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Climara

Estradiol · Patch

Prescription NDA TE AB2 RLD Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
Climara
Generic name
Estradiol
Dosage form
Patch
Route
Transdermal
Marketing category
NDA · NDA
Labeler
Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc.
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
6
NDC product codes
6
Packages
6
Data completeness
82% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Estradiol .025 mg/d 197657 View
Estradiol .0375 mg/d 197657 View
Estradiol .05 mg/d 197657 View
Estradiol .06 mg/d 197657 View
Estradiol .075 mg/d 197657 View
Estradiol .1 mg/d 197657 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Patch
Route of administration
Transdermal
Presentations
12

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Estradiol Congeners [CS] CS All 30 members
Estrogen Receptor Agonists [MoA] MoA All 45 members
Estrogen [EPC] EPC All 45 members

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
020375
Application type
NDA · New Drug Application
Approval date
December 22, 1994
Sponsor
BAYER HLTHCARE
Products on application
7
Submissions recorded
36
Products approved under application 020375.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
020375-001 CLIMARA FILM, EXTENDED RELEASE ESTRADIOL Prescription AB2 RLD
020375-002 CLIMARA FILM, EXTENDED RELEASE ESTRADIOL Prescription AB2 RLD RS
020375-003 CLIMARA FILM, EXTENDED RELEASE ESTRADIOL Prescription AB2 RLD
020375-004 CLIMARA FILM, EXTENDED RELEASE ESTRADIOL Prescription AB2 RLD
020375-005 CLIMARA FILM, EXTENDED RELEASE ESTRADIOL Prescription AB2 RLD
020375-006 CLIMARA FILM, EXTENDED RELEASE ESTRADIOL Prescription AB2 RLD
020375-007 MENOSTAR FILM, EXTENDED RELEASE ESTRADIOL Prescription —

Therapeutic equivalence

Source: Orange Book
TE code
AB2
Reference Listed Drug
Yes
Reference Standard
Yes

What this rating means: Therapeutically equivalent — bioequivalence demonstrated by in vivo or in vitro testing

Codes beginning with “A” indicate products the FDA considers therapeutically equivalent. Codes beginning with “B” indicate bioequivalence has not been established. See methodology.

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 020375.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 50 Labeling Approved February 15, 2024 Standard
Supplement 49 Labeling Approved February 15, 2024 Standard
Supplement 37 Labeling Approved September 30, 2021 Standard
Supplement 36 Labeling Approved September 30, 2021 Standard
Supplement 46 Labeling Approved September 16, 2021 Standard
Supplement 45 Labeling Approved September 16, 2021 Standard
Supplement 35 Labeling Approved November 1, 2017 Standard
Supplement 34 Labeling Approved November 1, 2017 Standard
Supplement 31 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved August 6, 2015 Standard
Supplement 28 Labeling Approved October 10, 2013 Standard
Supplement 27 Labeling Approved October 9, 2013 Standard
Supplement 30 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved May 14, 2013 Standard
Supplement 26 Labeling Approved January 3, 2008 Standard
Supplement 24 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 28, 2007 Standard
Supplement 23 Labeling Approved December 28, 2005 Standard
Supplement 22 Labeling Approved June 22, 2005 Standard
Supplement 21 Labeling Approved March 18, 2005 Standard
Supplement 20 Labeling Approved January 22, 2004 Standard
Supplement 18 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved December 19, 2002 Standard
Supplement 17 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 13, 2002 Standard
Supplement 16 Efficacy Approved April 5, 2001 Standard
Supplement 14 Labeling Approved April 4, 2001 Standard
Supplement 13 Labeling Approved May 20, 1999 Standard
Supplement 11 Labeling Approved March 5, 1999 Standard
Supplement 12 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 11, 1998 Standard
Supplement 10 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved June 11, 1998 Standard
Supplement 9 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved March 23, 1998 Standard
Supplement 8 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 27, 1998 Standard
Supplement 7 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 16, 1997 Standard
Supplement 6 Efficacy Approved April 11, 1997 Standard
Supplement 5 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved May 17, 1996 Standard
Supplement 4 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved October 10, 1995 Standard
Supplement 3 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved September 22, 1995 Standard
Supplement 1 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved April 25, 1995 Standard
Supplement 2 Manufacturing (CMC) Approved February 28, 1995 Standard
Original application 1 Type 5 - New Formulation or New Manufacturer Approved December 22, 1994 Standard

