Climara

The active ingredient in Climara is estradiol hemihydrate, which is used as an estrogen substitute. When you go through menopause or have low estrogen levels because of specific conditions, it replaces the natural estrogen your body loses. In addition to alleviating symptoms of menopause like vaginal dryness, hot flashes or flushes, and night sweats, estrogen replacement helps to prevent bone loss. This medication belongs to a drug class called estrogens. Estrogens are female sex hormones produced by the ovaries. Estrogens are necessary for many processes in the body.

Follow all directions given to you by your doctor and read all documents provided, including the full Prescribing Information, FDA-Approved Product Labeling, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide, before using Climara. However, the following is a synopsis of the general guidelines for the use of Climara:

• Clean, dry skin on your buttocks or stomach should be covered with the Climara skin patch. Each time you apply a new patch, pick a different location within these skin zones. Steer clear of inflamed or injured skin.
• Don't cover your breasts with a skin patch. Avoid applying a patch under tight clothes, like an elastic waistline, where it could be rubbed off.
• To adhere to your once-weekly dosage plan, take off the patch and apply a fresh one on the same day every week.
• Try reattaching the sticky side of the Climara patch if it comes loose. Apply a fresh patch to a different part of your skin if it does not adhere effectively, and only wear it for the remainder of the period.
• You might need to temporarily stop taking this medication if you require surgery, medical testing, or long-term bed rest. Any medical professional who treats you ought to be aware that you use Climara.
• To decide if you should continue this treatment, your doctor should evaluate your progress frequently (every three to six months). While using Climara, get routine mammograms and check your breasts for lumps once a month.

The most common side effects of Climara include:

• Severe headaches.
• Breast pain.
• Vaginal discharge.
• Upper respiratory tract infection.
• Depression.
• Abdominal pain.
• Itching.
• Weight gain.
• Joint pain.
• Back pain.
• Nervousness.
• Application site reaction.
• Vaginal bleeding.
• Bloating.
• Fluid retention.
• Hair loss.

Some individuals may experience serious side effects while using Climara. These side effects may require immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following, contact your healthcare provider or seek emergency medical help:

• A heart attack is characterized by tightness or pain in the chest that travels to the shoulder, arm, neck, or jaw.
• Stroke symptoms include abrupt difficulty speaking, difficulty walking, facial or body numbness, a strong headache, and bewilderment.
• Leg cramps, swelling, soreness, and muscular tightness are symptoms of deep vein thrombosis or a blood clot in the leg.
• Cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, and a racing heart are symptoms of a pulmonary embolism or blood clot in the lung.
• Cancer symptoms include breast lumps, pain, swelling, or changes; enlarged lymph nodes; heavy or atypical vaginal flow; bloating; excessive fatigue; and pain in the stomach area.
• Gallbladder disease includes fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), nausea or vomiting that doesn't go away, and stomach pain.
• Allergic reactions to the medication, such as hives or skin rashes.

These are not all of the possible side effects of Climara. You should always seek medical advice from your healthcare provider for any questions or concerns about your medical condition or treatment. Read all patient information, medication guides, or drug information sheets that come with this medication. You can also report adverse effects to the Food and Drug Administration at www.fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before starting Climara, it is crucial to discuss any existing health conditions with your healthcare provider. You should be sure that your healthcare provider is aware of all your medical conditions, including if you have:

• Unusual vaginal bleeding that hasn't been examined by a doctor.
• Endometriosis or uterine fibroid tumors.
• Liver disease.
• A recent history of stroke or heart attack.
• A history of hormone-dependent malignancy, including thyroid, ovarian, uterine, or breast cancer.
• If you have ever experienced a blood clot, particularly in your lower body or lungs.
• Heart disease.
• High cholesterol/triglyceride levels.
• Coronary artery disease.
• High blood pressure.
• History of jaundice.
• Angioedema.
• Thyroid disorder (hypothyroidism).
• Kidney disease.
• Epilepsy.
• High or low levels of calcium in the blood.
• If you have had your hysterectomy (uterus removed).
• Or are nearsighted or wear contact lenses.
• A certain blood disorder (porphyria).

Boxed Warning

• There is an increased risk of endometrial cancer in a woman with a uterus who uses unopposed estrogen-alone therapy. One study reported increased risks of stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT). Another study showed a possible increased risk of dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older. Do not use estrogen-alone therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia.

• Abnormal vaginal bleeding.
• History of breast cancer or ovarian cancer.
• Cancer that depends on estrogen for growth.
• Blood clots or blood clotting conditions.
• History of stroke or heart attack.
• Liver problems.

Your estrogen levels will begin to rise as soon as you apply the patch. However, it can take some time to see a change in your symptoms. According to studies, the estradiol patch Climara can begin to work one to two weeks after you start using it. Additionally, six months after beginning the medicine, alterations in bone mineral density were seen. For your prescriber to assess how well the drug is working for you, make sure you show up for all of your follow-up appointments.

When Climara is taken with other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements, it may change how they work or increase the frequency or severity of side effects. Make sure that you tell your healthcare professional about anything that you are taking to avoid any negative drug interactions, including:

• St. John’s Wort.
• Some blood thinners, antibiotics, and antifungals are among the drugs that may interact with Climara, an estrogen hormone treatment.
• Aromatase inhibitors and certain medications for HIV.
• Grapefruit juice.

Once a week, apply one patch to the skin on your upper buttocks or lower abdomen. Your doctor may increase your dosage based on how well you respond to the medication. Climara should be used at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest duration to prevent serious complications.

Store Climara patches at room temperature and keep them out of reach of children.

Bayer Healthcare is the pharmaceutical company that manufactures Climara.

There are lower-cost generic versions of Climara available.

Instead of stopping Climara suddenly, it is usually advised to reduce the dosage gradually. By doing this, possible withdrawal symptoms may be reduced. The optimum strategy to taper the medicine, which may entail lowering the dose or patch size over weeks or months, can be advised by a medical specialist.

Climara is not approved for use in women who can become pregnant. If you are pregnant, avoid using Climara. If you become pregnant while undergoing treatment, notify your doctor immediately. While using this medication, make use of an efficient birth control method.

Climara is not approved for use in women who can become pregnant. Talk to your doctor if you are already breastfeeding or if you have any plans to breastfeed. They will know or recommend what is best for you.