|
What are Climara patches
 Estradiol
(a form of estrogen) is a female sex hormone necessary for
many processes in the body.
Climara
is 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.
Estradiol
topical patches may also be used for purposes other than those
listed in this medication guide.
General medical information about Climara patches
Climara increases 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 Climara 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 Climara. Visit your doctor regularly and report
any unusual vaginal bleeding right away.
Have yearly
physical exams and examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly
basis while using Climara patches.
Do not use this
medication if you are pregnant.
Do
not place the transdermal patch on your breasts or at your
waistline where tight-fitting clothing may interfere with
its functioning.
Who should not use Climara patches Do not use Climara 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.
Using Climara patches
may be dangerous in some cases if you have any of the conditions
listed above.
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).
You may not be able to use Climara patches, or you may need
a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment
if you have any of the conditions listed above.
Estradiol
is in the FDA pregnancy category X. This means that estradiol
will cause birth defects in an unborn baby. Do not use Climara
patches if you are pregnant or are planning a pregnancy.
Estradiol may decrease milk flow and have other effects
on milk composition. Do not use Climara patches without
first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a
baby.
How should you use Climara patches Use Climara 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Do not
cut the patches.
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.
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.
Have yearly physical exams and examine
your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis while using Climara
patches.
Store the Climara patches in their pouches
at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
If you miss a dose: 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.
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 you overdose: 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 center for advice.
What should you avoid while using Climara patches There are no restrictions on food, beverages, or
activity while using Climara patches unless your doctor
directs otherwise.
Possible side effects of Climara patches If you experience any of the following serious side
effects, stop using Climara patches and seek emergency medical
attention:
- an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing;
closing of your throat; swelling of your lips, tongue, or
face; or hives);
- shortness or breath or pain in
your 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.
Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur.
Continue to use Climara 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.
Estradiol increases
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
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 while using Climara patches.
Visit your doctor regularly and report any unusual vaginal
bleeding right away.
It is unclear to What extent
estrogen treatments may affect the risk of breast cancer.
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 Climara patches Before using Climara 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);
- a tricyclic
antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), doxepin (Sinequan),
nortriptyline (Pamelor), imipramine (Tofranil), and others;
- didanosine (Videx);
- phenytoin (Dilantin)
or ethotoin (Peganone);
- carbamazepine (Tegretol);
- phenobarbital (Solfoton, Luminal);
- primidone
(Mysoline); or
- rifampin (Rifadin).
A dosage
adjustment or special monitoring may be required during
treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed
above.
Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with Climara
patches. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking
any prescription or over-the-counter medicines. |
