Information about Clomid
Clomid is an oral medication commonly used in infertility treatment. Clomid is actually a trade name. The generic name is clomiphene citrate. Another trade name from a different pharmaceutical company is Serophene. In some countries Clomid may also be known as: Clomifene, Dyneric, Serophene, Clomivid All these formulations work the same.
Clomid Intake Guidelines
Clomid should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Never attempt to deviate from your doctor??s instructions regarding the mode of intake.
Each dose of Clomid must be taken with a full glass of water of about to 6-8 ounces.
Clomid is mostly taken at 5 day cycles and you should follow your doctor??s instructions on the frequency and interval of each dose.
Clomid Dosage
Your doctor is the only one that can effectively determine the dosage of Clomid. Always follow your doctor??s instructions on the exact dose of Clomid.
Clomid and ovulation
Studies in women with ovulation problems have shown that on average, about 72% of the women who take Clomidor Serophene or generic clomiphene will develop at least one egg and ovulate. Women who don't get periods at all (amenorrhea) don't ovulate as often as women who had periods occasionally (oligomenorrhea). Women with PCOS - polycystic ovary syndrome also do not ovulate as often with clomid.
Increasing the dose of Clomid will increase the chances for ovulation to occur. All three forms, Serophene, Clomid and generic clomiphene come as 50 mg tablets. Most physicians will start patients on a dose of 50 or 100 mg. If ovulation does not occur, the dose can be increased by 50 mg increments. 85% of patients will ovulate by a dose of 150 mg. For those who are still resistant, there are several different options for physicians to try to get ovulation to occur :
- Adding other medications--The most popular are the insulin sensitizing medications such as Avandia, Actos or metformin -- Glucophage
- Increasing the dose of Clomid beyond 150 mg
- Extending the duration of Clomid use beyond the usual 5 days
- Performing a multiple ovarian cystotomy
Clomid side effects
Clomid's ability to function is based on its ability to block receptors for estrogen. The body believes that estrogen levels are lower than they really are. Most Clomid side effects are similar to those seen in women who have low estrogen levels.
Side effects that occur in 10% of patients
- hot flashes
- headaches
Side effects that occur in 6% or less of patients:
- Visual-blurring
- Visual spots or flashes
- Nausea and vomiting
- Abnormal uterine bleeding
- Abdominal or pelvic pain
- Weight gain
- Breast discomfort
Other side effects, including allergic reactions, have been reported but with an incidence of less than 1%
Clomid and pregnancy
The risk of miscarriage or stillbirth does not appear to be related to the use of clomiphene. The incidence of miscarriage in clinical trials was approximately 20% and the risk for stillbirth was 1%. Clomiphene is considered pregnancy Category X. Its use is contraindicated in women who are already pregnant. Studies in rats and mice have shown a dose-related increase in some types of malformations and an increase in mortality. Studies in human beings do not support an association between clomiphene and congenital defects.
