What is in your medicine?

The name of your medicine is Clomid 50mg Tablets. Each tablet contains 50mg of the active ingredient clomifene citrate. The tablets also contain sucrose, lactose, soluble starch, maize starch, iron oxide yellow (E172) and magnesium stearate.

Each tablet is a beige, round tablet marked M in 2 circles.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT CLOMID

Clomifene citrate is a synthetic compound. It is one of a group of medicines called antioestrogens which are used to treat some types of infertility.

What is Clomid for?
 

Clomid is used to treat some types of infertility in women who are not ovulating properly. Clomifene causes an increase in the hormones in the body which control the development and release of an egg in ovulation. It helps to re-start or encourage regular ovulation.

When should you take Clomid
 

There are some times when it is important not to take Clomid and these are listed below:

• You should not take Clomid if you may be pregnant. You should have a pregnancy test to make sure that you are not pregnant before starting or going on to another course of the tablets.
• You should not take Clomid if you have or have had liver problems.
• You should not take Clomid if you have unusually heavy periods with no known cause.
• You should not take Clomid if you have an ovarian cyst.
• You should not take Clomid if you have certain types of tumour or cancer.

 
Before taking your medicine
 

• Clomid may increase the chance of you having a multiple pregnancy (twins, triplets or more). Both you and your partner should know that this is possible.
• Clomid has been associated with birth defects. This risks may be greater in certain cirmcumstances, for example the age of you or your partner, a history of spontaneous abortion or infertility,or a family history of birth defects.
• There have been rare reports of ovarian cancer with infertility drugs, however certain types of infertility itself can be risk factors for ovarian cancer.
• Tell your doctor if you have a history of seizures as Clomid may increase the risk of seizures occurring.
• Tell your doctor if you are allergic to any of the tablet ingredients.
• Your doctor will usually examine you before starting Clomid. If you have not been examined recently tell your doctor or pharmacist. Make sure your doctor knows if tests have shown that you have an ovarian cyst or fibroids.

Driving and Clomid
 

Some people may notice problems with their eyesight whilst taking, or soon after taking Clomid. These may be spots or flashes in front of the eyes or blurred vision. If these happen it might make driving a car or operating machinery more dangerous.

Taking your tablets
 

• You should take your tablets with water and may take them with or without food.
• For your first course of treatment, your usual dose is 1 tablet daily for 5 days. If you have not had a period recently your doctor may tell you to start the tablets straight away. However your doctor may give you another medicine to start a period and will then tell you exactly which day to start your Clomid. This is likely to be about day 5 of your cycle.
• If ovulation does not appear to have occurred after the first course of treatment, a second course of 2 tablets daily for 5 days may be started at least 30 days after the first.
• It is important that you are sure you know when your doctor wants you to start and stop your tablets. Do exactly what your doctor has told you.
• If you do not have a period after any course of Clomid you should check whether or not you are pregnant before starting any more tablets.
• You will not usually be given Clomid for more than three cycles. After three cycles you should see a doctor before starting any more treatment.
• Do not take more tablets than your doctor tells you to. If you accidentally take too many tablets you should ask your doctor for advice or go to your nearest hospital casualty department.
• If you forget to take a dose, it is important to seek advice from your doctor, as your treatment cycle may need to be altered.

After taking your medicine

As with all medicines Clomid may not suit everyone.

Some people may sometimes have side-effects with Clomid.

If you notice any of the following effects it is important that you tell your doctor without delay:

• any pain in the pelvis or abdomen, swelling or a bloated feeling or weight increase
• enlarged ovaries which may cause a worsening of normal cyclic period pain
• blurred vision or spots or flashes in front of the eyes (these may rarely lead to more serious eye problems)
• liver problems or jaundice which may lead to yellowing of the skin and/or whites of the eyes.
   

Other effects have included:

• hot flushes
• skin rash with or without itching
• allergic reactions and reddening of the skin which may be accompanied by tingling, itching, pain and bruising
• swelling of the face, especially affecting the eyes, lips and tongue
• hair thinning
• feeling dizzy, light-headed, faint, or suffering from vertigo
• nervousness, difficulty sleeping
• tiredness, confusion or disorientation
• changes in mood or behaviour
• rarely, effects on the eye such as cataracts
• psychiatric problems including depression
• difficulty with speech or vision
• stroke which may cause numbness, weakness or paralysis of part of the body or face
• convulsions (fits)
• nausea and vomiting
• breast discomfort
• headache
• "spotting" between periods or heavy periods
• endometriosis or making endometriosis worse (where the cells lining the interior of the womb are found in other parts of the body, for example in the muscles of the womb)
• rare reports of ovarian cancer, possibly associated with prolonged use
• rare cases of excessive stimulation of the ovaries causing fluid overload, kidney failure (which may cause a loss of appetite, loss of energy or passing of large amounts of urine), respiratory failure (which may cause shortness of breath) and vein thrombosis (which may cause a tender, warm, red swelling of the calf)
• ectopic pregnancy (when pregnancy occurs outside of the womb)

If you notice any of these or any other unwanted effects you should tell your doctor or pharmacist.

Storing your medicine
 

Do not use your medicine after the expiry date on the box. Return any unused tablets to your pharmacist. Store in original container, do not store above 25°C.

Keep your tablets in a safe place where children cannot reach and see them.