Serophene

The common name of Serophene is clomiphene citrate. This drug is an ovulatory stimulant. Medicine works by elevating the level of those hormones which stimulates the ovaries to release the mature ovum.

Uses

Serophene is used to treat the infertility in females. This medicine should not be used by women who have ovarian or primary pituitary failure due to which their ovaries do not produce eggs.

How To Use

Serophene is usually recommended to be taken in a dose of 50 mg once a day before bedtime for 5 days, starting on the 5th day of the menstrual cycle. If a woman does not have a menstrual cycle, the drug can be started at any time. If ovulation does not occur within 30 days, the dose can be increased to 150 mg per day or extend the course of administration up to 10 days. The total dose for the course should not exceed 1 gram.

The effectiveness of ovulation stimulation is assessed by the presence of changes in basal temperature, increased levels of luteinising hormone (LH) and increased levels of progesterone during the probable phase of ovulation or in the presence of menstrual bleeding in women with amenorrhoea. If ovulation has occurred but pregnancy has not followed, it is recommended that the next treatment course be started at the same dose.

If ovulation is not followed by menstrual bleeding, the possibility of pregnancy should be considered. Before starting a new course of treatment it is necessary to exclude the presence of pregnancy. In men, the dosage is 50 mg once or twice a day for 3-4 months, systematic monitoring of spermogram parameters is required.

Side Effects

Seek immediate medical aid if you notice any of the subsequent aftereffects while using Serophene:

• Breast tenderness
• Hot flashes
• Flushing
• Allergic reactions
• Skin rashes
• Trouble breathing
• Swollen mouth/face/tongue/lips
• Unusual vaginal bleeding
• Redness
• Swelling
• Tenderness
• Blood in cough
• Mental changes
• Mood swings
• Severe indigestion
• Leg pain
• Bloating
• Stomach pain
• Nausea
• Decreased urination
• Unexplained loss of appetite
• Vision disturbances
• Gas in stomach
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Breast tenderness
• Ovarian hyper stimulation syndrome
• Irregular/fast heartbeat
• Severe dizziness
• Itching

Contraindications

This drug is contraindicated in patients having some medical conditions. Before the use of this drug, contact your pharmacist or druggist if you have: a history of blood clotting problems, blood clots in legs, lungs or eyes, enlarged ovaries, unusual vaginal bleeding, ovarian cysts, liver disease, brain tumor, uncontrolled adrenal or thyroid gland problems, and uterus problems like endometriosis, uterine fibroids, high prolactin levels in blood, depression, ovarian cancer, polycystic ovary syndrome and liver disease. The use of Serophene may lead to multiple births such as twins or triplets. This drug may cause dizziness or vision disturbances. Do not use machines or drive during the use of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Let your doctor know about all the products you consume like dietary preparation, prescribed drugs, herbal supplements or non-prescription medicines. Do not use this medicine if you are allergic to some foods, medicines or other products.

Pregnancy And Serophene

This medication should not be used if you are pregnant. If you feel that you are pregnant, then immediately stop using Serophene. It is uncertain whether this medicine is excreted into the maternal milk. This medicine may reduce the breast milk production. Avoid breast-feeding while using Serophene.

Special Instructions

This drug increases the likelihood of multiple pregnancies.

It is effective when natural estrogen levels are adequate, but its effectiveness is reduced when estrogen levels are low and is almost non-existent when the concentration of gonadotropic hormones in the pituitary gland is low.

During treatment, constant medical supervision by a gynaecologist is necessary. It is also important to monitor ovarian function, perform vaginal examinations and monitor the manifestation of "pupils".

You should also be careful when driving motor transport and performing other potentially dangerous activities requiring increased concentration and rapid psychomotor reactions.