Climara is a transdermal estrogen (estradiol) patch used for postmenopausal symptoms (like hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness) and, in some cases, for osteoporosis prevention. There are different Climara products (including Climara Pro, which combines estrogen with a progestin). If you have a uterus, your clinician may prescribe a progestin to go with estrogen unless you’ve had a hysterectomy.
Key points
- How it works: The patch is applied to the skin and delivers estradiol slowly over several days, absorbed into the bloodstream.
- How it’s used:
- Worn on clean, dry, intact skin on a flat area (typically abdomen, buttock, or upper thigh). Avoid breasts, irritated skin, scars, or playing with the patch.
- Press the patch in place for about 10 seconds to ensure good contact.
- Rotate sites to skin that hasn’t recently had a patch.
- Usually changed once a week (every 7 days) on the same day of the week unless your clinician instructed otherwise.
- Do not cut patches.
- Dosing: Climara comes in several strengths (each patch delivers a specific amount of estrogen per day). Your doctor will choose the right strength for you based on symptoms and how you respond. If you have a uterus, you may need a progestin as well to protect the lining (this is especially true for estrogen-only patches).
- What to do if a patch falls off:
- If it’s still within your scheduled change window (less than 24 hours since it fell off), reattach or replace with a new patch and continue your schedule.
- If it’s been off for more than 24 hours, put on a new patch and contact your clinician for advice (you may need a backup plan for symptom control or a check-in).
- Contraindications and cautions:
- Do not use if you’re pregnant or likely to become pregnant.
- Do not use if you have a current or history of blood clots (DVT/PE), stroke, certain heart problems, liver disease, abnormal vaginal bleeding, or estrogen-dependent cancers.
- If you have a uterus, discuss whether a progestin is needed with your provider.
- Smoking increases risk of serious cardiovascular side effects with estrogen therapy.
- Common side effects:
- Breast tenderness, irregular vaginal bleeding/spotting, headaches, nausea, skin irritation at the patch site, mood changes, bloating.
- Most side effects are mild; if you have severe or persistent symptoms, contact your clinician.
- Serious risks to monitor (seek urgent care if signs appear):
- Severe chest pain, shortness of breath, leg swelling, severe headache, vision changes, or signs of a possible stroke or blood clot.
- Severe abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes (liver problems).
- Interactions and lifestyle notes:
- Some antibiotics (e.g., rifampin), anticonvulsants, St. John’s wort, and certain other medicines can reduce estrogen effectiveness.
- Do not smoke cigarettes while on estrogen-containing therapy.
- For contraception or allergy considerations, discuss with your clinician.
- Storage and handling:
- Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.
- Keep patches in their protective pouch until use.
Would you like:
- Specific dosing information for a particular Climara strength?
- Details on Climara Pro vs. Climara (which product you’re using)?
- More on how to apply or what to expect in the first weeks?
- Information on safety, interactions, or who should avoid it?