Climara prescription

Climara

This page contains drug information on Climara.
The information provided includes the following:

what is Climara
the possible side effects of Climara
what happens if you miss a dose of Climara
what happens if you overdose with Climara
the most important information about Climara
how to use Climara
other drugs that may affect Climara
what to avoid while using Climara

Generic Name: estradiol topical patches (ess tra DYE all)
Brand Names: Alora, Climara, Esclim, Estraderm, Fempatch, Vivelle, Vivelle-Dot

What is the most important information I should know about estradiol topical patches?

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Estradiol topical patches increase the risk of developing a condition (endometrial hyperplasia) that may lead to cancer of the lining of the uterus. Taking progestins, another hormone drug, while using estradiol topical patches lowers the risk of developing this condition. Therefore, if your uterus has not been removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take together while using estradiol topical patches. Visit your doctor regularly and report any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.

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Treatment with estrogens long-term may increase the risk of stroke. Because of this risk, you should contact your doctor or healthcare provider to discuss your individual risks and benefits before taking an estrogen long-term. You should also talk to your doctor or healthcare provider on a regular basis (for example, every 3-6 months) about whether you should continue this treatment.

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Have yearly physical exams and examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using estradiol topical patches.

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The Women's Health Initiative Memory Study (WHIMS) found that postmenopausal women 65 years of age or older who were treated with oral conjugated estrogens plus medroxyprogesterone acetate had an increased risk of developing dementia. It is unknown whether this finding applies to younger postmenopausal women or to women using estrogen only therapy.

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Do not use this medication if you are pregnant.

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Do not place the transdermal patch on your breasts or at your waistline where tight-fitting clothing may interfere with its functioning.

What are estradiol topical patches?

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Estradiol (a form of estrogen) is a female sex hormone necessary for many processes in the body.

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Estradiol topical patches are prescribed to treat the symptoms of menopause; deficiencies in ovary function, including some types of infertility and abnormal vaginal bleeding disorders; and vaginal or urethral dryness, itchiness, and burning caused by hormonal deficiencies. Some estradiol topical patches are also used to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. Transdermal patches release the drug slowly, and estrogen is absorbed through your skin.

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Estradiol topical patches may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using estradiol topical patches?

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Do not use estradiol topical patches without first talking to your doctor if you have

a circulation, bleeding, or blood-clotting disorder;

undiagnosed, abnormal vaginal bleeding; or

any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancer.

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Using estradiol topical patches may be dangerous in some cases if you have any of the conditions listed above.

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Before using an estradiol topical patch, tell your doctor if you have

high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease;

high levels of cholesterol or triglycerides in your blood;

liver disease;

kidney disease;

asthma;

epilepsy;

migraines;

depression;

diabetes;

gallbladder disease;

uterine fibroids; or

had a hysterectomy (uterus removed).

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You may not be able to use estradiol topical patches, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

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Estradiol is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that estradiol is known to cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use estradiol topical patches if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

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Estradiol may decrease milk flow and have other effects on milk composition. Do not use estradiol topical patches without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use estradiol topical patches?

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Use estradiol topical patches exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these directions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

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Remove the protective backing from the patch as directed. Avoid handing the sticky side of the patch. Apply the patch immediately after removing it from the pouch.

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Apply each patch to a clean, dry area on your abdomen, buttocks, inner thigh, upper arm, or hips as directed for the particular product you are using. Do not use the patch on your breasts or at your waistline, where clothing may interfere with its use. Follow the specific directions for application included with your patch.

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Press the patch firmly into place with the palm of your hand for about 10 seconds, making sure there is good contact, especially around the edges.

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You will either use one patch for 7 days or one patch for half of the week and another patch for the other half of the week, depending on which brand of patch you are using. Follow your doctor's instructions or ask your pharmacist for help if you do not remember. If you are using two patches per week, remember always to change the patches on the same days of the week. Allow at least 1 week to pass between applications of the patch to a given area.

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Do not cut the patches.

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When removing the patch, peel off the used patch slowly. Fold the used patch in half (sticky sides together) and throw it away out of the reach of children and pets.

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Bathing, showering, or swimming should not affect the patch, although a long, hot bath may cause it to fall off. If a patch falls off for any reason, reapply it to the same site. If it will not stick, apply a new patch to a new site. Continue changing the patch on your regular schedule.

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It is important to use estradiol topical patches regularly to get the most benefit.

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Have yearly physical exams and examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using estradiol topical patches.

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Store the estradiol topical patches in their pouches at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

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Apply the next patch soon as you remember. Continue to follow your regular schedule for changing the patch. Do not use two patches simultaneously unless your doctor directs otherwise.

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If a patch falls off for any reason, reapply it to the same site. If it will not stick, apply a new patch to a new site. Continue changing the patch on your regular schedule.

What happens if I overdose?

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An overdose of estradiol is unlikely to occur and is not likely to threaten life. If you do suspect an overdose, or if the patch has been ingested, call an emergency room or poison control left for advice.

What should I avoid while using estradiol topical patches?

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There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or activity while using estradiol topical patches unless your doctor directs otherwise.

What are the possible side effects of estradiol topical patches?

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If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop using estradiol topical patches and seek emergency medical attention or contact your doctor immediately:

an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);

shortness or breath or pain in the chest;

a painful, red, swollen leg;

abnormal vaginal bleeding;

pain, swelling, or tenderness in the abdomen;

severe headache or vomiting, dizziness, faintness or changes in vision or speech;

yellowing of the skin or eyes; or

a lump in a breast.

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Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue to use estradiol topical patches and talk to your doctor if you experience

decreased appetite, nausea, or vomiting;

swollen breasts;

acne or skin color changes;

decreased sex drive;

migraine headaches or dizziness;

vaginal pain, dryness, or discomfort;

water retention (swollen hands, feet, or ankles);

irritation at the application site;

depression; or

changes in your menstrual cycle or break-through bleeding.

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Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.

What other drugs will affect estradiol topical patches?

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Before using estradiol topical patches, tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following medicines:

an anticoagulant (blood thinner) such as warfarin (Coumadin);

a thyroid medication such as Synthroid, Levoxyl, Levothroid, and others;

insulin or an oral diabetes medicine such as glipizide (Glucotrol) and glyburide (Diabeta, Micronase);

tamoxifen (Nolvadex);

didanosine (Videx);

phenytoin (Dilantin) or ethotoin (Peganone);

carbamazepine (Tegretol);

phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal);

primidone (Mysoline); or

rifampin (Rifadin).

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A dosage adjustment or special monitoring may be required during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

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Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with estradiol topical patches. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

Where can I get more information?

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Your pharmacist has additional information about estradiol topical patches written for health professionals that you may read.

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

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Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Cerner Multum, Inc. ('Multum') is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Multum information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Multum does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Multum's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Multum's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/ or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners. The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Multum does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Multum provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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