Climara
Generic Name:
Estradiol Transdermal System, Estrogen Replacement Therapy (ERT)
Brand Names:
Alora, Climara, Estraderm, Menostar, Vivelle, Vivelle-Dot
Climara Description:
Climara is a brand of estrogen replacement therapy marketed by Bayer Healthcare Inc., designed for the continuous release of estradiol.
Climara Uses:
Estrogen is necessary for the maintenance of the female reproductive system. The female ovary produces approximately 70 to 500mg of estradiol per day, depending on the menstrual cycle phase. After menopause, most of the endogenous estrogen that is produced is created by the conversion of androstenedione, which is secreted by the adrenal cortex. When this does not occur, a number of health conditions in women can result, prompting a doctor to prescribe Climara to keep the female body in balance.
When the female body does not produce enough estrogen, then hormone-replacement therapy, such as Climara, may be necessary. Climara can also provide the estrogen necessary to sustain secondary sexual characteristics. Climara patches also treat a variety of symptoms associated with menopause and treat infertility, ovarian disorders and abnormal vaginal bleeding. The medication may also be used to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Climara Interactions:
Inducers or inhibitors of CYP3A4 may affect the metabolism of estrogen drugs. Inducers include:
- St. Jon’s Wort
- Phenobarbital
- Rifampin
- Carbamazpine
- Inhibitors include:
- Erythromycin
- Clarithromycin
- Ketoconazole
- Itraconazole
- Ritonavir
Climara Dosage Information:
Typical Dosage Recommendations
Climara is applied directly to the skin in the form of a patch. The actual dose administered will be determined by a doctor and the dose will be dependent upon the severity of the hormone deficiency. A doctor will also determine the best place to wear the Climara patch. For some, the abdominal area will be best while for others the buttocks will be the ideal location. Some women may be required to wear Climara for one week, while others wear it for two.
Doctors will start patients out at the lowest possible dose. Attempts should be made at three and six month intervals to discontinue or taper off of the medication.
For women currently taking oral estrogen, a one-week withdrawal period is required before starting Climara.
When applying the patch, the adhesive side should be placed on the lower abdomen or in the upper quadrant of the buttocks. The application sites should be rotated and Climara should never be applied near the breasts.
When removing Climara, remove the patch carefully in order to avoid irritating the skin. If any adhesive remains after removal, the area should be allowed to dry for 15 minutes and a lotion or oil-based cream may be used. The used patch should be folded in half because it still contains active hormones.
Missing a Dose
If you forget to put the patch in place, apply it as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next application, simply resume your normal schedule. Do not apply extra patches to make up for the missed dose.
Overdosing
Nausea, vomiting or vaginal bleeding may occur in women who overdose on estrogen-containing medications. Seek immediate medical attention if an overdose is expected.
Climara FDA Approval:
December 22, 1994
Climara Recall/Black Box Warning Information:
Endometrial Cancer
Climara carries a black box warning of risk of endometrial cancer (cancer of the lining of the uterus) from prolonged usage of Climara.
Other Black Box Warnings
A black box warning for the potential of increased risk of heart attack (myocardial infarction), stroke (cerebrovascular accident), invasive breast cancer, blood clot to the main artery of the lung (pulmonary embolism) and deep vein blood clot in post-menopausal women also exists for Climara usage.
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