What is Climara (Estradiol) prescribed for?

Menopause occurs when a woman’s body goes through changes and when she stops having menstrual periods and it marks the end of the women’s reproductive years. A woman is born with all of her eggs, which are stored in her ovaries. The ovaries also make the hormones estrogen and progesterone, which control her period (menstruation) and the release of eggs (ovulation). Menopause happens when the ovaries no longer release an egg every month and menstruation stops.

Climara is a medication developed for women, to help treat moderate to severe hot flashes and other symptoms of menopause such as; vaginal dryness, itching, and burning. All of which are caused by the low amounts of estrogen. This medication may also be used to treat certain conditions in women before they reach menopause, if their ovaries do not make enough estrogens naturally, and it will help prevent osteoporosis.

This medication comes four different doses, which are 100mcg, 25mcg, 50mcg, and 75mcg. Remember your dose is based on your medical background and your overall response to the treatment. If your doctor or pharmacist has given you some information in the form of a pamphlet, take the time to read up on this drug, and if you have any questions or concerns regarding this medication, please consult your doctor.

This medication is for use on the skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, mouth, breast, or vagina.  And do not use it on skin areas that have cuts, scrapes or hurns. If you get it in these areas, flush it out with water right away.

Your dosage is based on your medical condition and your response to the treatment. Do not take it more often then what is prescribed and do not take it for longer than what the doctor has ordered.

Follow the directions give to you by your doctor.

While taking this medication it is very important you make regular visits with your doctor.

Using this medicine may increase your risk for having blood clots, strokes, or heart attacks. This risk may continue even after you stop using the medicine. Your risk for these serious problems is even greater if you have high blood pressure, high cholesterol in your blood, diabetes, or if you are overweight or smoke cigarettes. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience confusion, difficulty speaking, double vision, headaches, an inability to move arms, legs or facial muscle, or an inability to speak.

Using this medicine over a long period of time may increase your risk of breast cancer, endometrial cancer, or uterine cancer. Talk with your doctor about this risk. If you still have your uterus (womb), ask your doctor if you should also use a progestin medicine. Check with your doctor if you have unusual vaginal bleeding.

Skin redness/irritation at the application site, abdominal pain, nausea/vomiting, bloating, breast tenderness, headache, or weight changes may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: mental/mood changes (such as depression, memory loss), breast lumps, unusual vaginal bleeding (such as spotting, breakthrough bleeding, prolonged/recurrent bleeding), increased or new vaginal irritation/itching/odor/discharge, severe stomach/abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, swelling hands/ankles/feet, increased thirst/urination.This medication may rarely cause serious problems from blood clots (such as heart attacks, strokes, deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism)

And obtain medical attention right away if you have any of the following; chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, sudden/severe headache, weakness on one side of the body, confusion, slurred speech, sudden vision changes (such as partial/complete blindness), pain/redness/swelling of legs, tingling/weakness/numbness in the arms/legs, trouble breathing, coughing up blood, sudden dizziness/fainting.

What happens if I suddenly stop taking this medication?

There may be a relapse in symptoms as well as side effects. You should speak your doctor before stop taking this medication.

What is the best dosage to take?

The diagnosis with your doctor will be able to determine the best dosage for your treatment. Work with your doctor closely for dosage and dosing schedules.

What happens if I miss a dose?

You should take the missed dose as soon you realize you have forgotten. If the forgotten dose is closer to your next scheduled dose, take the next schedule dose to avoid overlapping in dose.

What is the best way to store this medication?

This medication is stored at room temperature, and should be kept away from children and pets. Do not throw away this medication in the wastebasket. If you are uncertain how to dispose of this medication speak with your pharmacist for help in safely disposing of this medication.