How does it work?

Clomifene citrate causes an increase in the levels of hormones in the female body which control the development and release of an egg. These hormones are released from the pituitary gland in the brain and are known as follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinising hormone (LH). FSH stimulates the ovaries and LH causes the release of an egg from the ovaries (ovulation). Oestrogen normally causes the brain to stop releasing FSH and LH following ovulation, as part of the normal menstrual cycle. It does this by acting on receptors in a part of the brain called the hypothalamus, which sends messages to the pituitary gland. Clomifene works by blocking the oestrogen receptors in the hypothalamus. This stops oestrogen from acting on these receptors, and therefore stops the message being sent to the pituitary gland. This results in the release of more FSH and LH from the pituitary gland. The increase in these hormones increases the chances of egg development and ovulation. Clomifene is used to stimulate ovulation in women whose infertility is due to problems with ovulation.

What is it used for?

Infertility in women caused by failure of ovulation

Warning!

Inform your doctor if you experience weight gain, pelvic pain or abdominal pain, discomfort or swelling after taking this medicine.

Women should be evaluated for the presence of ovarian cysts before each course of treatment.

This fertility treatment increases the chance of multiple pregnancies and pregnancies outside the womb (ectopic pregnancy).

This medicine should not be used for more than 6 cycles of therapy, as prolonged use may increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

This medicine may cause blurred vision or other visual symptoms. This may make it hazardous to drive or operate machinery. If visual symptoms occur, treatment should be discontinued and eye tests performed.

Women should have a pregnancy test before each course of clomifene therapy.

Use with caution in

Fibroids of the uterus

History of seizures

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Not to be used in

Abnormal bleeding from the uterus of undetermined origin

History of decreased liver function

Liver disease

Ovarian cysts

Pregnancy

Tumours that are affected by certain hormones

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

This medicine should not be used in pregnancy. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

It is not known whether this medicine passes into breast milk. It may suppress the production of milk. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Headache

Rash

Visual disturbances

Loss of contact with reality (psychosis)

Nausea and vomiting

Over stimulation of the ovaries causing production of many ova (eggs) in the woman.

Hot flushes

Spotting of blood between menstrual periods in women

Abnormally heavy bleeding at menstruation, which may be associated with abnormally long periods.

Stroke (cerebrovascular accident)

Abdominal discomfort

Breast discomfort

Enlargement of the ovaries

Pain in the lower abdomen in the middle of the menstrual cycle (mittelschmerz).

Depression

Seizures (convulsions)

Dizziness

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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