Drug Detail:Climara (Estradiol transdermal [ es-tra-dye-ole-tranz-derm-al ])
Generic Name: ESTRADIOL 0.025mg in 1d
Dosage Form: transdermal patch
Drug Class: Estrogens
Generally, when estrogen is prescribed for a postmenopausal woman with a uterus, consider addition of a progestogen to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. Generally, a woman without a uterus does not need to use a progestogen in addition to her estrogen therapy. In some cases, however, hysterectomized women who have a history of endometriosis may need a progestogen [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.14)].
Use estrogen-alone, or in combination with a progestogen at the lowest effective dose and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. Reevaluate postmenopausal women periodically as clinically appropriate to determine if treatment is still necessary.
Treatment of Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms due to Menopause
Start therapy with Climara 0.025 mg per day applied to the skin once weekly. Make dosage adjustments based on the clinical response. Attempt to taper or discontinue Climara at 3 to 6 month intervals.
Treatment of Moderate to Severe Symptoms of Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy due to Menopause
Start therapy with Climara 0.025 mg per day applied to the skin once weekly. Make dosage adjustments based on the clinical response. Attempt to taper or discontinue Climara at 3 to 6 month intervals.
Treatment of Hypoestrogenism due to Hypogonadism, Castration, or Primary Ovarian Failure
Start therapy with 0.025 mg per day applied to the skin once weekly. Make dose adjustment based on the clinical response.
Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Start therapy with Climara 0.025 mg per day applied to the skin once weekly.
Application of the Climara Transdermal System
Site Selection
- •
- Place the adhesive side of Climara on a clean, dry area of the lower abdomen or the upper quadrant of the buttock.
- •
- Do not apply Climara to or near the breasts.
- •
- Rotate the sites of application, with an interval of at least 1-week allowed between applications to the same site.
- •
- Select an area that is not oily, damaged, or irritated. Avoid the waistline, since tight clothing may rub the transdermal system off.
- •
- Avoid application to areas where sitting would dislodge Climara.
Application
- •
- Apply Climara immediately after opening the pouch and removing the protective liner.
- •
- Press Climara firmly in place with the fingers for at least 10 seconds, making sure there is good contact, especially around the edges.
- •
- If the system lifts, apply pressure to maintain adhesion.
- •
- In the event that a system falls off, reapply it to a different location. If the old system cannot be reapplied, apply a new system for the remainder of the 7-day dosing interval.
- •
- Wear only one system at any one time during the 7-day dosing interval.
- •
- Swimming, bathing, or using a sauna while using Climara has not been studied, and these activities may decrease the adhesion of the system and the delivery of estradiol.
Removal of the Climara Transdermal System
- •
- Remove Climara carefully and slowly to avoid irritation of the skin.
- •
- If any adhesive remains on the skin after removal of Climara, allow the area to dry for 15 minutes and then gently rub the area with an oil-based cream or lotion to remove the adhesive residue.
- •
- Used patches still contain some active hormones. Carefully fold each patch in half so that it sticks to itself before throwing it away.
