Clomifene

Key points

• Clomifene blocks oestrogen receptors in the hypothalamus, which signals the pituitary gland to release more follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinising hormone, triggering egg release from the ovaries.
• Clomifene must not be taken during pregnancy and carries a risk of ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome, a condition that can progress within 24 hours and become a medical emergency.
• The medicine also increases the chance of multiple pregnancy, such as twins or more.

About Clomid and clomifene

Clomid is the original brand of clomifene, marketed by Sanofi-Aventis. The three strengths on this shelf, 25 mg, 50 mg and 100 mg, let a prescriber adjust the dose to the individual response. Clomifene is sometimes used off-label for male infertility, menstrual abnormalities and persistent breast milk production, though the on-label indication here is Female Infertility. Treatment is limited to about six cycles because long-term use may increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Clomifene may also cause blurred vision, so anyone taking it should avoid driving or operating machinery until they know how the medicine affects them. This product sits within Women’s Health.

Further reading

• Clomiphene: MedlinePlus Drug Information
• Clomiphene - StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf - NIH
• Clomifene 50mg Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc) | 15080