uses
What is Climara Pro used for?Climara Pro (estradiol/levonorgestrel) is commonly used to treat hot flashes due to hormonal changes in menopause. It may also be used to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause.Climara Pro may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.How does Climara Pro work (mechanism of action)?Climara Pro contains two kinds of hormones: estradiol (an estrogen) and levonorgestrel (a progestin). Estradiol works by replacing estrogen, a hormone your body makes less of during menopause. Levonorgestrel is a progestin hormone that helps balance the effect of estrogen, decreasing the chance of uterine cancer while taking an estrogen-containing medicine.How is Climara Pro supplied (dosage forms)?Brands and other namesClimara ProDosage forms and strengths0.045 mg/0.015 mg/day transdermal systemHow should I store Climara Pro?Climara Pro should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place.Do not remove Climara Pro patches from their pouches until ready to use. Apply the patch right away after removing it from the protective pouch.Â
how to use
patch that is applied to the skin
drug interactions
Does Climara Pro interact with foods or drinks?Eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using Climara Pro increases the levels of this medicine in your body as well as the risk for side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice. It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Climara Pro.Does Climara Pro interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Climara Pro.Itraconazole (Sporanox, Tolsura) or ketoconazole, which are medicines used for fungal infectionsRitonavir (Norvir), which is a medicine for HIV or AIDSSt. John’s wort, which is a supplement that may be used for depressionCarbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol, and others), which is a medicine commonly used to treat seizures or nerve painRifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosisClarithromycin or erythromycin (Ery-Tab and others), which are medicines used for bacterial infectionsMany other medicines may alter the blood levels of Climara Pro. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Climara Pro. Always check with your health care provider.Â
side effects
What are the most common side effects of Climara Pro?The most common side effects of Climara Pro are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.Skin irritation, redness, and other reactions where the patch is appliedVaginal bleedingBreast pain or tendernessBack painInfection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptomsDepressionHeadacheNausea or vomiting There may be other side effects of Climara Pro that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/drugs-health-products/medeffect-canada or by calling 866-234-2345.What are the serious side effects of Climara Pro?While less common, the most serious side effects of Climara Pro are described below, along with what to do if they happen.Severe Allergic Reactions. Climara Pro may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Climara Pro and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.Breathing problems or wheezingRacing heartFever or general ill feelingSwollen lymph nodesSwelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throatTrouble swallowing or throat tightnessItching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hivesNausea or vomitingDizziness, feeling lightheaded, or faintingStomach crampsJoint painBlood Clots. Climara Pro may cause the formation of a blood clot in your arteries or veins and could cause a stroke, heart attack, or venous thromboembolism (VTE), including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism), in the back of your eye (retinal vein occlusion), or in your legs or arms (deep venous thrombosis). Stop using Climara Pro and get emergency help if you have any of the following signs of a blood clot.Chest pain or pressureFast or abnormal heartbeatTrouble breathingPain in your back, jaw, throat, or armSweating, upset stomach, vomiting, or dizzinessSudden weakness on one side of your bodySudden and severe headacheSlurred speech or trouble understanding speechPain, swelling, or tenderness in your arm or legVision lossBulging eyesDouble visionCancer. Climara Pro can cause a new cancer to develop, such as breast cancer, ovarian cancer, or endometrial cancer. Tell your health care provider about any new symptoms that you may get. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.New lump in your breast or armpitChanges in the size, shape, texture, or temperature of your breastNipple changesUnusual vaginal dischargeBelly or back painNeed to pee more often or urgentlyUnusual vaginal bleedingDementia. Climara Pro may affect your brain, especially if you are 65 or older. Tell your health care provider right away if you or your friends or family notice that you have any of the following.Memory problems, such as asking the same question over and overConfusion or disorientationTrouble with complex but familiar tasks, such as cooking a meal or paying your billsPersonality changes, such as depression, agitation, paranoia, and mood swingsGallbladder Problems. Using Climara Pro can cause gallbladder problems, including cholecystitis and cholelithiasis (also known as gallstones). Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)FeverPain in your upper stomach areaClay-colored stool (poop)Increased Blood Pressure (Hypertension). Climara Pro may increase your blood pressure or make it worse if you have a history of high blood pressure. Call your health care provider if your blood pressure increases while using this medicine.If you measure your blood pressure and the top number (systolic) is 180 or higher or the bottom number (diastolic) is 120 or higher, get medical attention right away. Increases in blood pressure may not be noticeable, but look out for and tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of severely high blood pressure.Sudden severe headacheChest painDizziness or confusionTrouble breathingNausea or vomitingBlurry or other changes to visionAnxietyBuzzing in the earsNosebleedFeeling of skipped heartbeatsFluid Retention (Edema). Climara Pro can cause fluid retention, also called edema. Fluid retention can cause serious issues in people with certain conditions, such as heart failure or kidney problems. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.Chest painIrregular heartbeatShortness of breathStretched or shiny skinSwollen body parts, such as the belly or anklesLiver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using Climara Pro. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.Nausea or vomitingStomach or belly painFeverWeakness or unusual tirednessItchingLoss of appetiteLight-colored poopDark-colored urine (pee)Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)Uterine Fibroids. Climara Pro may cause tumors (fibroids) in your uterus to get bigger. Some fibroids are small and cause no symptoms, while others may grow and cause problems. Talk to your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms.Heavy, long, painful periodsPain in the lower belly or backPainful sexPeeing often Discomfort in the rectum
