CLIMARA Reviews (ESTRADIOL)

Average Rating: 3.6 (222 Ratings)

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 ESTROGENS PROGESTINS

 Type: Rx Drug

  

CLIMARA  (ESTRADIOL):  This medication is a female hormone (estrogen). It is used by women to help reduce symptoms of menopause (such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness). These symptoms are caused by the body making less estrogen. If you are using this medication to treat symptoms only in and around the vagina, products applied directly inside the vagina should be considered before medications that are taken by mouth, absorbed through the skin, or injected. This medication may also be used by women who are not able to produce enough estrogen (for example, due to hypogonadism, primary ovarian failure). Certain estrogen products may also be used by women after menopause to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis). However, there are other medications (such as raloxifene, bisphosphonates including alendronate) that are also effective in preventing bone loss and may be safer. These medications should be considered for use before estrogen treatment.   FDA Approval Date: 1994-12-22 (Sources: U.S. Centers for Medicare Services, FDA)

  

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Key to Ratings: 1=LOW (I would not recommend taking this medicine.)
5=HIGH (this medicine cured me or helped me a great deal.)

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RATING  REASONSIDE EFFECTS FOR CLIMARACOMMENTSSEXAGEDURATION/
DOSAGE
DATE ADDED
 
 5  Total Hysterectomy On the .1 mg I had miserable Migraines daily, cutting the dosage in half has relieved me of those! Honestly, I have no other drug to compare this too. I was on Lupron to "help" prevent my hysterectomy. I gave up and had the surgery fearing menopause at my young age. The fist dosage of 0.1 mg was too much for a migraine sufferer like me. I was in daily headache hell. So the switch to .05 mg has been much better. Yeah, the little black circle sucks, but I keep the thing on my butt, so I don't really look at it. LOL I am suffering from the onset of mutliple kidney stones and trying to deterimine if it was the Lupron therapy that did that or just menopause in general. M 42 3 months
.05 mg 1X W
6/17/2010
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 5  ovaries removed 1993 none I had a hysterectomy in 1973 then ovaries 1993 been on since then F 64 17 years
.25 1X day
5/20/2010
 5  Perimenopause "issues" None--I was very pleasantly surprised, as I usually experience some side effects w/medications. This patch (not the generic) has been a lifesaver for me...I was experiencing hot flashes (10-12 average per day), sleep disruption, lack of sex drive, unexplained dark days, moodiness and a general inability to focus--feeling like I was in a fog, as others have described it. Almost immediately, all of the above has disappeared or been greatly reduced (hot flashes are now almost non-existent). The one thing about these patches that no one talks about is the dark muck (skin oils) that accumulate around the edge, which I dislike and is pretty disgusting. I work out a lot and sweat a lot but shower very often so I don't see a way around this. As far as the patch coming off, which others have complained about, I have only had that happen once 2 days before I was due to replace it. I believe that was a result of my tearing off sweaty gym clothes in a hurry.... Being in good health and not at high-risk for stroke or other major side effects, my husband and I are really happy that this is an option for me. Pleased to say also that my sex drive is coming back and my husband isn't afraid that I'll bite his head off as he was for awhile there.... F 52 1 months
0.025 1X W
5/15/2010
 4  Supracervical Hyst W/ 1 Ovary rem. Various I was on climara back in 2001 (27yoa)after my hyst. I still kept one ovary but was experiencing low estrogen symts. My Dr gave it to me for temp use until my body adjusted after surgery and it was wonderful. Now 9 years later I am in perimenopause. Anxiety, Nausea, fatigue, night sweats, hot flashes. I was put back on it once I convinced my military drs what was going on i was sure was related to hormones! I am only 34 but had the hysto early. Now that i have been back on it, i do feel better. Not 100% but getting there. I know it takes several months to level out. I tried to add progesterone cream on my own and it wasnt a good mix for me.Especially since I no longer have a period, dosing days is tricky. I have no problems keeping the patch on. I often shower 2x a day because of my work out routine. Never comes off, but on occasion I have had to change it early because the effects seem to wear after 5-6 days. When that happens I get moody, anxious and hot flashes that feel like my skin is burning. I am hoping to be on it only temp again, but we will see. I know the risks, but quality of life means a lot to me. I have a family and they need me too. F 34 5 weeks
.025 1X W
3/25/2010
 3  Menopause Get my period every 2 weeks (I hadn't had it in over a year) = bloating = cramps within the first few days when my period is about to start. No more hot flashes. Was completely exhausted all the time and it has helped with that. Major decrease in vaginal dryness but having my period every 2 weeks kind of kills sex so that doesn't matter now anyway. On the Climara Pro Patch. Going to see my doc next week. May change. Can't handle the period every 2 weeks. ****SPECIAL NOTE FOR THOSE WHOSE PATCH WILL NOT STAY ON****** I've always been a big bath taker in lieu of showers. You can imagine what that does to the patch. After my first bath it was history. I purchased clear waterproof bandages (3"x 5") and put that over the patch. Poof! Stays on and it's waterproof. Lasts the entire time - through 7 baths per week. F 47 6 months
