Clomid
(clomiphene)
Helps women to ovulate and get pregnant.
Our bottom line
Clomid (clomiphene) works well for women who cannot get pregnant because they are not ovulating.
- Drug class: Women's Health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (clomiphene)
Upsides
- One of the few fertility medicines available as a pill rather than injection.
- Available as a generic product and is less costly than other fertility medicines.
- Effective for women who are not ovulating or have a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome.
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What to expect from Clomid, on one page
Download Fact SheetDownsides
- A pelvic exam and pregnancy test are necessary before each use of Clomid (clomiphene).
- Not a good option if you have issues with your liver.
- Not safe for women with ovarian cysts or enlarged ovaries (aside from polycystic ovary syndrome).
- Not safe for long-term use. Your doctor will only prescribe Clomid (clomiphene) for a very short time period.
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What to expect from Clomid, on one page
Download Fact SheetClomid (clomiphene) promotes release of reproductive hormones.
- Drug class: Women's Health
- Rx status: Prescription only
- Generic status: Lower-cost generic available (clomiphene)
Used for
Dosage forms
- Pill
Prices and coupons
Skip prices section. Skip to what to expect section.- Medicine ShoppeGet free coupon$32.22
- AlbertsonsGet free coupon$32.37
What to expect when you take Clomid (clomiphene) for Female infertility
Skip what to expect section. Skip to side effects section.- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Effectiveness
- Full effects
- First few daysDaysFirst few weeksWeeksFirst few monthsMonthsLong term
- Possible side effects
- Ovarian enlargement
- Hot flashes
- Stomach/pelvic bloating or discomfort
- Nausea and vomiting
- Breast discomfort
- Vision changes or blurring
Side effect rates for Clomid (clomiphene)
- Ovarian enlargement14%14%
- Hot flashes10%10%
- Stomach/pelvic bloating or discomfort6%6%
- Nausea and vomiting2%2%
- Breast discomfort2%2%
- Vision changes or blurring2%2%
The placebo bar shows how common a side effect was for people taking a sugar pill instead of Clomid.
People taking Clomid felt side effect more
People taking Clomid felt side effect less
Risks and Warnings for Clomid (clomiphene)
Skip risks section. Skip to common concerns section.- Higher risk if:
- › Taking interacting medicines, herbal products, and foods
Taking certain medicines, herbal remedies, or food products can cause your blood pressure to drop to dangerous levels while taking Clomid (clomiphene). This can cause you to pass out. Common items include grapefruit juice, codeine, and some contraceptives. Your doctor might have to change your medicines if you want to take Clomid (clomiphene). Please talk with your local pharmacist for a complete list of medications, supplements, and foods to avoid.
This is a black box warning. The FDA requires this warning when there is a significant risk of serious or life-threatening effects that anyone taking the drug should consider.
Common concerns from people taking Clomid (clomiphene)
Final section. Do you want to return to drug navigation?Research studies with real people or animals found harmful effects on unborn babies. If you’re pregnant, the risks to your unborn baby outweigh the benefits.
Tip: Always talk with your doctor before you take any medication while pregnant.- Taking certain medicines, herbal remedies, or food products can cause your blood pressure to drop to dangerous levels while taking Clomid (clomiphene). This can cause you to pass out. Common items include grapefruit juice, codeine, and some contraceptives. Your doctor might have to change your medicines if you want to take Clomid (clomiphene). Please talk with your local pharmacist for a complete list of medications, supplements, and foods to avoid.
- Not a good option if you have issues with your liver.