Climara

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Climara Nor does the Climara patch increase

Prescription Drug Information, Side Effects & Interactions for Climara

Uses
Estrogens are hormones used for replacement in women who are no longer producing proper amounts. This medication is used to treat symptoms associated with menopause, to prevent bone weakening (osteoporosis) and for certain conditions in which hormone levels are low.

Notes

If the area around the patch becomes red, itchy or irritated, try a new site.
If the irritation continues or becomes worse, notify your doctor.

Storage

Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.

Climara Climara 50 Transdermal Patch

How To Use

HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION: Use this medication as prescribed.
Follow the dosing schedule carefully.
Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions.
The patch should be applied to a clean, dry area on the lower abdomen or upper, outer buttock area.
It should not be placed on an area exposed to sunlight.
Do not place the patch on the breast and avoid the waistline since tight clothing may rub the patch off.
If necessary, clip hair from the site prior to applying the patch.
Remove the patch from the package, peel off the protective strip and immediately apply it to the site.
Press firmly for 10 to 20 seconds to make sure it stays in place.
Be sure the edges are held firmly to the skin.
Each patch may be worn continually as prescribed even while showering or bathing.
To prevent skin irritation, do not apply patches to the same site.
Rotate where they are placed on the skin.
Ask your pharmacist what to do if a patch starts to fall off.

Side Effects

This medication may cause dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, stomach upset, bloating, or nausea.
These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
If they continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
Notify your doctor if you experience severe depression, pain in the groin or calf, sudden severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, lumps in the breast, weakness or tingling in the arm or leg, or yellowing of the eyes or skin while taking this medication.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precautions

Before you use this medication, tell your doctor your entire medical history, including family medical history, especially breast lumps and cancer; high blood pressure; diabetes; asthma; epilepsy (seizures); migraine headaches; liver, heart or kidney disease; depression; toxemia (high blood pressure during pregnancy); jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) during pregnancy; excessive weight gain and fluid retention (bloating) during the menstrual cycle, and if you have uterine fibroid tumors.
Depending on strength, this drug may cause a patchy, darkening of the skin on the face (melasma).
Higher strengths are more likely to cause melasma.
Sunlight may intensify this darkening and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps.
Consult your doctor regarding use of sunscreens and protective clothing.
Before having surgery, tell the doctor that you use this drug.
Do not use this medication if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
If you become pregnant while using this drug, stop using it and contact your doctor.
This medication may cause fetal harm.
Cigarette smoking can increase the chance of blood clots while using this medication (especially in women past the age of 35).

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of seizure drugs, barbiturates, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), cimetidine, rifampin and thyroid.
This product can affect the results of certain lab tests.
Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.