Fertifem CoQ

Clomiphene (100mg) + Coenzyme Q10 (50mg)
Price: ₹260 - ₹340 for a strip of 5 tablets
Mfr: Serum Institute of India (India's subsidiary for pharmaceuticals) | Form: Tablet

📋 Clinical Overview

A fixed-dose combination therapy primarily indicated for the management of anovulatory infertility in women. Clomiphene citrate is a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) that induces ovulation by blocking estrogen receptors at the hypothalamus, leading to increased gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secretion and subsequent follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) release. Coenzyme Q10 (Ubiquinone) is a fat-soluble, vitamin-like quinone that acts as a critical cofactor in the mitochondrial electron transport chain (ATP production) and a potent antioxidant. In this combination, CoQ10 is intended to support oocyte (egg) quality and mitochondrial energy metabolism in ovarian cells, potentially improving the ovarian response to clomiphene, especially in cases of diminished ovarian reserve or poor ovarian response.

💊 Dosage & Administration

Adult: One tablet (Clomiphene 100mg + CoQ10 50mg) orally once daily, usually for 5 days, starting on day 2, 3, 4, or 5 of the menstrual cycle (spontaneous or induced). The clomiphene dose may be adjusted (50mg-150mg) based on response, but this fixed combination is 100mg. CoQ10 component is typically 50-200mg daily; 50mg here is a supportive dose. Treatment cycles are usually limited to 3-6 ovulatory cycles.

Note: Take with a full glass of water. For optimal absorption of CoQ10, take with or immediately after a meal containing fats (e.g., milk, nuts, oil). Take at approximately the same time each day. The tablet should be swallowed whole, not crushed or chewed.

⚠️ Contraindications

  • Pregnancy (Clomiphene is contraindicated; risk of fetal harm is theoretical but well-established)
  • Liver disease or history of cholestatic jaundice with prior clomiphene use
  • Uncontrolled thyroid or adrenal dysfunction
  • Organic intracranial lesions (e.g., pituitary tumor)
  • Ovarian cyst (not due to PCOS) or enlargement
  • Abnormal uterine bleeding of undetermined origin
  • Hypersensitivity to clomiphene citrate, coenzyme Q10, or any excipient

🔬 Mechanism of Action

Clomiphene competitively blocks estrogen receptors (ERs) at the level of the hypothalamus, inhibiting the normal negative feedback of endogenous estrogen. This is perceived as a state of hypoestrogenism, leading to increased pulsatile secretion of Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (GnRH) from the hypothalamus. Increased GnRH stimulates the anterior pituitary to secrete higher amounts of Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). The rise in FSH promotes follicular recruitment, growth, and maturation in the ovary, ultimately leading to ovulation. Coenzyme Q10 is an endogenous, lipid-soluble antioxidant and an essential component of the mitochondrial electron transport chain (Complexes I, II, and III). It plays a vital role in aerobic cellular respiration and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) generation. In the context of fertility, it is proposed to improve mitochondrial function in oocytes (eggs), which are mitochondria-rich cells. Enhanced ATP production may support better chromosomal segregation during meiosis, reduce oxidative stress damage to the oocyte, and improve overall oocyte quality and embryo viability.

🤕 Side Effects

  • Vasomotor flushes (hot flashes) - up to 10%
  • Abdominal discomfort/bloating/pelvic pain
  • Breast tenderness
  • Nausea
  • Headache
  • Visual disturbances (blurring, spots, flashes) - usually reversible

🤰 Special Populations

Pregnancy: CATEGORY X. Clomiphene is contraindicated during pregnancy. Animal studies show adverse fetal effects. There is a possible increased risk of birth defects (neural tube defects) with clomiphene use, though data in humans is inconclusive. If pregnancy occurs during therapy, discontinue immediately. CoQ10 is generally considered safe in pregnancy (Category B), but the combination must be stopped.

Driving: May cause dizziness, visual disturbances, or fatigue. Patients should be cautioned about driving or operating machinery until they know how the medication affects them.

🔄 Drug Interactions

Letrozole, Tamoxifen, other SERMsAdditive estrogenic/anti-estrogenic effects; may increase risk of adverse effects. Concurrent use not recommended.Major
GnRH agonists (Leuprolide, Buserelin)May interfere with the ovulation induction protocol. Used under specialist supervision only.Major
Warfarin and other Coumarin anticoagulantsClomiphene may potentiate anticoagulant effect, increasing INR and bleeding risk. Monitor INR closely.Major
Thyroid hormonesClomiphene may increase serum thyroxine-binding globulin (TBG), potentially altering thyroid function tests. Clinical effect on thyroid status is minimal.Moderate
Statins (Atorvastatin, Simvastatin)Statins inhibit HMG-CoA reductase, the same pathway for endogenous CoQ10 synthesis. May lower CoQ10 levels. This combination may help replenish it.Moderate
Beta-blockers (Propranolol, Metoprolol)May reduce the synthesis or increase the metabolism of CoQ10. Significance in this combination is unclear.Minor
Tricyclic Antidepressants (Amitriptyline), PhenothiazinesMay potentiate anticholinergic side effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation).Moderate

🔁 Alternatives to Fertifem CoQ

Same composition (Clomiphene (100mg) + Coenzyme Q10 (50mg)), different brands:

Fertisure M Clofert Plus Ovagen Plus