WARNING

Climara is a form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) primarily used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Like any medication, it carries potential risks and side effects that should be considered:

• Increased Risk of Blood Clots: Estrogen therapy, including Climara, may increase the risk of blood clots, which can lead to serious conditions like stroke, heart attack, or pulmonary embolism.
• Increased Risk of Certain Cancers: Long-term use of estrogen-only HRT, such as Climara, may slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. Combined estrogen-progestin therapy may increase the risk of breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
• Endometrial Cancer: Women who have an intact uterus and use estrogen-only therapy like Climara are at an increased risk of endometrial cancer. This risk can be reduced by taking progestin in addition to estrogen.
• Gallbladder Disease: Estrogen therapy may increase the risk of gallbladder disease.
• Cardiovascular Issues: Although the relationship is complex, estrogen therapy might affect cardiovascular health, potentially increasing the risk of heart disease in some women.
• Other Side Effects: Common side effects of Climara can include breast pain, headache, nausea, vomiting, bloating, and skin irritation where the patch is applied.

It’s essential for individuals considering or currently using Climara to discuss these risks with their healthcare provider. The decision to use hormone replacement therapy should be based on an individual’s specific medical history, symptoms, and overall health profile, weighing the benefits against the potential risks.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Climara is prescribed primarily for the treatment of symptoms associated with menopause in women. These symptoms may include:

• Hot Flashes: Climara helps reduce the intensity and frequency of hot flashes, which are common during menopause.
• Vaginal Dryness: It can alleviate vaginal dryness and discomfort, which can occur due to decreased estrogen levels during menopause.
• Osteoporosis Prevention: In some cases, Climara is prescribed to help prevent osteoporosis (thinning of bones) in postmenopausal women who are at risk.

Climara is a transdermal patch that delivers estradiol, a form of estrogen, directly through the skin into the bloodstream.

How should this medicine be used?

Here Climara patches should be used as:

• Application: Climara patches should be applied to clean, dry skin on the lower abdomen (below the waistline), buttocks, or hips. Avoid applying the patch to areas where tight clothing may rub against it. Rotate application sites to minimize skin irritation.
• Frequency: Typically, Climara patches are applied once weekly. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding when and how often to apply the patches.
• Duration: The duration of treatment with Climara will depend on your specific symptoms and health needs. It’s important to discuss with your healthcare provider how long you should continue using Climara.
• Replacement: Replace the patch with a new one once a week on the same day each week. Remove the old patch before applying a new one to avoid doubling up on estrogen exposure.
• Skin Care: If necessary, use a moisturizer on the skin site chosen for patch application after removing the old patch to prevent irritation.
• Monitoring: Your healthcare provider may recommend periodic check-ups and monitoring to assess the effectiveness of Climara and to watch for any potential side effects or complications.

Always follow the instructions provided by your healthcare provider and read the patient information leaflet that comes with Climara patches for detailed usage guidelines. If you have any questions or concerns about using Climara, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.

Other uses for this medicine

• Hypoestrogenism: Climara may be used in cases where there is a deficiency of estrogen due to conditions such as ovarian failure or surgical removal of the ovaries.
• Osteoporosis: Climara can be prescribed to help prevent osteoporosis in postmenopausal women who are at risk.
• Breast Cancer Treatment: In some cases, estrogen replacement therapy like Climara may be used as part of hormone therapy in the treatment of certain types of breast cancer that are hormone receptor-positive and have spread to other parts of the body.

What special precautions should I follow?

When using Climara, it’s important to follow specific precautions to ensure safe and effective treatment:

• Medical History: Before starting Climara, inform your healthcare provider about your complete medical history, including any allergies, past medical conditions (especially breast cancer, heart disease, liver disease, or blood clotting disorders), and current medications or supplements you are taking.
• Regular Monitoring: Your healthcare provider may need to monitor your response to Climara through regular check-ups and blood tests. This helps ensure that the treatment is working effectively and that any potential side effects are detected early.
• Avoid Smoking: Smoking while using Climara can increase your risk of serious side effects, such as blood clots, stroke, or heart attack. If you smoke, discuss quitting strategies with your healthcare provider.
• Blood Clot Risk: Estrogen therapy like Climara may increase the risk of blood clots, especially if you have certain risk factors such as obesity, a history of blood clots, or prolonged immobility. Report any symptoms of a blood clot (e.g., sudden severe headache, chest pain, difficulty breathing, leg swelling, or redness) to your healthcare provider immediately.
• Breast Cancer Risk: Discuss with your healthcare provider the potential risks and benefits of using Climara, especially if you have a history of breast cancer or are at increased risk.
• Routine Exams: Regular breast exams and mammograms are recommended while using Climara, as estrogen therapy may increase breast density and make lumps harder to detect.
• Skin Sensitivity: If you experience skin irritation or allergic reactions at the application site of Climara patches, notify your healthcare provider. They may recommend rotating application sites or using a different type of estrogen therapy.
• Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking, as some may interact with Climara and affect its effectiveness or increase the risk of side effects.

