Clomiphene citrate cumulative doses linked to increased pregnancy loss risks

Research conducted by Adelaide University, in partnership with Boston University and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suggests that higher cumulative doses of the fertility drug clomiphene citrate may increase the risk of pregnancy loss.

Analyzing 21,004 IVF embryo transfer cycles in the United States, the study identified a dose-response relationship. Women receiving cumulative doses between 500mg and 749mg had a 12% higher risk of miscarriage, while those receiving 750mg to 999mg faced a 38% higher risk. Additionally, women receiving 750mg or more were more than twice as likely to experience multiple births, such as twins.

Lead author Associate Professor Sheree Boulet noted that increasing the cumulative dose did not significantly improve the chances of a live birth. The findings suggest a need to balance treatment effectiveness with safety, as higher doses may offer little additional benefit while increasing risks for both mother and child. While a threefold increase in stillbirth was observed at the highest dose, researchers noted this was not statistically significant due to the rarity of that specific dose category.