Clomiphene

What is Clomiphene for?

Clomiphene is used as a fertility medication in some women who are unable to become pregnant. They work by stimulating the release of eggs from the ovary, causing ovulation to occur. This helps prepare the body for conception.

How should I take or use Clomiphene?

• Take this medication only as directed by your doctor.
• This medication is usually taken when you start having your full flow menstruation and after obtaining a negative pregnancy test.
• Take for 5 days (normally from Day 2 to Day 6 of menses menstruation), preferably at the same time each day.

You can take this medication with or without food.

What should I do if I forget to take or use Clomiphene?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take when taking or using Clomiphene?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant or breastfeeding (ensure negative urine pregnancy test before taking this medication)
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You have or ever had liver disease
• You have hypertriglyceridemia (an excess of a certain fat in the blood) or a family history of it
• You have a hormone dependent tumour (such as breast cancer) or abnormal menstrual bleeding
• You have ovarian cysts (except polycystic ovary) or fibroids
• You have or ever had fits or seizures

What are some common side effects of Clomiphene?

• Bloating, nausea and/or vomiting
  • Take the medication after food to reduce these side effects
• Hot flushes
  • Wear loose fitting clothes or go to areas with air-conditioning
• Dizziness/light-headedness and tiredness
  • Avoid activities that require mental alertness and avoid using heavy machineries.
• Headache, muscle aches or joint pains
  • You may take Paracetamol to relieve such symptoms (if not allergic to Paracetamol).

Inform your doctor if these side effects become severe and bothersome.

What are some rare but serious side effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

Other rare but serious side effects that you may or may not experience include:

• Numbness, weakness or paralysis on one side of your body, slurred speech, sudden blurred vision, confusion or unsteadiness.
• Dark urine or light coloured stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellowing of your eyes or skin
• Ovaries get more stimulated, which can cause very bad stomach pain and bloating, feeling sick and vomiting, shortness of breath, dehydration and passing less urine
• Eyesight changes e.g. blurred vision or seeing spots or flashes. This usually occurs when taking higher doses of the medication or for a long time. Eyesight most often returns to normal when the medication is stopped.
• Sudden and severe headaches

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately.

How should I store Clomiphene?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away Clomiphene safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing into the rubbish chute or bin.