Climara 100 Estradiol Patches - 7.6mcg (4 Patches)

Climara is an adhesive patch containing the female hormone estradiol (also called estrogen, oestrogen or oestrodiol). It is used to relieve symptoms of estrogen deficiency as a result of menopause or surgery. Climara can help relieve menopausal symptoms including hot flushes, night sweats, sleep disturbances, vaginal dryness, depression, nervousness, irritability, headache and dizziness that result from a lack of estrogen in the body.

Climara Dosage and Administration

Climara 100 comes in a pack of 4 patches. Each patch can be worn for a period of seven days before being replaced, so one pack will last for approximately one month.

Climara releases estrogen straight in a controlled, continuous stream into your bloodstream, just as your ovaries would usually do. Because it is released into the blood stream and is not passed through the stomach and liver, the dosage is much lower than that of a tablet or capsule form.

Climara patches should be applied to clean and dry skin, if possible on the buttocks or lower abdomen. The patches must never be applied to the breast and should not be placed where tight clothing can rub against it. Also avoid placing on area that are hairy or where there are skinfolds.

When replacing an existing patch, the new patch should be placed in a different area.

Each patch comes its own pouch and with a protective backing. Remove the patch from the pouch and peel off the backing before applying to the skin.

Climara Warnings and Precautions

Climara should only be used short-term. Long term use has been linked to health risks including an increased risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, stroke and deep vein thrombosis.

If you have had a hysterectomy (your womb or uterus removed), you should not use Climara unless prescribed alongside another hormone progestogen.

Climara must not be taken by pregnant or breast-feeding women.

Climara should not be used if you have:

• very high blood pressure (sever hypertension)
• severe liver disease such as jaundice
• persistent itching during a previous pregnancy
• liver tumours (past or present)
• suspected or existing tumours in the uterus, ovaries or breast
• known or suspected tumours influenced by sex hormones
• endometriosis (the presence of tissue of the lining of the womb in places in the body where it is not usually found)
• a history of or existing blood clot in the blood vessels (such as blood clots in the legs, stroke, heart attack)
• severe diabetes
• sickle-cell anaemia (inherited disorder which causes the red blood cells to change shape)
• disturbances of fat metabolism
• a history of herpes of pregnancy
• hearing loss (otosclerosis) that worsens during pregnancy
• undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding

Climara Drug Interactions

Climara can interact unfavourably with:

• antibiotics
• medication for epilepsy
• St John’s Wort
• medicines used to treat diabetes including insulin

Climara Side Effects

There may be some itching or reddening under and around the patch site after removal. This usually disappears after a few days.

Other side effects can include:

• breast tenderness
• breast pain
• abdominal pain
• nausea
• oedema
• headache
• skin rash and itching
• insomnia
• depression

When taken at higher dosages, severe changes in liver function can occur when taking Climara Estrogen Patches.