Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
This medication is composed of two female hormones, estradiol (an estrogen) and levonorgestrel (a progestin). Its application is intended for women to alleviate a specific symptom associated with menopause, namely hot flashes. The inclusion of progestin in this medication serves the purpose of mitigating the potential risk of uterine cancer resulting from estrogen usage. Women who have undergone a hysterectomy do not require the progestin component and should refrain from utilizing this combination medication.
Uses and Dosage
Adhere to the following guidelines for the proper application and usage of this medication. Begin by carefully removing the backing from the patch and proceed to affix it to a clean and dry area on the lower abdomen. Apply firm pressure to ensure secure placement for approximately 10 seconds.
The patch should not be applied to the breast or on skin that is oily, broken, or irritated. Avoid areas of the skin that are susceptible to friction, such as the waistline. While wearing the patch, prolonged exposure to sunlight should be avoided. Follow the instructions provided by your doctor and adhere to the prescribed dosage schedule.
When replacing the patch, ensure that it is affixed to a different area of the body. Allow at least one week to pass before applying a new patch to the same location.
To dispose of the used patch, fold it in half with the sticky sides together and discard it in a trash receptacle away from the reach of children and pets. Do not flush the patch down the toilet.
In the event that the patch becomes detached, reapply it to a different area. If the patch fails to adhere properly, replace it with a new one and continue wearing it for the remainder of the 7-day period. Avoid wearing two patches simultaneously.
For optimal efficacy, utilize this medication regularly and as prescribed. To assist with adherence, schedule patch changes on the same day each week. Consider marking your calendar as a helpful reminder.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- back pain
- body aches or pain
- breast pain
- burning, itching, redness, skin rash, swelling, or soreness at the application site
- chills
- discouragement
- ear congestion
- feeling sad or empty
- fever
- heavy nonmenstrual vaginal bleeding
- irritability
- loss of interest or pleasure
- loss of voice
- runny or stuffy nose
- sneezing
- sore throat
- trouble concentrating
- trouble sleeping
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- difficulty with speaking
- difficulty with swallowing
- dimpling of the breast skin
- dizziness or lightheadedness
- double vision
- fainting
- fast heartbeat
- full or bloated feeling or pressure in the stomach
- headache
- heartburn
- hives, itching, or rash
- inability to move the arms, legs, or facial muscles
- inability to speak
- indigestion
- inverted nipple
- loss of appetite
- lump in the breast or under the arm
- nausea
- pain or discomfort in the arms, jaw, back, or neck
- pain or feeling of pressure in the pelvis
- pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
- persistent crusting or scaling of the nipple
- puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue
- redness or swelling of the breast
Caution
Prior to initiating the use of this medication, disclose any known allergies to estradiol or levonorgestrel, as well as any other allergies, to your healthcare provider or pharmacist. This product may contain inactive ingredients that can potentially elicit allergic reactions or other complications.
Before commencing treatment, inform your healthcare provider or pharmacist about your medical history, particularly if you have experienced vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, have had certain types of cancer, blood clotting disorders, a history of stroke, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, a family medical history of breast lumps, cancer, or blood clots, a personal or family history of a specific swelling disorder (angioedema), blood clotting disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated blood cholesterol/triglyceride levels, obesity, lupus, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), imbalances in minerals, a particular hormone problem (hypoparathyroidism), issues with the uterus, gallbladder disease, asthma, seizures, migraine headaches, a certain blood disorder (porphyria), or mental/mood disorders.
Refrain from smoking or using tobacco products while using this medication, as the combination of estrogens and smoking significantly elevates the risk of stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attack, particularly in women aged 35 and older.
Notify your doctor if you have recently undergone or are scheduled to undergo surgery or if you anticipate being immobile for an extended period, such as during a long-distance flight. These circumstances heighten the risk of developing blood clots, particularly when using an estrogen product. Depending on the situation, it may be necessary to discontinue this medication temporarily or implement specific precautions.
This medication can induce the development of blotchy, dark areas on the face and skin, known as melasma. Sunlight exposure can exacerbate this effect. Minimize your time in the sun, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and employ sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
If you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, you may encounter vision problems or difficulties wearing contact lenses. Consult an eye care specialist if such issues arise.
If you are scheduled to undergo an MRI test, inform the testing personnel about your use of this patch. Certain patches may contain metals that can cause severe burns during an MRI. Seek guidance from your doctor regarding whether you should remove the patch before the test and how to properly apply a new patch afterward.
This medication must not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, promptly inform your doctor.
This medication passes into breast milk and can potentially reduce the quantity and quality of breast milk produced. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Climara Pro Patch is available in the following forms and strengths:
-
Climara Pro Patch patch:
- 45/15mcg
FAQ
How long does it take for the Climara Patch to work?
Onset of efficacy is within 1 to 2 weeks after the start of therapy and that efficacy is fully sustained during the 7-day patch wear period with some diminution of effect during the treatment-free week of each cycle.
Can I swim or take a bath while wearing the Climara Patch?
You shouldn’t swim, take a bath, or use a sauna if you use the once-weekly version of the estradiol patch, as this could affect how your body absorbs the medication. These activities are safe to do if you use the twice-weekly patches.
Resources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7573298/#:~:text=The%20combined%20data%20also%20showed,free%20week%20of%20each%20cycle
- https://www.goodrx.com/climara/what-is#faqs
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/estradiol-and-levonorgestrel-transdermal-route/side-effects/drg-20112971?p=1
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-78101/climara-pro-transdermal/details
- https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/drugs/18105-estradiol-levonorgestrel-patches
- https://www.drugs.com/climara_pro.html