Following these precautions and guidelines can help maximize the benefits of Climara while minimizing potential risks. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have any questions or concerns about using Climara or if you experience any unexpected symptoms or side effects.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Climara use. However, maintaining a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins is generally recommended for overall health.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Apply as soon as you remember: If it’s within 1 or 2 days of when you should have applied the patch, apply it as soon as you remember. Continue to follow your regular schedule (e.g., applying a new patch once a week on the same day).
• Skip the missed dose if it’s been longer: If it has been more than 2 days since you missed a dose, skip the missed dose and apply the next patch at your regular scheduled time. Do not apply two patches to make up for a missed dose.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Climara, like other forms of estrogen therapy, can cause various side effects. These side effects can vary in severity and may affect individuals differently. Common side effects of Climara include:

• Skin reactions: Such as redness, itching, or irritation at the application site where the patch is placed. This is one of the most common side effects.
• Headache: Mild to moderate headaches are frequently reported.
• Breast pain: Some women may experience breast tenderness or discomfort.
• Nausea: Feeling nauseous or occasionally vomiting.
• Abdominal pain: Mild discomfort in the abdominal area.
• Vaginal bleeding: This can occur especially during the first few months of treatment or if the dosage is changed.
• Fluid retention: Swelling of the hands, ankles, or feet.
• Mood changes: Including depression, anxiety, or irritability.
• Weight changes: Either weight gain or weight loss.

Less common but more serious side effects of Climara include:

• Blood clots: Estrogen therapy can increase the risk of blood clots, which may lead to conditions such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism (PE), or stroke. Symptoms of a blood clot include sudden severe headache, chest pain, difficulty breathing, leg swelling, or redness.
• Breast cancer: There may be a slightly increased risk of breast cancer with long-term use of estrogen therapy. This risk should be discussed with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a personal or family history of breast cancer.
• Endometrial cancer: Women who have not had their uterus removed and are using estrogen therapy alone (without progesterone) may have an increased risk of endometrial cancer. Adding progestin to estrogen therapy can reduce this risk.
• Gallbladder disease: Estrogen therapy may increase the risk of gallbladder problems, such as gallstones.
• Hypersensitivity reactions: In rare cases, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Climara patches, characterized by symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.

It’s important to discuss any concerns or potential side effects with your healthcare provider before starting Climara therapy. Your provider can help assess your individual risk factors and monitor you for any adverse effects while on treatment. If you experience any severe or persistent side effects, seek medical attention promptly.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of Climara:

• Storage: Store Climara patches at room temperature (between 68-77°F or 20-25°C) away from direct sunlight and heat. Keep them in their original packaging until ready to use. Do not store Climara patches in the bathroom or in damp areas.
• Disposal: Dispose of used or expired Climara patches carefully. Fold the patch in half with the sticky sides together and discard in a sealed plastic bag. Do not flush them down the toilet. Check with your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for proper disposal methods in your area.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of an overdose or accidental ingestion of Climara patches, seek emergency medical attention or contact a poison control center immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, and vaginal bleeding.

What other information should I know?

• Follow-up appointments: Regularly visit your healthcare provider for follow-up appointments to monitor your response to Climara and evaluate any side effects or changes in health.
• Medical history: Inform all healthcare providers (including dentists and specialists) that you are using Climara. They should be aware of your estrogen therapy, as it may affect other treatments or procedures.
• Blood clotting risks: Estrogen therapy like Climara can increase the risk of blood clots, especially in individuals with a history of clotting disorders, obesity, or prolonged immobility. Be aware of the signs of a blood clot (e.g., sudden severe headache, chest pain, difficulty breathing, leg swelling) and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these symptoms.
• Breast health: Regularly perform breast self-exams and schedule mammograms as recommended by your healthcare provider while using Climara, as estrogen therapy may affect breast tissue.
• Hormonal effects: Estrogen therapy can affect various aspects of your body’s hormonal balance. Discuss any changes in menstrual patterns or mood with your healthcare provider.
• Alternative treatments: If you experience intolerable side effects or complications with Climara, discuss alternative treatments or adjustments to your therapy plan with your healthcare provider.

Always read the patient information leaflet provided with Climara patches for detailed instructions and safety information. If you have any questions or concerns about using Climara, consult your healthcare provider for guidance.