Clomiphene: Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, ...

5 mins read

Overview: Clomiphene is a tablet you can swallow that is used to increase your chances of getting pregnant. It affects hormone levels to trigger ovulation. Common side effects may include hot flushes, stomach discomfort, distention, bloating, nausea, breast discomfort, or headache. Serious side effects are less common, but may include vision problems, inflammation of your pancreas, or swollen ovaries. Tell your health care provider right away if you have vision changes, sudden weight gain, or severe stomach or back pain.

What is clomiphene used for?

Clomiphene is commonly used in women who are having trouble ovulating to increase their chances of becoming pregnant.

Clomiphene may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does clomiphene work (mechanism of action)?

Clomiphene increases the levels of certain hormones that trigger ovulation.

How is clomiphene supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

• Clomid

Dosage forms and strengths

• 50 mg oral tablets

How should I store clomiphene?

Clomiphene should be stored at room temperature, between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C). Store in a cool, dry place in a closed container.

What are the most common side effects of clomiphene?

The most common clomiphene side effects are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

• Increase in the size of the ovaries (see below)
• Hot flushes
• Stomach discomfort, distention, bloating, nausea, and vomiting
• Breast discomfort
• Headache
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding, including spotting
• Vision problems (see below)

There may be other side effects of clomiphene that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of clomiphene?

While less common, the most serious side effects of clomiphene are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Clomiphene may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Clomiphene and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

• Breathing problems or wheezing
• Racing heart
• Fever or general ill feeling
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
• Itching or skin rash
• Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
• Stomach cramps
• Joint pain

Vision Problems. Taking clomiphene may cause vision problems such as blurry vision or seeing spots or flashes of light. These vision changes may last for a long time and could be permanent, especially with higher doses and if taken for a long time. Tell your health care provider right away if you experience any vision changes.

Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome. Clomiphene can cause a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, which can be serious. This condition causes the ovaries to become swollen and painful, and they may leak fluid. Stop taking clomiphene and tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

• Stomach pain or swelling
• Trouble breathing
• Nausea or vomiting
• Rapid weight gain
• Decreased urine (pee)

Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Clomiphene may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Stop taking clomiphene and call your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis, including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.

Ovarian Cancer. Long-term use of clomiphene may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Taking clomiphene for more than a total of 6 cycles is not recommended. Talk to your health care provider about how long you should take clomiphene.

Who should not use clomiphene?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take clomiphene.

• Clomiphene
• Clomid
• Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Pregnancy. Do not take clomiphene if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your health care professional right away. See the Pregnancy section for more details.

Liver Problems. Clomiphene should not be taken if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your health care provider may do tests to see if it is working well enough to take this medicine.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding. Do not take clomiphene if you have abnormal uterine bleeding without a known cause.

Ovarian Cysts. Do not take clomiphene if you have cysts on your ovaries that are not caused by polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Adrenal Gland, Pituitary Gland, or Thyroid Disease. Clomiphene should not be used if the cause of infertility is due to adrenal gland disease, uncontrolled thyroid disease, or a brain tumor known as a pituitary tumor. You will not respond to clomiphene if any of these conditions are the cause of infertility.

What should I know about clomiphene before using it?

Do not take clomiphene unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed.

Do not share clomiphene with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Clomiphene increases the chances of becoming pregnant with multiple babies. This may increase the risk of a pregnancy outside of the uterus (ectopic pregnancy). Talk to your health care provider about the potential complications of becoming pregnant with multiple babies while taking clomiphene.

Clomiphene can affect your vision. Do not drive or do other activities that require clear vision until you know how clomiphene affects you.

Keep clomiphene out of the reach of children.

What should I tell my health care provider before using clomiphene?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if clomiphene is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

• Liver disease
• High triglyceride levels
• Abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Ovarian cyst
• Endometriosis
• Uterine fibroids

Pregnancy. Do not take clomiphene if you are pregnant. If you get pregnant while taking taking clomiphene, stop taking it as soon as you become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if clomiphene passes into breast milk. Clomiphene may reduce milk supply in some people. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take clomiphene while breastfeeding. 

Does clomiphene interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between clomiphene and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect clomiphene. The risk of hot flushes my be higher if you drink alcohol while taking clomiphene, as they can both lead to hot flushes. 

Does clomiphene interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

It is not known if there are interactions between clomiphene and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

What should I do if I accidentally use too much clomiphene?

If you or someone else has taken too much clomiphene, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of clomiphene?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and only take the next dose. Do not take double or extra doses.