Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Clomifene

Clomifene: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Clomifene?

Clomifene is a medication used to treat women who don’t ovulate; it helps improve their fertility. Irregular ovulation is common among women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). It is a five-day course of medication taken once a day. It works the same as estrogen, a female hormone that produces eggs.

What are the uses of Clomifene?

Clomifene (Clomiphene) is a drug that helps women who do not ovulate properly get pregnant. It helps increase the growth of hormones responsible for producing and releasing a mature egg. Women suffering from polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) are more likely to be infertile. Doctors do not recommend it to women with primary pituitary or ovarian failure.

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    What are the side effects of Clomifene?

    Women consuming Clomifene might experience:

    • Flushing (feeling of warmth)
    • Upset stomach
    • Headache
    • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
    • Vomiting
    • Breast discomfort

    There might be a few side effects that can call the need to see a doctor:

    • Visual spots or flashes
    • Blurred vision
    • Double vision
    • Swelling in stomach
    • Pain in stomach or lower stomach
    • Weight gain
    • Shortness of breath

    For any other symptoms, consult our experts.

    What is Clomifene

    Uses of Clomifene

    Side effects of Clomifene

    References

    1. https://vafertility.com/clomid/#:~:text=Approximately%2010%25%20of%20women%20who,withheld%20during%20the%20following%20cycle
    2. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26152000/
    3. https://patient.info/medicine/clomifene-tablets-clomid
    4. https://www.verywellfamily.com/clomid-treatment-day-by-day-what-to-expect-1959970

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Clomifene

    Follicular cysts are also benign ovarian cysts or functional cysts. Doctors envisage that approximately 10% of the women consuming Clomifene can develop an ovarian or follicular cyst. This is why doctors perform pelvic ultrasounds after each treatment cycle to check for an ovarian cyst.

    Both Clomiphene and Fineova (Letrozole) are responsible for inducing ovulation in women with PCOS. But they both work with different mechanisms. Fineova is considered more effective than Clomifene in achieving births in women with unexplained infertility or PCOS. However, no study has been done on the usage of both as a combination.

    A study highlights that the process of hydrotubation done using clomiphene citrate results in an increased frequency of pregnancy per cycle in women with unexplained infertility compared to the use of clomiphene citrate alone. But the ratio of live birth and abortion was recorded the same in both cases.

    In most cases, doctors recommend only a six-cycle treatment of Clomifene. This includes taking one tablet a day for five days per cycle. Over this number of cycles, women can get exposed to the risk of ovarian cancer. However, most women are treated with three cycles of Clomiphene and then evaluated to have formed ovulation.

    Ovulation usually occurs in 5 to 10 days after taking the last Clomifene pill. So if you consume Clomifene between days 3 and 7 of your cycle, ovulation occurs 10 to 16 days after having the medicine. If you consume Clomifene on days 5 to 9 of your cycle, ovulation is most likely to occur between days 12 to 17 of your cycle.

    Clomifene is best taken from day 2 to 6 of your menstrual cycle, as the first day is your bleeding day. It should be taken at the same time each day. Read and follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor to explain any part you find difficult to understand.

    Clomifene is included in category X of pregnancy because it increases the risks of neonatal and fatal complications and side effects. Consuming Clomiphene while you're pregnant will not provide any benefit; instead, it may cause life-threatening congenital disabilities and complications.

    Yes, you can consume Clomifene (clomiphene citrate) while breastfeeding. This medication is considered safe to use while you breastfeed, but it can cause side effects such as decreased breast milk supply. However, no other side effects have been seen if Clomifene is consumed while breastfeeding in most cases.

    Consumption of alcohol or smoking usually decreases the chances of your getting pregnant. Therefore, while taking Clomifene tablets, it is recommended not to drink alcohol or smoke, as it reduces the effect of Clomiphene and can decrease or efface the chance of your becoming pregnant.

    Clomiphene should be taken at the same time each day. It could be on a full or empty stomach. However, if you feel discomfort while consuming it on an empty stomach, take it after eating something. It is best if you consult your doctor for the directions.

    If you have similar symptoms or have any queries, consult our doctors.