Climara

Climara

What is Climara?

Climara skin patches are used to treat certain symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes as well as vaginal dryness, burning and irritation.

Climara is also used to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis or to treat ovarian disease.

Warnings

You should not use Climara if you have liver disease, a blood clotting disorder, unusual vaginal bleeding, a history of hormone-dependent cancer (such as breast, uterine, ovarian, or thyroid cancer), or if you have ever had a heart attack, stroke, a blood clot, or if you are having major surgery.

Do not use Climara if you are pregnant.

Estradiol may increase your risk of developing a condition that can lead to uterine cancer. Your doctor may prescribe a progestogen to reduce this risk.Report any unusual vaginal bleeding immediately.

Using Climara may increase your risk of blood clots, stroke, heart attack, or breast, uterine, or ovarian cancer.Estradiol should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia.

Your doctor should check your progress regularly to decide whether you should continue this treatment.

Before you take this medicine

You should not use Climara if you are allergic to estradiol, are pregnant, or have:

• unusual vaginal bleeding that has not been checked by a doctor;

• liver disease;

• a bleeding or blood clotting disorder;

• a recent history of heart attack or stroke;

• a history of hormone-dependent cancer (such as breast, uterine, ovarian, or thyroid cancer); or

• if you have ever had a blood clot (especially in your lungs or lower body).

Climara should not be used to prevent heart disease, stroke, or dementia, as this medicine may actually increase your risk of developing these conditions.

To make sure Climara is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• heart disease;

• Risk factors for coronary artery disease (e.g. diabetes, lupus, smoking, obesity, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, family history of coronary artery disease, or if you have had a hysterectomy);

• a history of jaundice caused by pregnancy or birth control pills;

• hereditary angioedema (an immune system disorder);

• a thyroid disease;

• kidney disease;

• Asthma;

• epilepsy or other seizure disorders;

• Migraine;

• lupus;

• porphyria (a genetic enzyme disorder that causes symptoms affecting the skin or nervous system);

• endometriosis or uterine fibroid tumors;

• Gallbladder disease;

• high or low levels of calcium in your blood; or

• if you have had your uterus removed (hysterectomy).

Taking Climara may increase your risk of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke, or blood clots. Talk to your doctor about your individual risks before using Climara long-term.

FDA pregnancy category XDo not use Climara if you are pregnant.Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment. Use effective contraception while using this medication.

Estradiol can pass into breast milk. Climara may slow the production of breast milk. Do not use Climara skin patches if you are breastfeeding a baby.

How should I use Climara?

Use Climara exactly as your doctor has told you. Follow all instructions on your prescription label. Do not use this medicine in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

Climara may increase your risk of developing a condition that can lead to uterine cancer. Your doctor may prescribe a progestogen to reduce this risk.Report any unusual vaginal bleeding immediately.

This medication comes with patient instructions for safe and effective use. Follow these instructions carefully. If you have any questions, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Apply the Climara skin patch to clean, dry skin on your stomach or buttocks. Each time you apply a new patch, choose a different location within these skin areas. Avoid oily, irritated or damaged skin.

Do not put a skin patch on your breasts. Do not place the patch where it could be rubbed off by tight clothing, such as under an elastic waistband.

Remove the patch and apply a new one on the same day each week to follow your once-weekly dosing schedule.

If a Climara patch falls off, try to put it back on. If it doesn't stick well, apply a new patch to a different area of ​​skin and only leave it on for the remainder of your wearing time. Do not change your patch removal plan.

If you need surgery or a medical examination, or need to stay in bed for a long time, you may need to stop taking this medicine for a short time. Any doctor or surgeon who treats you should know that you are using Climara.

Your doctor should check your progress regularly (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether you should continue this treatment. Self-examine your breasts for lumps monthly and have regular mammograms while using Climara.

Store at room temperature, protected from moisture and heat. Keep each Climara patch in its pouch until you are ready to use it.

After removing a skin patch, fold it in half so it sticks together. Dispose of the folded patch in a place where children and pets cannot reach.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you forget to change your patch, change it as soon as you remember or wait until the next scheduled patch change.NotApply two patches at the same time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid when using Climara?

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can interact with estradiol and cause unwanted side effects. Discuss the use of grapefruit products with your doctor.

Climara side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these problemsSigns of an allergic reaction to Climara transdermal:hives; difficulty breathing; Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Remove the skin patch and call your doctor immediately if you have:

• Symptoms of a heart attack– Pain or pressure in the chest, pain spreading to the jaw or shoulder, nausea, sweating;

• increased blood pressure- severe headache, blurred vision, throbbing in the neck or ears, anxiety, nosebleeds;

• Signs of a stroke- sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, problems with vision or balance;

• Signs of a blood clot- sudden loss of vision, stabbing chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, pain or feeling of warmth in one or both legs;

• swelling or tenderness in the stomach;

• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• unusual vaginal bleeding, pelvic pain;

• a lump in the breast;

• memory problems, confusion, unusual behavior; or

• high levels of calcium in your blood– Nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness, bone pain, lack of energy.

Common side effects of Climara may include:

• headache, back pain;

• stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat;

• vaginal itching or discharge, changes in your periods, breakthrough bleeding;

• Bloating, stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting;

• chest pain;

• Redness or irritation where the patch was worn;

• thinning head hair; or

• Fluid retention (swelling, rapid weight gain).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You can report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs affect Climara?

Other medications can interact with estradiol, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medications you are taking now and any medications you are starting or stopping taking.

More information

Remember to keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and only use Climara for the prescribed indication.