Clomifene citrate brands and prices in Pakistan

About Clomifene citrate

Clomifene citrate (also spelled clomiphene) is a fertility medicine taken as tablets. It belongs to a group called ovulation stimulants. It acts a little like the female hormone oestrogen and helps the ovaries develop and release an egg (ovulation). It is a prescription medicine. Treatment is usually started and checked by a fertility specialist or clinic, often with ultrasound scans and blood tests.

Who should not take it, or should take care

• Do not take it if you are allergic to clomifene or any of the ingredients.
• Do not take it if you are pregnant or think you might be.
• Do not take it if you have, or have had, liver disease.
• Do not take it if you have unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been explained by a doctor.
• Do not take it if you have a cancer that is sensitive to hormones, or an ovarian cyst.
• Do not take it if you have had eye problems caused by clomifene in the past.
• Tell your doctor if you have fibroids, polycystic or swollen ovaries, have had fits (seizures), have very high blood fats (triglycerides) or a family history of this, or have stopped having periods because you are underweight.
• Tell your doctor if you have had ovarian hyperstimulation, a multiple pregnancy, an ectopic pregnancy or ovarian cancer before.
• MedlinePlus also lists a pituitary tumour, and thyroid or adrenal problems, as conditions to tell your doctor about.
• Breastfeeding: it can reduce the amount of breast milk, so talk to your doctor first.
• The tablets contain lactose. Tell your doctor if you cannot tolerate some sugars.

Medicines and drinks that can interact

• The UK leaflet and the Northern Ireland shared care guideline do not name specific medicines that interact with clomifene.
• Always tell your doctor or pharmacist about all medicines you take, including medicines bought without a prescription, vitamins and herbal products.

Always tell your doctor and pharmacist about every medicine, supplement and herbal product you take.

Using it safely

• Take it exactly as your fertility clinic tells you. The timing is planned around your period, so follow the clinic's instructions carefully.
• Go to all your scans and blood tests. They show whether the medicine is working and help lower the risk of twins or more.
• Your clinic may ask you to avoid sex just before a scan. Follow their advice.
• Treatment is limited to a set number of cycles because some studies suggest that long use may raise the risk of ovarian cancer. Your specialist will tell you when to stop.
• Blurred vision can happen. Do not drive or use machines if your sight is affected, especially in poor light.
• If you forget a tablet, take it when you remember. If it is nearly time for the next one, ask your doctor or clinic what to do. Never take two together.
• If you get a positive home pregnancy test, contact your clinic so they can arrange an early pregnancy scan.
• Store in the original pack, out of the sight and reach of children. Return unused tablets to a pharmacy; do not throw them in household waste or down the drain.

Common questions

Will clomifene make me have twins?
It raises the chance of having twins or more. This is the main risk of treatment, and one NHS clinic says it happens in about 8 to 10 in every 100 pregnancies with clomifene. Scans during treatment help your clinic lower this risk.

How will I know if it is working?
Your clinic will usually check with an ultrasound scan of your ovaries and a blood test for the hormone progesterone, which shows if you have released an egg.

Does clomifene cause cancer?
Some studies suggest that long-term use of fertility medicines like clomifene may raise the risk of ovarian cancer. This is one reason the number of treatment cycles is limited. Talk to your specialist if you are worried.

What should I do if my vision changes?
Stop taking it and contact your doctor straight away. Do not drive. Eye problems such as blurring, spots or flashes are a reason to stop treatment and get checked.

Can men take clomifene?
Doctors sometimes prescribe it for male infertility, but this is not its approved use. The UK leaflet says it is not for men. Any such use should be decided by a specialist.

Prepared from the sources listed by the MedInfoBase team. General information, not medical advice: it gives no doses. Your doctor or pharmacist decides the medicine and dose for you.