Clomiphene Citrate

Medically Reviewed by Dr. Harshi Dhingra, M.D.

Last Reviewed: Apr 17, 2023

Warnings

Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid) Risks, Warnings, and Complications

Clomiphene can cause serious adverse effects in some people. Talk to your doctor about other infertility treatments if you are at a high risk of complications from clomiphene. Some of the potential risks of taking this medicine include:

VISUAL CHANGES: Clomiphene can cause vision changes such as blurry vision, double vision, blind spots, or seeing flashes and spots. The risk of this happening is higher in people who have taken this medication for a long time or are on high doses (100 mg per day or more). The visual side effects usually go away after stopping clomiphene, but rarely, they can be prolonged or permanent. Tell your healthcare provider without delay if you develop any vision changes while on clomiphene. They may change your dose or switch you to another medication.
OVARIAN HYPERSTIMULATION SYNDROME: Clomiphene can cause a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in which the ovaries enlarge after finishing Clomid treatment. This is a painful condition that can be accompanied by nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and sometimes more serious symptoms such as trouble breathing, decreased urination, or bursting of the ovaries. It can occur within 24 hours to several days after starting treatment. The symptoms tend to be more severe in people who successfully become pregnant after clomiphene therapy. There is an increased risk of this happening with long-term clomiphene therapy and in people taking gonadotropin medications. OHSS usually resolves after a menstrual period starts. Your doctor will give you the lowest dose of clomiphene for the shortest treatment duration to lower your risk of OHSS. Tell your doctor right away if you develop severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or weight gain after a treatment cycle with clomiphene.
MULTIPLE PREGNANCY: Clomiphene can increase the risk of multiple pregnancies (twins or more), including tubal pregnancy and coexisting tubal and intrauterine pregnancy. Discuss this with your partner and talk to your doctor about the risks associated with multiple births.
HARM TO AN UNBORN BABY: You should not take clomiphene if you are pregnant as this can be harmful for an unborn baby. Your healthcare professional will make sure you are not pregnant before starting every cycle of clomiphene treatment. If you suspect you could be pregnant while on clomiphene, tell your provider right away.

Precautions Before Starting Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid)

Tell your doctor if you have ever had allergic reactions to clomiphene or other medications. Your pharmacy can give you a list of active and inactive ingredients in clomiphene citrate tablets.

Give your doctor a complete medical history. Clomiphene may not be right for people with certain medical conditions such as liver disease, thyroid disease, adrenal disease, pituitary tumor, abnormal uterine bleeding, uterine fibroids, or ovarian cysts (except those associated with polycystic ovary syndrome).

Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your current medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products. This will help avoid possible drug interactions between Clomid and your other medications.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.

Precautions During Use of Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid)

Keep all your healthcare appointments during Clomid treatment. Your provider may want to order blood or urine tests. Ask your doctor if you don’t understand any part of the treatment plan.

Clomiphene can cause blurry vision, especially in low-light conditions. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine affects you.

Tell your doctor without delay if you become pregnant while on clomiphene.

Clomiphene Citrate (Clomid) Drug Interactions

Certain medicines may affect how well clomiphene works. Taking clomiphene with other drugs could increase the risk of severe adverse effects. Your doctor may change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for adverse effects if there are known interactions between clomiphene citrate and your other medicines.

Give your doctor or pharmacist a complete list of your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, dietary supplements, and herbal remedies. Also, tell your healthcare provider if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use recreational drugs because some of these substances can cause serious health complications when used with prescription medicines.

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