wkly patch 1X W
3/20/2010
 1  menapause/hystorectomy Contacted my OBGYN: Stomach/intestinal cramps 1st 7 days, 8th day Sevier, Sevier Stomach cramps/ Bloating in morning diarreah, discontinued per. Dr. in afternoon. As the day went on hard to walk, lower back ache, lower cramps from front lower cramps to my back area, @ times pain so bad brings tears to my eyes. So Sevier, if it's not better by tomorrow I am going to see my Dr. F 51 8 days
weeky patc 1X W
3/4/2010
 1  no hormones weight gain, depression - already on cymbalta - got worse F 58 3 months
30mg 1X day
3/1/2010
 1  Mood, sleep I was on Estradiol (patch) for several years without any pesky side effects and then my prescription insurance plan changed me to Climara patch .025 (reason unknown)six months ago and I have been suffering...stomach pain, back pain, nausea (spells can be BIG time...like appendicitis), hot flashes, sweats, external vaginal itching, vaginal discharge (never had that), leg cramps, shooting pains down my groin, weight gain, tightness in chest and memory loss like you would never believe!! Can't remember what I did a minute ago!...tested out and found that I have a thickening of the lining of my uterus. Saw this warning on the Climara website (or was it Wikipedia?)...I may have cancer of the endometrium and if already Stage 4 cancer, or a fast-growing cancer such as anerobic...I could die. I do not need this!! Some of you are complaining about it not sticking? It is a blessing if it doesn't. I am weaning myself offfffff! F 61 6 months
.025 mg 1X W
2/23/2010
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 5  total hystorectomy I probably have experienced weight gain, itching around patch, patch falling off. I have been very happy with this product. I had a total hysterectomy 6 years ago due to horrible pms symptoms. My doctor had me take Lupron injections for six months to see if this would help alleviate my symptoms. Sure enough...I felt much better when I was not having periods. After my surgery he put me on the patch. And I tease people saying I am worst than a Heroine addict. I must have my patch! If I don't get it I start to become very moody, irrational and irritable. I have put on about 20 pounds since that time and I never thought about it until I read all of the other comments that it may be due to the patch. I thought it was because of the surgery. I still can keep my weight down with a lot of focus, self discipline and following weight watchers. The weird thing is that about three nights ago I stopped sleeping so well and started having night sweats. I made an appointment with my doctor for this Friday. Maybe she will change the dosage. F 43 6 years
1 mg dail 1X day
2/22/2010
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 4  urinary tract infections Decreased libido. Initially on 0.050 mg/day but recurring infections continued, however no other menopausal symptoms. Dosage of 0.075 mg/day eliminated the infections. Recently a doctor suggested I try to come off the patch as it is intended for short term use. I must admit I noticed an increase in my libido within a few days, but also noticed my skin appeared less firm. After 2 months there has not been a reoccurence of infection but due to frequent hot flashes, night sweats and the associated loss of sleep I have just gone back on. Since I want to use the lowest possible dosage I am cutting the 0.075 patches in half to see if 0.0375 mg/day will be sufficient to get rid of the hot flashes,let me get some sleep and maintain my libido. If it works I will try using 0.025. Here's hoping! F 52 5 years
75 mg 1X W
2/7/2010
 5  total hysterectomy Horrible hot flashes (day and night) and mood swings. I have used Climara for about 19 years. After my hysterectomy, at age 43, the hormone replacement offered by my GYN basically drove me out of my mind. This patch was prescribed by a specialist GYN-endocrinologist. Almost immediately I experienced relief from horrible hot flashes and mood swings. Besides being bio-identical-I believe the only way to go-the patch makes the medications use very easy. I have recommended this product to many women over the years and will continue to do so. It's great! F 61 19 years
1/20/2010
 3  Hot flashes I have noticed with gain, and I seem to be hungry and want to eat something all the time, swelling in my ankles, and mood swings. I get upset and mad at the drop of a hat. I think that I am going to go off this medication. I do not like the side affects. The sweats and hot flashes have gone away, but maybe they would be better than the weight gain. Do like this at all. I struggle enough myself without help from a medication. 47 4 months
1/8/2010
 2  transgender MALE TO FEMALE Severe rash. Possibly SEVERE headache. This patch has a long way to go to be equal to Vivelle-Dot. Its big enough to patch 18 wheeler inner tubes and needs to be reduced in size by at least HALF. The adhesive isn't equal to the beast and good luck enduring the non-stop itching/stinging. Once a week? Who can take it that long? F 56 12 days
12/26/2009
 3  severe hot flashes, sleepless night irritability. Lower stress tolerance, I get angry faster about things that didn't use to bother me. If I go off the patch for a week I go back to my easygoing self. I was getting about 30 hot flashes per day/night. I had extreme vaginal dryness and reduced sex drive as a result. After 3 weeks on Climara Pro and testosterone topical cream, I was feeling so much better. Hot flashes virtually gone, vaginal dryness gone and sex drive a bit better *but not normal* F 52 60 days
