Climara (Estradiol)

What is Climara?

Climara is an estradiol transdermal patch that releases the hormone when in constant contact with intact skin. It is a form of female estrogen hormone that is usually given to females who no longer produce the same amount of estrogen, they used to earlier.

What is Climara used for?

Climara is indicated to provide relief from menopausal symptoms like dryness, burning and itching in the vaginal area. It also reduces increased urgency and irritation for and during urination. Climara has also been used for treating ovarian disorders, infertility, abnormal vaginal bleeding and postmenopausal osteoporosis.

How does Climara work?

Climara transdermal patch slowly releases the drug when it comes in contact with intact skin. The estradiol hormone in the patch replaces the absent natural estradiol in the body providing relief from menopausal symptoms.

How to use Climara

Apply Climara in the manner prescribed by the doctor. Follow the instructions on the leaflet carefully.

Before applying Climara, wash and dry hands and the area where it has to be applied.

Apply Climara only on a hairless, clean, dry, unbroken and uninjured skin of the stomach, lower back or buttocks. Do not apply the patch on the breasts or under the waist band.

Climara warnings and precautions

Do not use Climara if you have a bleeding or blood-clotting disorder, liver or kidney disease, a history of stroke or circulation problems, abnormal and unchecked vaginal bleeding, or any type of breast, uterine or hormone-dependent cancer.

Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, angina, heart disease, high cholesterol, kidney disease, asthma, epilepsy and other neurological disorders, migraines, depression, diabetes, gallbladder disease, any form of breast or uterine cancer, any other hormone-related cancer, or if you have had hysterectomy. You might need an adjustment in the dosage.

Use effective external birth control treatments while you are under this medication.

Prolonged use of estradiol can lead to endometrial hyperplasia; therefore, do not change the intake or the duration of the dosage without the doctor’s permission.

If you get pregnant while you are under this medication, consult the doctor immediately to discuss the conditions. Pregnant women must not use this gel as it can cause birth defects. Nursing mothers also must not use Climara as it can pass through breast milk and could cause harm to an infant. It has also been noted to slow down the production of breast milk.

What do I do if I have missed a Climara dose?

If you have missed a dose of Climara, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.

What do I do if I have taken a Climara overdose?

If you have taken an overdose of Climara, contact your doctor.

Climara interactions

Before taking Climara, tell your doctor if you are taking acetaminophen, warfarin, ritonavir, prednisolone, theophylline, St. John’s wort, clarithromycin, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, seizure medications such as carbamazepine, Phenobarbital, rifampin. These drugs can interact with Climara. Inform your doctor about all the prescription and non prescription drugs, herbal medicines that you are already taking.

Climara side effects

Get medical help if you experience any rare side effects of Climara like hives, difficulty in breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue and throat.

Discontinue use of Climara and call your doctor at once if you have any Climara side effects like sudden numbness and weakness, loss of vision, sudden headache, confusion, pain behind the eyes, problems with vision, speech or balance; sudden weight gain, chest pain, heavy feeling, nausea, sweating, general ill feeling, pain in the shoulder spreading to the arms, gallbladder problems, yellowing of the skin and eyes, or swollen breasts or breast lumps.

Less serious side effects from Climara may include mild nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, breast tenderness or swelling, changes in weight or appetite, runny nose, vaginal itching and discharge, changes in the menstrual cycle, decreased sex drive, difficulty in orgasm, headache, dizziness and insomnia.