Indications  

Climara Patch is a transdermal medication prescribed for managing menopausal symptoms, including hot flashes (sudden sensations of mild or intense body heat) and vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. 

Climara Patch may also be prescribed to women with insufficient estrogen production (e.g., hypogonadism or primary ovarian failure) and postmenopausal women to mitigate the risk of osteoporosis (bone loss).   

Classified as an estrogen derivative medication, Climara Patch functions by substituting the body’s natural estrogen production. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before using Climara Patch and with each prescription refill, thoroughly review its medication guide and patient information leaflet. Seek advice from your physician or pharmacist for any questions or clarifications. 

The dosage of Climara Patch may vary per individual based on their medical condition and response to the treatment. 

Typically, one Climara Patch is affixed to the skin and worn for one week before being replaced. 

To properly use this patch, follow these steps: 

1. Remove the patch from the pouch. 
   1. Tear the patch from its protective pouch at the provided notch. Do not use scissors. 
   2. Keep the patch in the protective pouch until ready for application. 
2. Remove the adhesive liner. 
   1. Peel off the protective clear plastic film attached to the thicker plastic backing. 
   2. Do not remove the silver foil sticker from the pouch. 
3. Apply the patch to your skin. 
   1. Place the sticky side of the patch onto a clean and dry section of the lower abdomen or the upper buttocks region. 
   2. Avoid the waistline to prevent rubbing off the patch caused by clothing or belts. 
   3. Do not apply the patch to breasts or injured, burned, irritated or skin with certain conditions like birthmarks, tattoos, or excessive hair. 
   4. Avoid areas with powder, oil, or lotion. 
4. Secure the patch onto your skin. 
   1. Press the patch firmly with your fingers for at least 10 seconds. 
   2. Rub the edges of the patch to ensure proper adhesion. 
   3. The patch may fall off when exposed to water (swimming, sauna, bathing, showering). If it falls off, reapply it. If unable to reapply, apply a new patch to a different area and wear it for the remaining 7-day period. 
   4. Discontinuing or missing patch application may result in spotting, bleeding, and the return of symptoms. 
5. Replace and dispose of used patches. 
   1. Before applying a new patch, remove the old one. 
   2. Fold the sticky side of the used patch together, place it in a childproof container, and dispose of it in the trash. Do not flush used patches down the toilet. 
   3. Ensure that the new patch is applied to a different area.  
   4. Allow a minimum of one week to elapse before applying a patch to the same location again. 

For optimal results, use Climara Patch consistently and according to schedule. To aid in remembering, replace the patch on the same day each week. Consider marking your calendar as a helpful reminder. 

Inform your healthcare provider if your condition does not show improvement or if it worsens. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the potential adverse effects that may arise from using Climara Patch. If any of them last or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. 

Common Side Effects 

• Headache or back pain 
• Stuffy nose, sinus pain, or sore throat 
• Vaginal itching or discharge, changes in menstrual periods, or breakthrough bleeding 
• Bloating, stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting 
• Breast pain 
• Redness or irritation at the patch site 
• Thinning scalp hair 
• Fluid retention (swelling or rapid weight gain) 

Serious Side Effects 

• Heart attack symptoms:  
  • Chest pain/pressure 
  • Pain in jaw/shoulder 
  • Nausea 
  • Sweating 
• Indication of increased blood pressure: 
  • Severe headache 
  • Blurred vision 
  • Pounding in neck/ears 
  • Anxiety 
  • Nosebleed 
• Signs of a stroke: 
  • Sudden numbness/weakness (especially on one side of the body) 
  • Sudden severe headache 
  • Slurred speech 
  • Problems with vision/balance 
• Signs of a blood clot: 
  • Sudden vision loss 
  • Stabbing chest pain 
  • Shortness of breath 
  • Coughing up blood 
  • Leg pain/warmth 
• Swelling/tenderness in the stomach 
• Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes) 
• Unusual vaginal bleeding/pelvic pain 
• Breast lump 
• Memory problems/confusion/unusual behavior 
• Indication of high levels of calcium in the blood: 
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Constipation 
  • Increased thirst or urination 
  • Muscle weakness 
  • Bone pain 
  • Lack of energy 

Remove the skin patch and call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the above-listed severe side effects. 

Allergic Reactions 

Severe allergic reactions to Climara Patch are uncommon but seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as: 

• Rash 
• Itching 
• Swelling, especially of the face, tongue, or throat 
• Severe dizziness 
• Difficulty breathing 

This list does not contain all the potential side effects of Climara Patch. If you encounter any unlisted effects, tell your doctor promptly. 

Cautions 

Before using Climara Patch, inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have any known hypersensitivities, especially to:  

• Any brand of transdermal estradiol 
• Any other estrogen products 
• Any other medications 
• Any adhesives, 
• Any of the ingredients present in Climara Patches 

To ensure Climara Patch is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, specifically regarding the following: 

• Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause 
• Certain cancers (such as breast cancer, cancer of the uterus/ovaries) 
• Blood clots 
• Stroke 
• Heart disease (such as heart attack) 
• Liver disease 
• Kidney disease 
• Family medical history (especially breast lumps, cancer, or blood clots) 
• Family or personal history of a certain swelling disorder (angioedema) 
• Blood clotting disorders (such as protein C or protein S deficiency) 
• High blood pressure 
• Diabetes 
• High cholesterol/triglyceride levels 
• Obesity 
• Lupus 
• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) 
• Mineral imbalance (low or high levels of calcium in the blood) 
• Certain hormone problems (hypoparathyroidism) 
• Uterus problems (such as fibroids, endometriosis) 
• Gallbladder disease 
• Asthma 
• Seizures 
• Migraine headaches 
• Certain blood disorders (porphyria) 

• Mental/mood disorders (such as dementia, depression) 

Some products that may interact with Climara Patch include:  

• Aromatase inhibitors (e.g., anastrozole, exemestane, letrozole),  
• Fulvestrant 
• Ospemifene 
• Raloxifene 
• Tamoxifen 
• Toremifene 
• Tranexamic acid 

To prevent such drug interactions, inform your doctor and pharmacist about all your medicines, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, other dietary supplements, and herbal products. 

Avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice when using Climara Patch, as they may cause unwanted side effects due to interaction with estradiol. Consult with your doctor regarding the use of grapefruit products. 

The use of Climara Patch can potentially affect specific laboratory tests, including the metyrapone test, leading to inaccurate test results. Inform laboratory personnel and all your healthcare providers about your use of this medication. 

The use of Climara Patch may elevate the risk of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke, or blood clot. Prior to long-term usage, consult with your doctor regarding your individual risks. 

Notify your doctor if you have recently had or will undergo surgery or will be immobile for an extended period (e.g., a long plane flight). These situations raise the risk of blood clots, mainly when using estrogen products. Your doctor may advise temporary discontinuation of Climara Patch or taking specific precautions. 

Climara Patch can induce melasma, leading to dark and blotchy areas on the face and skin. Sunlight can intensify this effect. To mitigate it, limit sun exposure, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and adopt protective measures such as applying sunscreen and wearing suitable clothing when outdoors. 

In case you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, there is a possibility of experiencing vision issues or difficulties with contact lens wear while using Climara Patch. If such problems arise, contact your eye doctor for assistance. 

Climara Patch is contraindicated for pregnant women. Ensure to use reliable contraception while using this medication. Notify your doctor immediately if pregnancy occurs during treatment. 

Estradiol can be transferred into breast milk and may diminish the quantity and quality of breast milk. Before breastfeeding, consult your doctor for guidance.