Fertomid 50mg (Clomiphene)

Fertomid general information

What is Fertomid used for?

Fertomid tablets 50mg are used to treat infertility in women who are having problems conceiving because their ovaries are not functioning correctly so that they are not ovulating (a condition known as anovulation), but who have no other obvious cause for infertility, and whose partner is fertile. Fertomid tablets 50mg restore the normal function of the ovaries, allowing an egg to mature and be released (ovulation), which can then be fertilised. Fertomid tablets 50mg are also used to restore normal menstrual cycle in women with irregular ovulation or amenorrhoea due to several causes, including taking oral contraceptives or polycystic ovary syndrome. Fertomid tablets are also used to treat male infertility by increasing sperm production in men with low sperm count (but only at a lower dose of 25mg)

How does Fertomid work?

Fertomid tablets 50mg contain clomiphene which is a selective oestrogen receptor modulator and binds to the oestrogen receptor in the hypothalamus (brain control centre), preventing the negative feedback action of oestrogen. When oestrogen levels are low the hypothalamus is stimulated to produce gonadotrophins which in turn stimulate the release of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) from the pituitary gland (hormone control centre in the brain), which are needed for ovulation and work by stimulating the growth and maturation of egg follicles in the ovaries. When the follicle is fully matured it ruptures, releasing the egg, which is ovulation. The mature ruptured follicle called the corpus luteum also produces the hormone progesterone, which helps the endometrium (lining of the uterus) ripen ready for conception. Clomiphene in Fertomid tablets 50mg tricks the body into responding as if oestrogen levels are low, which restores the hormonal imbalance and “kick starts” the process leading to ovulation. The action of clomiphene can result in the release of more than one egg at a time (multiple ovulations) which increases the chances for twins.

What does Fertomid contain?

Fertomid tablets 50mg contain Clomiphene citrate, used to treat infertility in women by restoring ovulation.

What Fertomid doses are available?

Fertomid tablets are available from Inhouse Pharmacy in 2 doses of 25mg and 50mg.

Treating infertility with Fertomid

Fertomid tablets 50mg contain clomiphene which is used to treat infertility in women caused by lack of ovulation, by increasing the production of FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) and LH (luteinizing hormone) from the pituitary gland (hormone control centre in the brain), which are needed for ovulation and work by stimulating the growth and maturation of egg follicles in the ovaries. Clomiphene in Fertomid tablets 50mg binds to oestrogen receptors in the hypothalamus (brain control centre and tricks the body into responding as if oestrogen levels are low, which restores the hormonal imbalance and “kick starts” the process leading to ovulation.

What are the side effects of Fertomid?

Fertomid tablets 50mg are generally well tolerated and side effects are usually related to taking high doses. The most commonly reported side effects when taking Fertomid tablets 50mg include: facial flushes, mild abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, ovarian enlargement visual blurring. Less frequently reported symptoms included nausea or vomiting, increased nervous tension, depression, fatigue, dizziness or lightheadedness, insomnia, headache, breast soreness, heavier menstrual periods, intramenstrual spotting (bleeding between periods), weight gain, urticaria (hives), allergic dermatitis, increased urinary frequencies and moderate reversible hair loss.

When should Fertomid not be used?

You should not use Fertomid tablets 50mg if you:

• are already pregnant, as clomiphene can cause birth defects
• have liver disease
• have abnormal uterine bleeding
• suffer from depression
• have enlarged ovaries or ovarian cysts not due to polycystic ovary disease

How should Fertomid be taken?

You should take your Fertomid tablets 50mg once daily with or without food at the same time each day, for 5 days, starting on the fifth day of the menstrual cycle. If you have not ovulated after 5 days of treatment, your doctor may recommend another treatment cycle and your dose may be increased.

How long should you take Fertomid?

You should take your Fertomid tablets 50mg for a full treatment cycle of 5 days, which may be repeated if ovulation has not been achieved.

Missed dose of Fertomid

If you miss a dose of Fertomid tablets 50mg take it as soon as you remember, unless it is time to take the next dose, then skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose.

How should Fertomid be stored?

You should store your Fertomid tablets 50mg in a cool dry place below 25°C, protected from light and moisture.