Clomid
® (
clomiphene citrate) is a prescription medication that is used as an infertility treatment for women.
Brand-name Clomid is manufactured by Sanofi-Aventis. Several manufacturers produce a generic version of the drug.
Clomid indirectly stimulates the ovaries, causing an egg to mature and be released (ovulation).
Clomid can help women who do not normally ovulate become pregnant. In clinical studies, 30 percent of women with ovulation problems became pregnant after taking the drug. Of these pregnancies, 7.89 percent were multiple births -- mostly twins
(see Clomid Success Rates or Clomid and Twins for more information).
Some general considerations for when and how to take Clomid include:
- The medication comes in tablet form. It should be taken by mouth once a day for five days during the menstrual cycle.
- You can take Clomid with or without food. If the medication bothers your stomach, try taking it with food.
- Your dosage should be taken at the same time each day to maintain an even level in your blood.
- For Clomid to work properly, it must be taken as prescribed. The medication will not work if you stop taking it.
The dose of Clomid your healthcare provider recommends will vary, depending on a number of factors, including:
- Whether the drug has been unsuccessful during your previous cycles
- Other medical conditions you may have.
As is always the case, do not adjust your dose unless your healthcare provider specifically instructs you to do so.
As with any medicine, side effects can occur with Clomid. However, not everyone who takes the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it well. If side effects do occur, they are often minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider. Serious side effects are less common.
The most common side effects include:
- Enlargement of the ovaries
- Hot flashes
- Abdominal pain (stomach pain)
- Pelvic pain or bloating
- Upset stomach (nausea) or vomiting
- Breast pain
- Vision changes, including blurred vision, double vision, and other vision problems
- Headache (see Clomid and Migraines)
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding, including spotting between periods or long, heavy periods.
(Click Clomid Side Effects to learn more, including potentially serious side effects you should report to your healthcare provider.)
You can read about specific side effects in the following eMedTV articles:
What Should I Tell My Healthcare Provider Before Taking It?
Talk with your healthcare provider prior to
taking Clomid if you have:
- Thyroid or adrenal problems
- A brain tumor
- Ovarian cysts
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
- Fibroids
- Depression
- Liver disease, including liver failure or cirrhosis
- Abnormal menstrual bleeding (abnormal periods)
- Any allergies, including allergies to foods, dyes, or preservatives.
Also, let your healthcare provider know if you:
Tell your healthcare provider about all other medicines you may be taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
What If I Take an Overdose?
People who take too much Clomid may have overdose symptoms that could include:
- Upset stomach (nausea)
- Vomiting
- Hot flashes
- Blurred vision or other vision problems
- Enlarged ovaries (which may cause abdominal or pelvic pain).
If you happen to overdose on the drug, seek immediate medical attention.
How Should Clomid Be Stored?
The tablets should be stored at room temperature, away from moisture or heat, in an airtight container. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.
What Should I Do If I Miss a Dose?
If you do not take your Clomid as scheduled, call your healthcare provider right away. Your healthcare provider will decide if you should continue with the rest of your scheduled doses or if you should start over again with your next cycle.
Clomid tablets are available in one strength -- Clomid 50 mg.
Both brand-name and generic versions of this drug are licensed for sale. Generic Clomid is sold under the following names:
