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Clomid

(clomiphene citrate)

In this factsheet:
• How does Clomid work? What will it do for me?
• How should I use Clomid?
• What form(s) does Clomid come in?
• Who should NOT take Clomid?
• What side effects are possible with Clomid?
• Are there any other precautions or warnings for Clomid?
• What other drugs could interact with Clomid?

DIN (Drug Identification Number)

What side effects are possible with Clomid?

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent. The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes this medication. If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking this medication. Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

• breast discomfort
• depression
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• headache
• heavy menstrual periods or bleeding between periods
• hot flashes
• nausea or vomiting (not severe or continuing)
• nervousness
• restlessness
• tiredness
• trouble sleeping

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

• blurred vision
• double or decreased vision, or other vision problem
• occurrences of "flashes of light"
• sensitivity of eyes to light
• symptoms of liver problems (e.g., yellow eyes or skin, abdominal pain, poor appetite, dark urine, or pale stools)

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

• symptoms of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (difficulty breathing, abdominal or pelvic pain or discomfort, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased amount of urine, rapid weight gain)
• symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (shortness of breath, swelling of the face or throat, or hives)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking this medication.

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Clomid?

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use this medication.

Ectopic pregnancy: There is an increased chance of ectopic pregnancy (i.e., the baby develops in one of the fallopian tubes instead of in the uterus) in women who conceive following clomiphene therapy. It is important to have an early ultrasound to ensure that the baby is developing inside the uterus.

Instructions: It is extremely important to understand your treatment and to follow instructions closely. Be sure to ask your doctor any questions you might have.

Multiple births: The incidence of multiple pregnancy (including twins, triplets, quadruplets, and quintuplets) can be up to 10 times greater when conception occurs during a cycle in which clomiphene therapy is taken.

Ovarian cysts: With clomiphene therapy, there is the possibility of ovarian cyst formation. Women should notify their doctor of any abdominal or pelvic pain, weight gain, discomfort, or bloating after taking clomiphene. Women with ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) may also have difficulty breathing and decreased amounts of urine. The doctor will conduct regular pelvic examinations between 2 and 3 weeks after starting each course of therapy.

Ovarian enlargement and ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS): These conditions may occur with clomiphene therapy. Early warning signs include abdominal or pelvic pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight gain. Notify your doctor immediately if any of these symptoms occur after taking clomiphene.

Vision changes: Blurring of vision or other sight problems (such as afterimages, spots, flashes, double vision, or sensitivity to light) may occasionally occur while taking clomiphene or shortly after therapy finishes. These types of sight problems may make it more dangerous to drive a car or operate machinery, particularly under conditions where light varies. If you experience such effects, stop taking the medication and contact your doctor.

Pregnancy: Clomiphene should not be taken during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if clomiphene passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking this medication, it may affect your baby. Clomiphene may also reduce the amount of milk produced by nursing mothers. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

What other drugs could interact with Clomid?

Tell your doctor or prescriber about all prescription, over-the-counter (non-prescription), and herbal medications that you are taking. Also tell them about any supplements you take. Since caffeine, alcohol, the nicotine from cigarettes, or street drugs can affect the action of many medications, you should let your prescriber know if you use them. Depending on your specific circumstances, your doctor may want you to:

• stop taking one of the medications,
• change one of the medications to another,
• change how you are taking one or both of the medications, or
• leave everything as is.

An interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. In many cases, interactions are intended or are managed by close monitoring. Speak to your doctor about how any drug interactions are being managed or should be managed.

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