11/24/2009
 2  extreme hot flashes, lack of sleep immediate weight gain and rash at sight of patch have been using for 5 weeks even though i could always handle the hot flashes in the past the lack of sleep was unbearable. I am a regular user of weight watchers and exercise at least 5xs per week so the weight gain of 5 lbs can only be explained by the patch because it wont go away and keeps going up. Am discontinuing today and hopefully the symptoms arent so bad now. Have had no period for 6mos. Did anyone drop the weight after discontinuing? F 53 5 weeks
11/17/2009
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 5  hot flashes, night sweats, none I have been on the patch for 1 month. Night sweats, hot flashes are gone. I also seem to be sleeping better - actually have been able to go back to sleep if awakened. This was not the case before the patch. Although, I was not affected by mood swings, I do seem to notice I feel calmer. Could be the sleep I am finally getting. I have not noticed hair loss and will continue to monitor. As far as the patch staying in place: I followed a gal's suggestion on this feedback page where she applied the patch at night, used a hairdryer to make sure skin was dry, hair dryed the area after applying rubbing alcohol. She also covered the patch with a transdermal bandage which I believe helps tremdendously. I work out 6 to 7 times a week, take lots of showers and the patch has held. I am taking the lowest dosage of .045 and am very happy with the results. F 52 1 months
11/13/2009
 3  complete hysterectomy Especially hair change. I had beautiful bouncy hair. Now dry and listless. Also, I feel grey hair has come in heavier than prior to this medication. Lack of sex drive. I was 37 when I had my surgery. PRior to taking climara, I was on estradial. Quite a while. Went several years with nothing after that but the sweats and hot flashes were SO severe I finally had to go back to the Dr., even with the risks, and go back on something. CLimara was it. The sweats and flashes after a week or so do disappear. However I agree that the patches MOST OFTEN DO NOT stay on for a week. I properly put them on and am careful in the shower or other water activities. Then you cannot refill before its due or the insurance will not pay even if the patch is defective. They do make a patch that you can put on twice a week, but get this, the insurance Companies will not pay usual amount. We have VERY good insurance. I even checked into other insurances policies re this problem, and all were the same. The isurance woulnd't have you go without heart medication, blood pressure meds. If the 2 X week patch has been prescribed why do they makea you pay higher price. If there were a pill out there you only had to take once a day or 3X a day, there is NO difference in price re co pay amounts.Most women will go without for that period until you can refill again if the price is 3X usual. That does not help the moods. Positive note though, I had to see another Dr. re some other health issue and did find out something interesting. I was at the Portland University Hospital and a specialist told me that the medicated patch bypasses the liver as the oral medications DO NOT. If you have to take something re hormo F 50 3 years
11/7/2009
 3  Hot Flashes, Sweats Bleeding almost non-stop after the 2nd week. Also after going off the patch heavy bleeding for a week. The patch was effective for the hot flashes but the heavy bleeding that occured was a lot to take. It was almost non-stop and I also had bloating. I've been off the patch for 4 months. Initally upon stopping I bled heavily for a week. I am having the hot flashes and sweats again but am trying to manage them, live with them. I've tried a homeopathic remedy suggested by my doctor...lacheses. It seems to take the edge off. I discontinued taking these after a time (unemployed and could no longer afford)...probably stopped taking them too soon as it takes time for homeopathic meds to work. When I have insurance again I will try the Climara again at a lower dosage after reading the posts here. I was taking the .045/.015mg dosage, 7 day patch. Also a side note, there is no generic for this drug in the U.S. as I am aware. Are the post about a generic for Climara Pro from another country? Very curious. F 54 10 months
9/20/2009
 5  Total Hysterectomy Compared to the oral dosage of Estradiol,next to none! Slight hair loss, but nothing major. Slight weight fluctuations, but controlled with diet. For those of you in full blown menopause you know that this is a fair trade off for the relief you get! Best wishes! I LOVE this patch! After hysterectomy I was put on Estradiol 1 mg. Really high blood pressure! Then on 0.5 Estradiol. Still too much! Still high blood pressure. After taking matters in to my own hands, I was able to come off all replacement therapy and GRADUALLY start from scratch. Turns out I only need 0.0375 which equals out to 37.5 micrograms!My advice is to know your body. If the symptoms are too unbearable, chances are it's just too much for you. F 36 1 years
8/21/2009
 5  menapouse No side effect at all. I've been using 0.025 mg climara for the past four years, with no side effects.It works for me, because I do not suffer from hot flashes anymore, and it's much better then taking a pill every day. F 57 4 years
8/9/2009
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