 Clomiphene (KLOE-mi-feen) is used as a fertility medicine in some women who are unable to become pregnant.
Clomiphene probably works by changing the hormone balance of the body. In women, this causes ovulation to occur and prepares the body for pregnancy.
Clomiphene may also be used for other conditions in both females and males as determined by your doctor.
The following information applies only to female patients taking Clomiphene . Check with your doctor if you are a male and have any questions about the use of Clomiphene .
Clomiphene is available only with your doctor's prescription, in the following dosage form:
Special precautions
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For Clomiphene , the following should be considered:
Allergies - tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to Clomiphene . Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
Pregnancy - there is a chance that Clomiphene may cause birth defects if it is taken after you become pregnant. Stop taking this medicine and tell your doctor immediately if you think you have become pregnant while still taking Clomiphene .
If you become pregnant as a result of using this medicine, there is a chance of a multiple birth (for example, twins, triplets) occurring.
Breast-feeding - It is not known if Clomiphene passes into breast milk. However, this medicine stops milk from being produced.
Other medicines - 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. When you are taking Clomiphene , it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Other medical problems - the presence of other medical problems may affect the use of Clomiphene . Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:
- Unusually large ovary or
- Cyst on ovary - Clomiphene may cause the cyst to increase in size
- Endometriosis - Inducing ovulation (including using Clomiphene ) may worsen endometriosis because the body estrogen level is increased; estrogen can cause growth of endometriosis implants
- Fibroid tumors of the uterus - Clomiphene may cause fibroid tumors to increase in size
- Inflamed veins due to blood clots - Clomiphene may make condition worse
- Liver disease (or history of) - Clomiphene may make any liver disease worse
- Mental depression - Existing depression may become worse because of hormone changes caused by Clomiphene
- Unusual vaginal bleeding - Some irregular vaginal bleeding is a sign that the lining of the uterus is growing too much or is a sign of cancer of the uterus lining; these problems must be ruled out before Clomiphene is used because Clomiphene can make these conditions worse
Side effects
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.
When this medicine is used for a short time at low doses, serious side effects usually are rare. However, check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:
- Bloating; stomach or pelvic pain
Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:
- Blurred vision; decreased or double vision or other vision problems; seeing flashes of light; sensitivity of eyes to light; yellow eyes or skin
Other 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. However, check with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome:
- 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 above may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your doctor.
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory.
Do not let anyone else take your medication.
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