Woman's Health - Clomifene citrate (Brand name: serophene)

INDICATIONS

Serophene (Clomiphene) stimulates the release of hormones necessary for ovulation to occur.

Serophene is used to stimulate ovulation (the release of an egg) when a woman's ovaries can produce a follicle but hormonal stimulation is deficient.

Serophene may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

INSTRUCTIONS 

Use Serophene exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist to explain them to you.
Take each dose with a full glass of water.

Serophene is usually taken in 5 day cycles. Follow your doctor's instructions.

DOSAGE

Follow your doctor's instructions.

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of clomiphene.

STORAGE 

Store Clomifene citrate at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Serophene out of the reach of children and away from pets.

MORE INFO:

Active Ingredient: Clomiphene

Serophene is an ovulatory stimulant. It works by helping to produce more hormones that cause your ovaries to release 1 or more eggs.

SAFETY INFORMATION

Do not use Serophene if:

you are allergic to any ingredient in Serophene;

you are pregnant;

you have abnormal vaginal bleeding;

you have ovarian cysts (small growths on the ovaries) or enlargement not due to polycystic ovarian syndrome;

you have or have ever had blockage of blood vessels (blood clots) in the legs, lungs, or other parts of the body;

you have liver problems, uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal gland problems, or a brain lesion (e.g., pituitary gland tumor) .

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Important safety information:

Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it. 
Enlargement of the ovaries may happen during or shortly after taking Serophene . Call your health care provider if you experience any stomach or pelvic pain, weight gain, pain, or stomach enlargement or discomfort while taking Serophene.
Pregnancy with more than 1 fetus (e.g., twins) is possible while you are taking Serophene . Be sure you have discussed the potential complications and hazards of multiple pregnancy;
Lab tests, including pregnancy tests, may be performed while you use Serophene . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
Use Serophene with caution in the elderly; they may be more sensitive to its effects.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: do not use Serophene if you are pregnant. Avoid becoming pregnant while you are taking it. If you think you may be pregnant, contact your doctor right away. It is not known if Serophene is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Serophene.

SIDE EFFECTS

Stop taking Clomifene citrate and seek emergency medical attention if you experience an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or face; or hives).

The ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) has been reported to occur in patients receiving clomiphene. Symptoms of OHSS include swelling of the hands or legs, abdominal pain and swelling, shortness of breath, weight gain, and nausea or vomiting. OHSS can be fatal. Notify your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical attention if you develop any of these side effects.

Other side effects may also occur. Notify your doctor if you experience

ovarian enlargement presenting as abdominal or pelvic pain, tenderness, pressure, or swelling;

flushing;

nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea;

breast tenderness or discomfort;

blurred vision or other visual disturbances;

headache; or

abnormal uterine bleeding.

Serophene may increase the likelihood of multiple births. Multiple births may carry additional risk both for the mother and for the fetuses.

Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.