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · February 16, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · February 16, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · February 16, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · February 16, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · October 8, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · October 8, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · October 5, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · October 5, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · October 1, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · October 1, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · September 20, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · September 20, 2021
  • 0 · Supplement · November 6, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · November 6, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · November 2, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · November 2, 2017
  • 0 · Supplement · October 31, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · October 17, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · October 11, 2013
  • 0 · Supplement · January 9, 2008
  • 0 · Supplement · January 8, 2008
  • 0 · Supplement · January 6, 2006
  • 0 · Supplement · January 5, 2006
  • 0 · Supplement · June 24, 2005
  • 0 · Supplement · June 24, 2005
  • 0 · Supplement · March 23, 2005
  • 0 · Supplement · September 21, 2004
  • 0 · Supplement · February 12, 2004
  • 0 · Supplement · February 2, 2004
  • 0 · Supplement · August 8, 2003

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260326). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260326

Boxed Warning

openFDA Drug Labeling

WARNING: ENDOMETRIAL CANCER, CARDIOVASCULAR DISORDERS, PROBABLE DEMENTIA and BREAST CANCER Estrogen-Alone Therapy Endometrial Cancer There is an increased risk of endometrial cancer in a woman with a uterus who uses unopposed estrogens. Adding a progestogen to estrogen therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, which may be a precursor to endometrial cancer. Perform adequate diagnostic measures, including directed or random endometrial sampling when indicated to rule out malignancy in postmenopausal women with undiagnosed, persistent or recurring abnormal genital bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Cardiovascular Disorders and Probable Dementia The Women's Health Initiative (WHI) estrogen-alone substudy reported increased risks of stroke and deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age) during 7.1 years of treatment with daily oral conjugated estrogens (CE) [0.625 mg]-alone, relative to placebo [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , and Clinical Studies (14.3) ] . The WHI Memory Study (WHIMS) estrogen-alone ancillary study of the WHI reported an increased risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older during 5.2 years of treatment with daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone, relative to placebo. It is unknown whether this finding applies to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Use in Specific Populations (8.5) , and Clinical Studies (14.4) ] . Do not use estrogen-alone therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.3) , and Clinical Studies (14.3 , 14.4) ] . Only daily oral 0.625 mg CE was studied in the estrogen-alone substudy of the WHI. Therefore, the relevance of the WHI findings regarding adverse cardiovascular events and dementia to lower CE doses, other routes of administration, or other estrogen-alone products is not known. Without such data, it is not possible to definitively exclude these risks or determine the extent of these risks for other products. Discuss with your patient the benefits and risks of estrogen-alone therapy, taking into account her individual risk profile. Prescribe estrogens with or without progestogens at the lowest effective doses and for the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. Estrogen Plus Progestin Therapy Cardiovascular Disorders and Probable Dementia The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported increased risks of DVT, pulmonary embolism (PE), stroke and myocardial infarction (MI) in postmenopausal women (50 to 79 years of age) during 5.6 years of treatment with daily oral CE (0.625 mg) combined with medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA) [2.5 mg], relative to placebo [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) , and Clinical Studies (14.3) ] . The WHIMS estrogen plus progestin ancillary study of the WHI reported an increased risk of developing probable dementia in postmenopausal women 65 years of age and older during 4 years of treatment with daily CE (0.625 mg) combined with MPA (2.5 mg), relative to placebo. It is unknown whether this finding applies to younger postmenopausal women [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Use in Specific Populations (8.5) , and Clinical Studies (14.4) ] . Do not use estrogen plus progestogen therapy for the prevention of cardiovascular disease or dementia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.3) , and Clinical Studies (14.3 , 14.4) ] . Breast Cancer The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy also demonstrated an increased risk of invasive breast cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) , and Clinical Studies (14.3) ] . Only daily oral 0.625 mg CE and 2.5 mg MPA were studied in the estrogen plus progestin substudy of the WHI. Therefore, the relevance of the WHI findings regarding adverse cardiovascular events, dementia and breast cancer to lower CE plus other MPA doses, other routes of administration, or other estrogen plus progestogen pr …

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 ) 12/2023

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Climara is indicated for: Climara is an estrogen indicated for: Treatment of Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms due to Menopause ( 1.1 ) Treatment of Moderate to Severe Symptoms of Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy due to Menopause ( 1.2 ) Limitations of Use When prescribing solely for the treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause, first consider the use of topical vaginal products. Treatment of Hypoestrogenism due to Hypogonadism, Castration or Primary Ovarian Failure ( 1.3 ) Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis ( 1.4 ) Limitations of Use When prescribing solely for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, first consider the use of non-estrogen medications. Consider estrogen therapy only for women at significant risk of osteoporosis. 1.1 Treatment of Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms due to Menopause 1.2 Treatment of Moderate to Severe Symptoms of Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy due to Menopause Limitation of Use When prescribing solely for the treatment of moderate to severe symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy due to menopause, first consider the use of topical vaginal products. 1.3 Treatment of Hypoestrogenism due to Hypogonadism, Castration, or Primary Ovarian Failure 1.4 Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Limitation of Use When prescribing solely for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis, first consider the use of non-estrogen medications. Consider estrogen therapy only for women at significant risk of osteoporosis.

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION 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. