For women using the fertility drug Clomid (Serophene) it is important to be aware of the risks.

Serophene, one of the most popular choices for women struggling to conceive, has been linked to birth defects.

Medical experts state that at some point in exposing the fetus to Serophene, abnormal developments start occurring. While it is not known why this may be occurring, experts theorize it is linked to improper Serophene dosing.

Under proper medical supervision, Serophene can not only induce pregnancy but can also treat ovulation dysfunction in women who have trouble naturally going into ovulation. Approved in 1967, Serophene works by stimulating the release a certain follicle hormone and luteinizing hormone, which induces ovulation.

Essentially, this drug works by stimulating egg production in women. Like other fertility drugs, healthcare providers caution women that using Serophene could result in multiple births, and that they should immediately cease using the drug after becoming pregnant.

Serophene Birth Defects Complications

According to one study conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), mothers who use Serophene could face a much higher risk for birth defects compared to women who do not.

Birth defects reported range from cleft palates to major cardiac defects. The most severe birth defects associated with Serophene include:

• Anencephaly: When the infant is born without parts of the brain and skull.
• Coarctation of the aorta: When the infant’s aorta narrows after birth
• Craniosyntosis: When the infant’s skull sutures prematurely fuse
• Esophageal atresia: When the infant is born with parts of the esophagus missing
• Omphalocele: When the infant’s abdominal organs are outside of the body upon birth
• Septal heart defect: When the infant is born with a hole in the wall of the heart

While the results were concerning, the CDC notes that the findings were based on a small patient population, and no conclusive findings were made between Serophene and birth defects. However after the study was published, the FDA warned that fertility drugs should no longer be used once the woman has conceived, due to the risk of serious birth defects.

The agency also labeled Serophene and Clomid as “Category X” drugs, due to the high risk they present to the fetus. Category X drugs are medications that when used in pregnant women have greater risks than benefits.

Despite the severity and alleged likelihood of birth defects, neither Serophene or Clomid include these possibilities on their warning labels. This has resulted in numerous women and their families filing Serophene and Clomid lawsuits.