Skip to main navigation
Skip to main content
Skip to footer
For
Medicare
For
Providers
For
Brokers
For
Employers
Español
For Individuals & Families:
For Individuals & Families
Medical
Dental
Other Supplemental
Explore coverage through work
How to Buy Health Insurance
Types of Dental Insurance
Open Enrollment vs. Special Enrollment
See all topics
Shop for Medicare plans
Member Guide
Find a Doctor
Log in to myCigna
Home
Knowledge Center
Wellness Library
clomiphene
clomiphene
What is the most important information I should know about clomiphene?
What is the most important information I should know about clomiphene?
Do not use clomiphene if you are already pregnant.
You should not use clomiphene if you have: liver disease, abnormal vaginal bleeding, an uncontrolled adrenal gland or thyroid disorder, an ovarian cyst (unrelated to polycystic ovary syndrome), or if you are pregnant.
What is clomiphene?
What is clomiphene?
Clomiphene is used to treat infertility in women who cannot ovulate.
Clomiphene may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clomiphene?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking clomiphene?
Your doctor will perform medical tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using clomiphene.
You should not use clomiphene if you are allergic to it, or if you have:
- abnormal vaginal bleeding;
- an ovarian cyst that is not related to polycystic ovary syndrome;
- past or present liver disease;
- a tumor of your pituitary gland;
- an untreated or uncontrolled problem with your thyroid or adrenal gland; or
- if you are pregnant.
Do not use clomiphene if you are already pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about the possible effects of clomiphene on a new pregnancy.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- endometriosis or uterine fibroids;
- high triglycerides; or
- a pancreas disorder.
Fertility treatment may increase your chance of having multiple births (twins, triplets, etc). These are high-risk pregnancies both for the mother and the babies. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about this risk.
It may not be safe to breast-feed while using this medicine. Ask your doctor about any risk.
How should I take clomiphene?
How should I take clomiphene?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Clomiphene is usually taken for 5 days at a time, and your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
You will most likely ovulate within 5 to 10 days after you take clomiphene. To improve your chance of becoming pregnant, you should have sexual intercourse while you are ovulating.
Your doctor may have you take your temperature each morning and record your daily readings on a chart. This will help you determine when you can expect ovulation to occur. The timing of sex and ovulation is important for clomiphene to work.
You will need frequent pelvic examinations. You must remain under the care of a doctor while you are using clomiphene.
In most cases, clomiphene should not be used for more than 3 treatment cycles. Using clomiphene for longer than 3 treatment cycles may increase your risk of developing an ovarian tumor. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.
If you do not get pregnant after 3 treatment cycles, your doctor may stop treatment and evaluate your infertility further.
Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss a dose of clomiphene.
What happens if I overdose?
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking clomiphene?
What should I avoid while taking clomiphene?
This medicine may cause blurred vision and may impair your reactions. Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you.
What are the possible side effects of clomiphene?
What are the possible side effects of clomiphene?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some women using clomiphene develop ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS), a potentially life-threatening condition. Call your doctor right away if you have symptoms of OHSS:
- stomach pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;
- rapid weight gain, especially in your face and midsection;
- little or no urination; or
- pain when you breathe, rapid heart rate, feeling short of breath (especially when lying down).
Common side effects may include:
- flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling);
- nausea, vomiting, bloating;
- breast pain or tenderness;
- headache; or
- breakthrough bleeding or spotting.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect clomiphene?
What other drugs will affect clomiphene?
Other drugs may affect clomiphene, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about clomiphene.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
<cipublic-spinner variant="large"><span>Loading…</span></cipublic-spinner>
