't work after one round, your prescriber will most likely raise your dose.
Clomid (clomiphene) might harm an unborn baby, so you shouldn't take it if you're already pregnant. Because of this, your fertility provider might ask you to come in for an appointment with them before starting your next round of medication to make sure you're not pregnant.
Clomid (clomiphene) isn't meant to be taken long-term. Taking it for longer than recommended raises your risk of side effects, such as vision problems. If you haven't ovulated or haven't gotten pregnant after about 3 rounds of this medication, your fertility provider will likely suggest trying something else.
It's hard to predict how many eggs your body will release after you take Clomid (clomiphene). But it's possible for your body to ovulate more than one egg which means you might get pregnant with multiples (e.g., twins, triplets). Discuss this possibility with your partner and prescriber before you start this medication.
Clomid (clomiphene) doesn't typically delay your period, so if your period is late after taking this medication, this could be a sign that you might be pregnant.
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Frequently asked questions about Clomid (clomiphene)
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What are the risks and warnings for Clomid (clomiphene)?
Clomid (clomiphene) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Vision changes
Risk factors: Long-term use of Clomid (clomiphene) | Taking more than 100 mg of Clomid (clomiphene) a day
Clomid (clomiphene) can cause you to have blurry vision or see spots and flashes. You're more likely to experience this side effect the longer you take the medication and at higher doses. Vision problems usually go away after you stop Clomid (clomiphene), but in some rare cases, they can be permanent. Be careful driving, especially at night. Let your prescriber know if you experience any vision changes because they might ask you to stop taking this medication.
Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS)
Risk factors: Taking Clomid (clomiphene) long-term | Taking Clomid (clomiphene) together with gonadotropin medications
Clomid (clomiphene) can cause ovaries to become overly stimulated, leading to a serious side effect called OHSS. To lower your risk of OHSS, your fertility provider will prescribe you the lowest dose needed.
Early symptoms of OHSS include stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight gain. If you develop OHSS, you might not feel symptoms until a few days after you've completed a cycle of Clomid (clomiphene). For most people, OHSS usually goes away on its own within a few days or weeks after stopping this medication. But sometimes, it can lead to more serious problems if left untreated, including trouble breathing and bursting ovaries. If you experience OHSS during treatment, let your prescriber know. They can talk with you about the benefits and risks of continuing to take this medication.
Possible risk of harm to unborn baby
Don't take Clomid (clomiphene) if you're pregnant because this medication won't benefit you if you're already pregnant. And while research results are mixed, one study shows that Clomid (clomiphene) can have the potential to harm unborn babies. Before each round of medication, your fertility provider will need to make sure you're not pregnant before giving you the medication. If you suspect you're pregnant during any round, let your prescriber know right away.
Clomid (clomiphene) dosage forms
| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50mg | 30 tablets | $76.22 | $2.54 |
Typical dosing for Clomid (clomiphene)
The typical starting dose is 50 mg by mouth once a day for 5 days. If you don't ovulate after taking this course, your fertility provider might raise your dose to 100 mg once a day for 5 days during your next cycle.
Interactions between Clomid (clomiphene) and other drugs
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
How much does Clomid (clomiphene) cost?
Clomid (clomiphene) contraindications
Currently pregnant
Currently have or history of liver problems
Abnormal uterine bleeding with an unclear cause
Ovarian cysts or swelling not due to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal problems
Pituitary tumor
What are alternatives to Clomid (clomiphene)?
Female infertility not caused by ovarian failure
Male infertility not caused by testicular failure
Infertility treatment in females who have trouble ovulating
To develop multiple follicles in females going through assisted reproductive technologies (ART), such as in vitro fertilization (IVF)
Infertility treatment in males who have hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, a hormone-related condition (Gonal-F only)
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References
Best studies we foundCosette Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (2022). Clomid- clomiphene citrate tablet [package insert]. DailyMed.
Huijben, M. et al. (2023). Clomiphene citrate for male infertility: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Andrology.
MedlinePlus. (2023). Ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome.
You and Your Hormones. (2021). Follicle stimulating hormone.
You and Your Hormones. (2021). Luteinising hormone.
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