Can I take clomifene (clomiphene) while pregnant or breastfeeding?

There is no NHS Medicines A–Z page for clomifene (clomiphene). Here is what the US drug label says.

In short

Pregnancy: There isn't a simple UK NHS summary for this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Breastfeeding: There isn't a simple UK NHS summary for this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Your doctor, midwife or pharmacist can help you decide.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist

This page is educational, not advice for your own situation. Talk to your doctor, midwife or pharmacist before you start, stop or change any medicine in pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

The details: what each source says

Clomifene (clomiphene) in pregnancy

What these words mean

contraindicated
there is a reason not to use this medicine, because it may be harmful
embryo-fetal
about the embryo and fetus (a baby's early stages of growing in the womb)

Definitions adapted from the NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms (National Cancer Institute).

The US drug label says

PREGNANCY Fetal Risk Summary Clomiphene citrate use in pregnant women is contraindicated, as clomiphene citrate treatment does not offer benefit in this population. Available human data do not suggest an increased risk for congenital anomalies above the background population risk. However, animal reproductive toxicology studies showed increased embryo-fetal loss and structural malformations in offspring. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential risks to the fetus.

Prescribing label, section “Pregnancy” (opening excerpt): Clomiphene Citrate (oral), Acetris Pharma Holdings, LLC. Read the full section on DailyMed. Quoted verbatim; US labels are written for US prescribers and patients.

Clomifene (clomiphene) while breastfeeding

LactMed says

Clomiphene appeared in low amounts in milk in one woman. Several studies found that clomiphene suppresses lactation in women who did not want to breastfeed. It appears to act by lowering serum prolactin, especially the post-stimulation surge in serum prolactin. It is likely that clomiphene would interfere with lactation in a nursing mother.

“Summary of Use during Lactation”, LactMed record “Clomiphene” (LM634), quoted verbatim. Everything LactMed reports about Clomiphene while breastfeeding.

The US prescribing label says

NURSING MOTHERS 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. Ovarian Cancer Prolonged use of clomiphene citrate tablets may increase the risk of a borderline or invasive ovarian tumor (see ADVERSE REACTIONS ).

Prescribing label, section “Nursing Mothers”: Clomiphene Citrate (oral), Acetris Pharma Holdings, LLC. Label on DailyMed. Quoted verbatim; US labels are written for US prescribers and patients.

Other names

Indian brands (per NPPA): Siphene.

US name: clomiphene.

Sources

  1. US drug label: Clomiphene Citrate (oral), Acetris Pharma Holdings, LLC, human prescription drug, label effective 29 June 2026, set ID 76c7550a-d527-4925-b19f-d8b52d567474. DailyMed (National Library of Medicine). Public domain; quoted verbatim.
  2. Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), via NCBI Bookshelf, record “Clomiphene” (LM634), bulk release of 22 September 2026. LactMed on NCBI Bookshelf. Public domain; quoted verbatim. LactMed is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

Sources checked 26 September 2026. How we source and check every page.

Educational summary of named sources, not medical advice.