CLIMARA

Drug Name: CLIMARA

CLIMARA DESCRIPTION:
ESTRADIOL - TRANSDERMAL WEEKLY (ess-truh-DYE-all)

COMMON CLIMARA BRAND NAME(S):
Climara

CLIMARA SIDE EFFECTS:
CLIMARA may cause dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, stomach upset, bloating, or nausea. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication. If they continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience: severe depression, pain in the groin, severe pain in the calf, sudden severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, lumps in the breast; weakness or tingling in the arm or leg; yellowing of the eyes or skin. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

HOW TO USE CLIMARA:
CLIMARA: Use CLIMARA as prescribed. Follow the dosing schedule carefully. Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions. The patch should be applied to a clean, dry area on the lower abdomen or upper, outer buttock area. It should not be placed on an area exposed to sunlight. Do not place the patch on the breast and avoid the waistline since tight clothing may rub the patch off. If necessary, clip hair from the site prior to applying the patch. Remove the patch from the package, peel off the protective strip and immediately apply it to the site. Press firmly for 10 to 20 seconds to make sure it stays in place. Be sure the edges are held firmly to the skin. Each patch may be worn continually as prescribed even while showering or bathing. To prevent skin irritation, do not apply patches to the same site. Rotate where they are placed on the skin. Ask your pharmacist what to do if a patch starts to fall off.

CLIMARA WARNING:
CLIMARA has been reported to increase the chance of womb (endometrial) cancer in women who have been through menopause. This risk appears to depend on the length of time this drug is used and the amount of estrogen per dose. If you use CLIMARA for an extended period, you should be evaluated at least every 6 months. If you experience abnormal vaginal bleeding, notify your doctor promptly. CLIMARA is not effective in preventing or treating a tendency to lose a fetus (natural habitual abortion) nor the threat of losing a fetus. CLIMARA must not be used during pregnancy because its use may result in birth defects or cancer later in the child's life. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, consult your doctor immediately to discuss the risk to the fetus.

CLIMARA USES:
Estrogens are hormones used for replacement in women who are no longer producing proper amounts. CLIMARA is used to treat symptoms associated with menopause, to prevent bone weakening (osteoporosis) and for certain conditions in which hormone levels are low.

CLIMARA PRECAUTIONS:
Before you use CLIMARA, tell your doctor your entire medical history, including: family medical history (especially breast lumps and cancer); high blood pressure; diabetes; asthma; epilepsy (seizures); migraine headaches; liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease; depression; toxemia (high blood pressure during pregnancy); jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) during pregnancy; excessive weight gain and fluid retention (bloating) during the menstrual cycle; uterine fibroid tumors, any allergies. Depending on strength, CLIMARA may cause a patchy, darkening of the skin on the face (melasma). Higher strengths are more likely to cause melasma. Sunlight may intensify this darkening and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding use of sunscreens and protective clothing. Before having surgery, tell the doctor that you use CLIMARA. Do not use CLIMARA if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using CLIMARA, stop using it and contact your doctor. CLIMARA may cause fetal harm. Cigarette smoking can increase the chance of blood clots while using CLIMARA (especially in women past the age of 35).

CLIMARA DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially: seizure drugs, barbiturates, corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone), cimetidine, rifampin, thyroid. This product can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use CLIMARA. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

CLIMARA OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, remove the patch. Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.

CLIMARA NOTES:
If the area around the patch becomes red, itchy or irritated, try a new site. If the irritation continues or becomes worse, notify your doctor.

MISSED CLIMARA DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.

CLIMARA STORAGE:
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.