Clomifene tablets

About clomifene

Clomifene is used to treat infertility in women who are not ovulating properly.

Ovulation (the release of eggs) is in part controlled by hormones, called gonadotrophins, which stimulate the activity of the ovaries. The gonadotrophins are made by the pituitary gland, pass into the bloodstream and then travel to the ovaries. Clomifene works by blocking a feedback mechanism to the pituitary gland. This results in the pituitary making and releasing more gonadotrophin hormones than normal. The extra amount of gonadotrophin hormones stimulates the ovaries to ovulate.

Before taking clomifene

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking clomifene it is important that your doctor knows:

• If you think you may already be pregnant.

• If you have liver problems.

• If you have been told you have ovarian cysts or uterine fibroids.

• If you have been told you have a hormone-dependent tumour (this is a cancer which is made worse by hormones).

• If you have heavy or unusual menstrual periods.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take clomifene

• Before you start the treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about clomifene and will provide you with a full list of the side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take the tablets exactly as your doctor tells you to. Clomifene is taken in treatment cycles of five days - this means that you will take one dose daily for five days of the month. A five-day cycle is usually started around the second day of your period, but you must follow the advice your doctor gives to you about when to start taking each cycle. For the first course of treatment, take one 50 mg tablet daily for five days. Your dose may be increased to two tablets daily on subsequent courses if your doctor thinks this is necessary.

• Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. Try to take the tablets at the same time of day on each of the five days. This will help you to remember to take them.

• If you do forget to take a dose, speak with your doctor, as you may need to change your treatment cycle. Do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.
  

Getting the most from your treatment

• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress.

• Twins and multiple pregnancy are more common with clomifene than with some other forms of infertility treatment. This is because the ovaries may be stimulated so that more than one egg is released and therefore more than one egg may be fertilised.

• It is recommended that clomifene be taken for no more than six treatment cycles. This is because there have been rare reports of ovarian cancer and the risk of this is thought to increase when clomifene is taken for longer than six cycles.

Can clomifene cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with clomifene. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the tablets, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

How to store clomifene

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines