Climara: Everything You Need to Know Climara is a brand name medication that contains estrogen. Estrogen is a hormone produced by the ovaries that regulates a woman's menstrual cycle. Climara is used to treat the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. It is available in the form of patches that are applied to the skin. Uses Climara is primarily used to treat the symptoms of menopause. It helps alleviate hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and other symptoms that occur during menopause. Climara helps regulate hormone levels in women who have gone through menopause, thus reducing the severity of menopausal symptoms. Additionally, Climara may also be prescribed to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Dosage Climara is available in patches that contain 0.025mg of estradiol per day. The patches should be applied once a week to clean, dry skin on the lower abdomen or buttocks. The typical starting dose is one 0.025mg patch per week. Depending on the patient's response, the dose may be adjusted by the healthcare provider. Demographic Climara is indicated for use in women who have gone through menopause. It is used primarily to treat the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes and vaginal dryness. Climara may also be prescribed to treat osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should not use Climara. Additionally, women who have had a history of breast cancer, liver disease, or blood clots should consult their healthcare provider before using Climara. Side Effects Like all medications, Climara may cause side effects. The most common side effects associated with Climara include headaches, breast tenderness, and nausea. Other common side effects include stomach cramps, bloating, and changes in menstrual periods. More serious side effects of Climara may include an increased risk of blood clots, heart attack, stroke, and breast cancer. Women who experience any of these side effects should contact their healthcare provider immediately. Interactions Climara may interact with other medications, including blood thinners, thyroid medication, and corticosteroids. Women who are taking these medications may require a different dose of Climara or may need to switch to a different medication altogether. Additionally, women who smoke should avoid using Climara, as smoking increases the risk of blood clots and other serious side effects. Generic Options Climara is a brand name medication, but there are several generic versions of the medication available. Generic versions of Climara contain the same active ingredient as the brand name medication and are typically less expensive. Some popular generic versions of Climara include Estradiol Transdermal System and Vivelle-Dot. In summary, Climara is a medication used to treat the symptoms of menopause and osteoporosis. It is available in patches that are applied to the skin once a week. Climara is indicated for use in women who have gone through menopause, but it is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Women who experience any side effects while using Climara should contact their healthcare provider immediately.