Climara ^*

Climara (estradiol) is a prescription medicine used to relieve symptoms associated with menopause. The medication is a form of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and belongs to the drug class known as estrogens. It is manufactured as a transdermal patch that is designed to be applied to the skin once every seven days. This design offers a continuous and consistent release of the active ingredient into the bloodstream over the course of the week.

Estradiol is a type of estrogen. It is chemically identical to the primary form of estrogen naturally produced by a woman’s ovaries before menopause. During menopause, the ovaries gradually stop making adequate levels of estrogen, and this natural reduction in hormones can lead to various uncomfortable symptoms. Estradiol works by simply replacing the estrogen that the body no longer produces in sufficient quantities.

By increasing the levels of this vital hormone, Climara helps to regulate and stabilize the body’s overall hormonal balance. This mechanism allows the patch to effectively treat various moderate to severe symptoms experienced by women in menopause, such as the sudden, intense feelings of body heat and sweating known as hot flashes. The transdermal delivery system is considered an effective method because it delivers the hormone directly through the skin and bypasses the digestive system and the initial metabolism by the liver. This leads to a steady and sustained level of the hormone in the circulation for the entire week the patch is worn.

Dosage

Climara is a transdermal system, meaning it is a patch applied to the skin. It is used once weekly, with the patient replacing the old patch with a new one on the same day each week to maintain the dosing schedule. Therapy is typically started with the lowest dose, which is 0.025 milligrams (mg) per day, delivered through the skin. The doctor may adjust this dosage based on how well the patient’s symptoms are controlled.

The patch should be applied to a smooth, clean, dry, and hairless area of the skin on the lower abdomen or the upper quadrant of the buttock. It is important that the patch is not applied to or near the breasts. The application site must be rotated, with at least a 1-week interval allowed between applications to the same spot.

The patch must be pressed firmly onto the skin for at least 10 seconds to ensure good contact, especially around the edges. If a patch falls off, the patient should try to reapply it. If it cannot be reapplied, a new patch should be put on a different area, but only worn for the remainder of the scheduled 7-day period. Patients should not change their patch removal schedule or wear more than one patch at a time.

Storage

The proper storage of Climara is essential to ensure the medication remains effective. The patches should be stored at room temperature, which is defined as between 68-77°F (20-25°C). They must not be stored in areas where the temperature could rise above 86°F (30°C). It is important to keep the patches away from excess heat, moisture, and direct light.

The patches must remain sealed in their protective foil pouches until the moment they are applied. They should not be removed from the pouch or stored unpouched beforehand, as this can affect the patch’s ability to stick and deliver the medicine.

Climara should be stored securely and kept out of the reach of children and pets. Used patches still contain active hormones, so disposal must be done carefully to prevent accidental exposure. To throw away a used patch, the sticky sides should be folded together so the patch sticks to itself. The folded patch should then be placed in a sturdy, child-proof container and discarded in the trash. Used patches should never be flushed down the toilet.