En-Clofert (Enclomiphene 50mg) Tablets

En-Clofert general information

What is En-Clofert used for?

Sometimes falling pregnant does not come easily, and it may take time to conceive.  If you have been trying to conceive for more than one year but have been unable to get pregnant, it may be time to consider infertility as the cause.  If you have failed to carry a pregnancy to full term without a miscarriage, this is also a cause of infertility.  Although there are several causes for infertility, failure to ovulate, a condition known as anovulation, is one of the most common reasons.

A regular menstrual cycle is essential for ovulation to occur.  Hormonal problems that disrupt the monthly menstrual cycle can result in failure to ovulate.  En-Clofert tablets 50mg are used to treat infertility by stimulating ovulation. 

Hormonal regulation of ovulation

Ovulation is regulated by a coordinated release of various hormones from the ovaries, pituitary gland and hypothalamus in the brain, which includes positive and negative feedback loops. 

The hypothalamus releases pulses of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormones (GnRH) that stimulate the secretion of two gonadotrophin hormones.  Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH) are produced by the pituitary gland, which is the hormone control centre in the brain.  FSH stimulates the growth of the egg follicle in the ovaries.  The developing ovarian follicle produces oestrogen during the first half of the cycle known as the follicular phase.  Oestrogen has a negative feedback effect on the pituitary gland limiting the amount of FSH released and inhibiting LH release.  As the most mature ovarian follicle ripens and oestrogen levels increase, oestrogen then has a positive effect on the pituitary and stimulates a surge in LH, which triggers ovulation.  This is the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle and is the fertile window when you are most likely to conceive. 

Once a ruptured egg follicle has released a mature egg it begins to produce progesterone.  This hormone stimulates the endometrium (lining of the uterus) to prepare for a pregnancy.

Polycystic ovary syndrome

Testosterone, generally considered to be a male hormone, is also produced in small amount in the ovaries. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a hormonal condition where too much testosterone is produced in the ovaries.  High levels of testosterone disrupt the menstrual cycle and can be a cause of infertility.  Eggs are produced and mature but fail to be released, resulting in a build-up of mature eggs.  Other symptoms of PCOS include irregular periods, unwanted facial hair and acne.  En-Clofert tablets 50mg are used to treat infertility caused by PCOS.

How does En-Clofert work?

En-Clofert tablets 50mg contain enclomiphene, a non-steroidal selective oestrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that is used to treat infertility due to a lack of ovulation.  Enclomiphene is a stereoisomer of the more commonly known chlomiphene, which means that it has the same chemical structure, but it is arranged differently.

Enclomiphene in En-Clofert tablets works by acting directly on the oestrogen receptor in the cells of the pituitary gland.  Binding of enclomiphene to the oestrogen receptor blocks the action of oestrogen.  Oestrogen exerts a negative feedback mechanism to restrict the production of FSH during the follicular stage of the menstrual cycle.  Enclomiphene in En-Clofert tablets interferes with this negative feedback mechanism and allows the pituitary to release more FSH to stimulate the development of the egg follicle.  As the egg follicle matures, more oestrogen is produced, until the levels are high enough to trigger the LH surge that causes the release of the mature egg.

En-Clofert tablets 50mg help return the menstrual cycle under normal hormonal control and increases the chance of ovulation. 

What does En-Clofert contain?

En-Clofert tablets 50mg contain the active ingredient enclomiphene that is used to treat infertility due to a lack of ovulation. 

What are the side effects of En-Clofert?

Most medications have some side effects, but they are not experienced by everyone.  Some side effects are commonly experienced when taking En-Clofert tablets 50mg, but others are not so common, and you should discuss any problems or concerns with your primary care physician. 

Common side effects when taking En-Clofert include facial flushes, mild abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, ovarian enlargement, headache, dizziness, nausea, visual blurring, intermenstrual spotting (bleeding between periods).

There is an increased chance of multiple pregnancies when using En-Clofert.  Also, an increased risk of ectopic pregnancy.

When should En-Clofert not be used?

Have a talk with your primary healthcare physician before taking En-Clofert tablets 50mg so that you have a full understanding of what this medicine is for and how to use it.  There are some reasons for not taking a medication; these are called contraindications, and for En-Clofert you should consider the following before taking En-Clofert:

• Have you ever had an unusual reaction or an allergy when taking En-Clofert?
• are you already pregnant? as En-Clofert can cause congenital disabilities and you should not use it
• Do you have any problems with your liver?
• Do you have enlarged ovaries or ovarian cysts not due to polycystic ovary disease?
• Do you have any abnormal uterine bleeding without a known cause?
• Do you have any hormone-dependent tumours?

How should En-Clofert be taken and for how long?

You should take your En-Clofert tablets 50mg swallowed whole with a glass of water, once daily with or without food at the same time each day.  Start taking your En-Clofert tablets at any time if you have not had a menstrual bleed.  If you have had a menstrual bleed, then start taking your En-Clofert tablets on the fifth day of the menstrual cycle and continue for the next five days.  If you have not ovulated after five days of treatment, your doctor may recommend another treatment cycle, and your dose may be increased.

Missed dose of En-Clofert

If you miss a dose of En-Clofert 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 En-Clofert be stored?

You should store your En-Clofert tablets 50mg below 25°C in a cool dry place.