Serophene , also known as Clomid, America’s most popular fertility drug, is raising concern over the frequency of reports linking the drug to birth defects.

Approved in 1967, women have used this drug to help them overcome biological hurdles and conceive children.

However, according to a 2010 study conducted by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Serophene may increase the chance of birth defects.

Serophene is classified as a Category X drug by the FDA, which means that is known to cause birth defects. Many medical experts warn that any drug listed as a Category X may not be worth the risk. Serophene has been associated with minor birth defects like cleft palate, as well as major defects like heart malformations.

Overview of Serophene Birth Defect Warnings

Serophene works to induce ovulation in women by stimulating the body to release estrogen and progestin hormones that cultivate the ideal biological environment for pregnancy. Due to this manipulation, women who use Serophene, and most other fertility drugs, can experience multiple births.

However, medical experts warn women not to use Serophene if they are already pregnant or nursing, as it has been known to cause birth defects when exposed to this drug. Additionally, prolonged use of Serophene can increase the risk of ovarian cancer.

Serophene should not be used by patients with liver complications, abnormal uterine bleeding, ovarian cysts, or patients with thyroid or adrenal conditions. In each of these cases, Serophene has been reported to worsen these conditions, and increase the complications during or after pregnancy.

Before patients are prescribed Serophene, their physicians need to know what over-the-counter and herbal medications the patients has taken, and a complete medical history is also needed to ensure no allergies or adverse reactions could result.

When taking Serophene, patients should avoid activities that require complete or intense cognitive awareness such as driving or operating heavy machinery, as this drug can cause dizziness and blurred vision.