Generic Name: Clomiphene
Indications: Promotes ovulation by stimulating the release of reproductive hormones.
FDA Drug Category: X
Summary Recommendations: Clomid is taken to increase the chances of conception only. The drug should be taken only as prescribed. Never take Clomid during pregnancy or at doses higher than prescribed. Clomiphene is commonly prescribed as Clomid or Serophene.
General Precautions: Clomid is a prescription medication used to increase the chances of pregnancy. The medication sparks reproductive hormones that cause ovulation. One or more eggs are released in response to the medication making it easier to predict ovulation and increase the likelihood of pregnancy.
The drug is associated with a long list of fetal abnormalities, which is why the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) placed it in the pregnancy category X. This means Clomid should never be used or prescribed for use during pregnancy.
Patients with a family or personal history of thyroid problems, endometriosis, uterine fibroids, liver disease or ovarian cysts should reveal these medical problems to their physician before taking Clomid.
Patients should follow the dosing directions exactly as prescribed. Each dose of Clomid needs to be taken with a full glass of water. Typical cycles of the drug last five days.
Effects While Trying to Conceive: Clomid has a positive effect on female fertility as it is prescribed to women with fertility problems to increase the chance of natural conception. The drug is not prescribed to men and thus has no effect on male fertility.
Effects on Pregnancy: While there are no formal clinical studies on the effect of Clomid on pregnancy, there are reports of fetotoxicity in animal studies. Furthermore, reports have been taken after approval of the drug describing neonatal and fetal complications and side effects. Clomid is in the pregnancy category X because of the increased risk of fetal abnormalities and possibly life-threatening birth defects.
Safe During Breastfeeding: There are no formal studies on Clomid use while breastfeeding. There have been reports of milk supply reduction and/or cessation with the use of Clomid while lactating. Clomid affects reproductive hormones; the same hormones that play a part in lactation. There are clinical studies supporting suppressed lactation by choice in women who chose not to breastfeed after birth, which is where the majority of breastfeeding data has been pulled.