overdose and misseddose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Climara Pro?If you or someone else has used too much Climara Pro, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.What should I do if I miss a dose of Climara Pro?Climara Pro is left on the skin for seven days in a row. If you forget to apply a new Climara Pro patch, remove the current patch and apply a new patch as soon as possible to a different area. Continue to follow the original dosing schedule. Do not use more than one patch at a time.Â
warnings and Precautions
Who should not use Climara Pro?Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Climara Pro.Climara ProEstradiolLevonorgestrelAny of the ingredients in the specific product dispensedYour pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Climara Pro.Unusual Vaginal Bleeding. Climara Pro should not be used if you have bleeding from the uterus or vagina that is not part of your menstrual cycle or is unusual. Cancer. Climara Pro should not be used if you have, suspect, or had breast cancer or a cancer that is sensitive to estrogen. These conditions could worsen if you use Climara Pro.Blood Clots. Climara Pro should not be used if you have or had blood clots, including a blood clot in the lungs (pulmonary embolism) or deep venous thrombosis (DVT). In addition, the medicine should not be used if you have a condition that makes your blood more prone to forming clots (thrombophilia). Climara Pro can increase the risk of developing a blood clot that could be dangerous, even life-threatening.Heart Attack or Stroke. Climara Pro should not be used if you have or had a stroke or heart attack. Climara Pro can increase the risk of having a heart attack or stroke that could be dangerous, even life-threatening.Liver Problems. Climara Pro should not be used if your liver is not working as well as it should be. If there is a concern about the health of your liver, your health care provider may do tests to determine if it is working well enough to use this medicine. What should I know about Climara Pro before using it?Do not use Climara Pro unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.Do not share Climara Pro with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.Keep Climara Pro out of the reach of children.Climara Pro is a patch that is applied to your skin. You will wear it for seven days, then remove it, and apply a new patch. Only wear one patch at a time. Consider using a calendar or an app to help you remember when to change your patch.Apply Climara Pro to a smooth (fold-free), clean, dry area on your lower abdomen or the upper quadrant of the buttock. The area must be free of powder, oil, or lotion. Avoid places that will not be covered by your clothing if you will be in the sun for long periods. Avoid the waistline as clothing and belts may cause the patch to be rubbed off. Do not apply Climara Pro to your breasts, birthmarks, tattoos, or areas that are injured, burned, irritated, or hairy. Apply Climara Pro to a different area of your abdomen or buttocks each time. Do not use the same place two times in a row.If your Climara Pro patch falls off, reapply the same patch to another area of your lower abdomen or buttocks. If the patch cannot be reapplied, use a new patch. It is okay to shower while using Climara Pro, but swimming, bathing, or using a sauna may cause the patch to fall off. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions. When removing Climara Pro, slowly peel the patch from the skin. Fold the patch in half so that it sticks to itself and place it in the trash out of the reach of pets and children. Used patches still contain active medicine. If you notice any sticky residue on your skin after removing Climara Pro, allow the area to dry for 15 minutes. Then, gently rub the area with an oil-based cream or lotion to remove the adhesive from your skin.Make sure to keep all follow-up appointments with your health care provider. They will use these appointments to check if your dose or medicine needs to be changed. Estrogen-containing medicines should be used at the lowest possible dose for only as long as they are needed.Climara Pro may cause some laboratory tests to give false readings, including thyroid function tests, certain hormone tests, and cholesterol blood tests. Talk to your health care provider if you have any concerns. You should perform monthly breast self-exams and have regular pelvic exams (female exam), breast exams (done by a health care provider), and mammograms (X-ray to look closely at breast tissue) before using Climara Pro and during treatment with it.What should I tell my health care provider before using Climara Pro?Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Climara Pro is right for you.In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.Breast cancerAsthmaSeizuresDiabetesMigraineEndometriosis Systemic lupus erythematosusHigh blood pressureHeart, thyroid, parathyroid, kidney, or liver problemsHigh calcium levels in your bloodHigh cholesterol Hereditary angioedemaPorphyria, a rare genetic problem when natural chemicals called porphyrins build up in the bodyLiver hemangioma, which is a noncancerous mass of enlarged blood vessels on the liverTobacco Use. Smoking and tobacco use can increase your risk of getting heart disease, which increases your risk of having a heart attack, a stroke, or blood clots. Tell your health care provider if you use any tobacco products before starting Climara Pro. Upcoming Surgery or Bed Rest. You may be at an increased risk for some side effects of Climara Pro if you do not move around normally for an extended period of time. Tell your health care provider if you have any upcoming surgeries or need to be on bed rest. Your health care provider can tell you if or when you need to stop using Climara Pro.High Triglyceride Levels. If you have high triglyceride levels, Climara Pro may increase your triglyceride levels even more. Very high triglyceride levels can lead to inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Tell your health care provider if you have high triglyceride levels.Hysterectomy. Climara Pro contains a progestin to decrease the chances of getting cancer of the uterus. Tell your health care provider if you have had a hysterectomy and do not have a uterus.Other Medicines and Supplements. Climara Pro may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Climara Pro, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.Pregnancy. People who can become pregnant are not usually prescribed Climara Pro. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while using Climara Pro, stop using the medicine right away and contact your health care provider.Breastfeeding. Climara Pro passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Climara Pro while breastfeeding.How can I get more information about Climara Pro?For more information about Climara Pro, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.climarapro.com or call them at 888-842-2937.
about
Climara Pro is a topical patch used to treat hot flashes due to hormonal changes in menopause. It may also be used to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause. Common side effects include nausea, breast tenderness, and skin irritation or redness where the patch is applied. Before using Climara Pro, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or vision changes.