Clomiphene citrate (CC, Clomid, Serophene)

Clomiphene citrate (CC, Clomid, Serophene) is often the first fertility drug that couples come in contact with. It is (relatively) inexpensive as fertility drugs go, it is easily taken (orally rather than by injection) and it is the first line drug used for ovulation induction in patients with PCOS and other ovulatory disorders. It has been used for patients with luteal phase defect. It can also be used to assess ovarian reserve or, in other words, the likelihood that a woman's ovaries can still produce viable eggs. Clomid is not useful for women whose ovaries have reached the end of their working life.

Common uses

This medicine is a fertility agent used to stimulate ovulation in women who want to become pregnant. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using

Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Use of this medicine is not recommended if you have a history of liver conditions. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Cautions

This medicine may cause dizziness, lightheadedness, or changes in vision. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine may result in multiple pregnancy (twins, etc.). Be sure you have discussed this possibility with your doctor. Do not use this medicine if you are or become pregnant. If you suspect that you could be pregnant, contact your doctor. It is unknown if this medicine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine.

Directions

Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. Store this medicine at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, away from heat and light. If you miss a dose of this medicine, contact your doctor for instructions.

Clomid possible side effects

Side effects, that may go away during treatment, include hot flashes, nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, dizziness, lightheadedness, headache, or mood changes. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. Check with your doctor as soon as possible if you experience stomach or pelvic pain, bloating, or blurred vision. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much

If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, flushing, blurred vision, and stomach pain.

Additional information

Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. Keep this medicine out of the reach of children.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. Inform your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking.

How does Clomid work?

Clomid is actually quite a potent and somewhat complicated medication. It is capable of reacting with all of the tissues in the body that have estrogen receptors.

These tissues include hypothalamus, pituitary, ovary, endometrium, vagina, and cervix. Clomid influences the way that the four hormones required for ovulation, GnRH, FSH, LH and estradiol, relate and interrelate. While we do not completely understand the mechanisms by which this drug works, in essence it appears that Clomid fools the body into believing that the estrogen level is low. This altered feedback information causes the hypothalamus (an area of the brain) to make and release more gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) which in turn causes the pituitary to make and release more FSH and LH. More follicle stimulating hormone and more luteinizing hormone should result in the release of one or more mature eggs - ovulation.