Comparison of two brands of clomiphene citrate for stimulation of follicular development in a program for in vitro fertilization

Abstract

Although clomiphene citrate (CC) is used frequently to stimulate multiple follicular development in in vitro fertilization programs, comparison of the two commercially available types has been limited. Therefore, a comparison was made of Serophene (Serono Laboratories, Inc., Randolph, MA) and Clomid (Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Cincinnati, OH), using the same dosage regimen of CC (150 mg/day for days 3 to 7 of the cycle). Weights and ages of the two groups were not different. Serum estradiol (E2) levels were significantly elevated in Clomid cycles, but the number of developing follicles was not different between the two brands. The percentages of patients in each group who underwent laparoscopy, oocyte recovery, oocyte fertilization, and embryo transfer were also equivalent. Among patients undergoing laparoscopy, no differences in oocyte recovery, oocyte fertilization, and embryo development were noted. Thus, despite greater elevation of serum E2 levels with Clomid, no difference in stimulation regimen outcome was observed.