Indications  

Climara Pro Patch is a transdermal medication prescribed to postmenopausal women with a uterus to alleviate moderate to severe hot flashes and lower the risk of menopause-induced osteoporosis. 

Climara Pro Patch comprises two female hormones – estradiol and levonorgestrel. Estradiol restores estrogen levels in the body to alleviate menopausal symptoms and improve bone density. Levonorgestrel, on the other hand, mitigates the risk of uterine cancer that may arise from estrogen use. 

Uses and Dosage 

Before using Climara Pro Patch and with each prescription refill, thoroughly review its medication guide and patient information leaflet. Consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for any inquiries or uncertainties. 

Women who are not on continuous estrogen-alone or estrogen-plus progestogen therapy can start using Climara Pro Patch anytime. But those currently on such therapy should finish their cycle before using Climara Pro Patch. They may experience withdrawal bleeding, and the first day of this bleeding is an ideal time to begin using Climara Pro Patch. 

Typically, one Climara Pro Patch is attached to the skin and worn for a duration of one week before being replaced. 

To properly use this patch, follow these steps: 

1. Remove the patch from the pouch. 
   1. Remove the patch from the pouch without using scissors. 
   2. Keep the patch in the protective pouch until ready for application. 
2. Remove the adhesive liner. 
   1. Peel off the protective clear plastic film from the thicker plastic backing. 
   2. Retain the silver foil sticker on the pouch. 
3. Apply the patch to your skin. 
   1. Position the adhesive side of the patch on a clean and dry section of the lower abdomen or the upper buttocks region. 
   2. Refrain from placing the patch on the waistline to prevent displacement from clothing or belts. 
   3. Do not apply the patch to breasts, damaged, burned, irritated skin, or skin with pre-existing conditions such as birthmarks, tattoos, or excessive hair. 
   4. Avoid areas that have been treated with powder, oil, or lotion. 
4. Secure the patch onto your skin. 
   1. Press the patch firmly for 10 seconds and rub the edges for secure adhesion.  
   2. If the patch falls off due to water exposure, reapply it if possible. Otherwise, use a new patch in a different area for the remaining 7-day period. 
   3. Discontinuing or missing patch application may lead to spotting, bleeding, and the recurrence of symptoms. 
5. Replace and dispose of used patches. 
   1. Dispose of used patches by folding the sticky side together, placing them in a childproof container, and disposing of them in the trash.  
   2. Apply the new patch to a different area, allowing at least one week before reusing the same location. 

Use Climara Pro Patch regularly for optimal results and adhere to a weekly patch replacement schedule. Consider setting a reminder on your calendar to aid in remembering. 

Inform your physician of any lack of progress or deterioration in your condition. 

Side Effects 

Listed below are the potential adverse effects that may arise from using Climara Pro Patch. If any of them persist or worsen, inform your doctor promptly. 

Common Side Effects 

• Nausea 
• Vomiting 
• Bloating 
• Stomach cramps 
• Headache 
• Breast pain 
• Hair loss 
• Vaginal itching or discharge 
• Breakthrough bleeding 

Serious Side Effects 

• Heart attack symptoms:  
  • Chest pain or pressure 
  • Pain spreading to jaw/shoulder 
  • Nausea 
  • Sweating 
• Signs of a Stroke:  
  • Sudden numbness/weakness (especially on one side) 
  • Severe headache 
  • Slurred speech 
  • Vision/balance problems 
• Signs of a blood clot in the lung:  
  • Chest pain
    Sudden cough 
  • Wheezing 
  • Rapid breathing 
  • Coughing up blood 
• Signs of a blood clot in the leg: 
  • Pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one/both legs 
• Vomiting 
• Jaundice 
• Unusual vaginal bleeding 
• Breast lump 
• Fluid retention (swelling/rapid weight gain) 
• Indications of high calcium levels: 
  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting 
  • Stomach pain 
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Constipation 
  • Increased thirst or urination 
  • Muscle weakness 
  • Joint pain 
  • Confusion 

Call your doctor right away if you experience any of the above-listed severe side effects. 

Allergic Reactions 

Severe allergic reactions to Climara Pro Patch are uncommon but seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms such as: 

• Rash 
• Itching 
• Swelling, especially of the face, tongue, or throat 
• Severe dizziness 
• Difficulty breathing 

This list does not contain all the potential side effects of Climara Pro Patch. If you encounter any unlisted effects, inform your doctor promptly. 

Cautions 

Before using Climara Pro Patch, inform your doctor and pharmacist if you have any known hypersensitivities, especially to:  

• Estradiol 
• Levonorgestrel 
• Any other medications 
• Any adhesives 
• Any of the ingredients present in Climara Pro Patches 

To ensure Climara Pro Patch is safe for you, disclose to your physician your medical background, specifically regarding the following: 

• Vaginal bleeding of unknown cause 
• Certain cancers (breast cancer, uterine/ovarian cancer) 
• Blood clots 
• Stroke 
• Heart disease (heart attack) 
• Liver disease 
• Kidney disease 
• Family medical history (breast lumps, cancer, blood clots) 
• Family or personal history of angioedema (swelling disorder) 
• Blood clotting disorders (protein C or protein S deficiency) 
• High blood pressure 
• Diabetes 
• High blood cholesterol/triglyceride levels 
• Obesity 
• Lupus 
• Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) 
• Mineral imbalance (low or high calcium levels in the blood) 
• Hypoparathyroidism (hormone problem) 
• Uterus problems (fibroids, endometriosis) 
• Gallbladder disease 
• Asthma 
• Seizures 
• Migraine headaches 
• Porphyria (blood disorder) 
• Mental/mood disorders (dementia, depression) 

Ensure that your doctor and pharmacist are aware of all medications you are currently taking, including prescription and non-prescription drugs, supplements, and herbal products, to avoid potential drug interactions. 

Some products that may interact with Climara Pro Patch include:  

• Aromatase inhibitors (e.g., anastrozole, exemestane, letrozole) 
• Fulvestrant 
• Ospemifene 
• Raloxifene 
• Tamoxifen 
• Toremifene 
• Tranexamic acid 

Grapefruit and grapefruit juice can potentially interact with estradiol, resulting in undesired side effects. Consult your doctor regarding the use of grapefruit products. 

Notify your doctors and laboratory staff of your usage of Climara Pro Patch as it may affect certain lab tests, such as the metyrapone test, potentially leading to inaccurate results.  

Before considering the long-term use of Climara Pro Patches, discuss with your doctor the potential increased risks of breast cancer, heart attack, stroke, or blood clot. 

In the event of major surgery or long-term bed rest, temporary discontinuation of Climara Pro Patch may be necessary. Inform any healthcare provider or surgeon involved in your care about your use of Climara Pro Patch. 

Climara Pro Patch may result in melasma, causing blotchy and dark areas on the face and skin. Sunlight can exacerbate this condition; minimize sun exposure, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, use sunscreen, and wear protective clothing when outdoors. 

If you are nearsighted or wear contacts, using the Climara Pro Patch may cause vision issues or contact lens difficulties. Seek assistance from your eye doctor if such problems occur. 

Climara Pro Patch is not recommended for use in pregnant women. Use of reliable contraception is advised while taking this medication, and if pregnancy occurs during treatment, promptly inform your doctor. 

Estradiol and levonorgestrel can be excreted in breast milk and may slow milk production. Refrain from using this medication while breastfeeding.