clomiphene: Price, Dosage & Where to Buy

Clomiphene is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM), used to treat problems with ovulation in women who wish to become pregnant. It helps stimulate the hormonal signals involved in releasing an egg, but treatment requires careful assessment and monitoring. Clomiphene is a medicine that requires a prescription in the United Kingdom.

Clomiphene treats ovulatory dysfunction, meaning that the ovaries are not releasing eggs normally, in women who want to become pregnant. The label identifies women with polycystic ovary syndrome among those most likely to respond. It also describes certain situations involving absent periods, including absent periods associated with milk production, psychological factors, stopping oral contraceptives, or some cases with an unknown cause.

Treatment is intended for women with established ovulatory dysfunction after other barriers to pregnancy have been excluded or adequately treated. These may include thyroid or adrenal disorders, raised prolactin levels and male-factor infertility.

Clomiphene does not replace specific treatment for primary pituitary or ovarian failure. Adequate, well-controlled studies have not established its effectiveness for male infertility.

Clomiphene belongs to a class called selective oestrogen receptor modulators. These medicines interact with oestrogen receptors, which are sites where the body's oestrogen normally sends signals. Their effects can differ between tissues.

In the hormonal system that controls ovulation, clomiphene reduces the normal feedback signal from oestrogen. This encourages the brain and pituitary gland to increase signals to the ovaries.

The resulting release of hormones can support the growth of an ovarian follicle and the release of an egg. This mechanism helps explain its use for ovulatory dysfunction, but a response does not necessarily result in pregnancy.

The label lists oral tablets containing 50 mg of clomiphene citrate. The usual starting dose is 50 mg daily for 5 days.

The label lists a subsequent course of 100 mg daily for 5 days if ovulation does not occur after the initial course. The label lists no recommended increase beyond 100 mg/day for 5 days.

Treatment selection and monitoring require a doctor experienced in gynaecological or endocrine disorders. Pregnancy, ovarian enlargement and ovarian cyst formation must be excluded between treatment cycles. Increasing the dose offers no advantage when ovulation has already occurred at the initial dosage.

Further treatment is not recommended after three courses without ovulation, or after three ovulatory responses without pregnancy. Long-term cyclic treatment is not recommended beyond about six cycles.

A missed dose may affect the timing of a short fertility treatment course. Contact the prescribing clinic or pharmacist for advice on how to continue the planned course. Do not double a dose to compensate or change the treatment schedule independently, as treatment is linked to ovulation timing and monitoring.

Clomiphene is contraindicated during pregnancy because it offers no benefit during pregnancy. Available human data do not suggest an increased risk of congenital anomalies above the background risk when used as indicated. However, animal studies showed increased embryo-fetal loss and structural malformations.

Pregnancy during treatment requires discussion of potential risks to the fetus with the doctor. The label does not specify breastfeeding information; discuss breastfeeding with a doctor or pharmacist.

Store the tablets at controlled room temperature between 15°C to 30°C. Protect them from heat, light and excessive humidity, and keep them in closed containers to maintain quality.