Clomid

Clomid^® (clomiphene citrate) is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) traditionally used to treat infertility in women. But it’s also used off-label in men to treat low testosterone caused by certain medical conditions and improve fertility. 

In men, Clomid works by blocking estrogen receptors in the brain, which stimulates gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This, in turn, increases the secretion of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), promoting both natural testosterone and sperm production.

The typical dosing for men ranges from 25 milligrams (mg) every other day to 50 mg daily, depending on the person’s testosterone levels, symptoms, and fertility goals.

Common side effects in men include visual disturbances, headaches, and gastrointestinal discomfort. Long-term use should be monitored with periodic lab tests, as it can lead to hormonal imbalances.

Clomid (clomiphene citrate) is indicated:

• For the treatment of ovulatory dysfunction in women desiring pregnancy

Selective estrogen receptor modulator

Incidence of adverse events in clinical studies (events >1%):

• Ovarian enlargement

• Vasomotor flushes

• Abdominal-pelvic discomfort/distension/bloating

• Nausea and vomiting

• Breast discomfort

• Visual symptoms

• Headache

• Abnormal uterine bleeding

The cost of Clomid may vary depending on the dosage, quantity, where you buy it, and your insurance plan. The average retail price of Clomid is about $500 for a month’s supply of 50 mg tablets, but coupons and discount cards may be available to bring down the price to as low as about $76. 

Generic clomiphene costs about $300 for a month’s supply, but coupons may bring down the price as low as about $65.

Health insurance may cover all or some of the cost of this medication.

• Clomiphene citrate is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity or allergy to clomiphene citrate or to any of its ingredients

• Clomiphene citrate use in pregnant women is contraindicated, as clomiphene citrate does not offer benefit in this population

• Clomiphene citrate therapy is contraindicated in patients with liver disease or a history of liver dysfunction

• Clomiphene citrate is contraindicated in patients with abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined origin

• Clomiphene citrate is contraindicated in patients with ovarian cysts or enlargement not due to polycystic ovarian syndrome

• Clomiphene citrate is contraindicated in patients with uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction or in the presence of an organic intracranial lesion such as pituitary tumor

• Drug interactions: Drug interactions with clomiphene citrate have not been documented

• Patients should be advised that blurring or other visual symptoms such as spots or flashes (scintillating scotomata) may occasionally occur during therapy with clomiphene citrat

• The ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) has been reported to occur in patients receiving clomiphene citrate therapy for ovulation induction

• Careful attention should be given to the selection of candidates for clomiphene citrate therapy. Pelvic examination is necessary prior to clomiphene citrate treatment and before each subsequent course

• Pregnancy: Clomiphene citrate use in pregnant women is contraindicated, as clomiphene citrate treatment does not offer benefit in this population

• Breastfeeding: It is not known whether clomiphene citrate is excreted in human milk. Because many drugs are excreted in human milk, caution should be exercised if clomiphene citrate is administered to a nursing woman. In some patients, clomiphene citrate may reduce lactation

*This information is from the label for brand name Clomid^®. See the Full Prescribing Information for more complete information. Clomiphene citrate, the active ingredient in Clomid, may also be the active ingredient in other medications, and this information may not be accurate for all medications that include the active ingredient clomiphene citrate.