Clomifene citrate (clomid)

Clomifene citrate is an anti oestrogen drug. It stimulates the ovaries to produce follicles and therefore eggs. As it stimulates the ovaries more than usual, there is a 10% risk of a multiple pregnancy when taking the drug. We therefore recommend having an ultrasound scan with your first cycle in order to monitor the effects of the drug. We will be looking for the development of follicles (sac of fluid in which the eggs grow).

How to take Clomifene citrate (clomid)

 Start clomifene on day 2 of your menstrual cycle and continue until day 6 then stop (5 days in total)  Day 1 is the first day you wake up bleeding  The first time you use clomifene, you should ring the fertility clinic to arrange a scan (as below)  The starting dose is 50mgs daily  This dose may be altered by the fertility clinic depending on your response to the medication  If you are not having any periods, your doctor may give you some medication to promote a bleed so that you can start clomifene (usually the progesterone drug norethisterone taken 3 times daily for 7 days)

The first time you use clomifene you should use condoms from the first day of your period onward and arrange an ultrasound scan by telephoning the fertility clinic on 01270 273499 (and leave a message on the answerphone ). The scan is usually performed between day 10 and 16 of your cycle dependant on your cycle length. On the answerphone machine, please leave your full name, contact number and the date of day one of your period. Please allow up to 72 hours for us to return your call.

The requirement for further scans will be discussed with you by the clinic staff.

At the scan appointment

You will need an empty bladder as the scan will be a transvaginal (internal) scan. The Doctor or nurse will explain the scan findings to you at that appointment and may organise a blood test several days later to confirm the scan findings or you may choose to do ovulation tests at home.

The blood test can either be done at the Phlebotomy Department in Leighton Hospital or at Victoria Infirmary, Northwich, you will need to telephone for an appointment on the following numbers:  Leighton Hospital – 01270 273568  Victoria Infirmary – 01606 564057 Opening times can be found on www.mchft.nhs.uk

If you have had a blood test done to monitor your hormone level, you will be asked to ring the nurse in a couple of working days for the results and the nurse will then discuss the plan for you dependant on your result.

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If, following the treatment, your period is late, please do a pregnancy test and ring 01270 273499 and leave a message If it is positive you will need to contact your GP who will make arrangements for your midwifery care.

If you are not pregnant, then you may continue with the plan discussed with you by the nurse when you had your blood test result.

Good luck!

The Fertility Team

If you have any questions or need further advice, please leave a message on the answer phone for the nurse on 01270 273499. The answer phone is monitored: Monday – Friday 08.30am – 5.00pm, excluding bank holidays Please allow up to 72 hours for your phone call to be returned.

This information is available in audio, Braille, large print and other languages. To request a copy, please telephone 01270 273499.

Revised and reprinted December 2020 Review December 2023 Ref: WC/FC/0181220

NHS Choices: www.nhs.uk Page 2 of 2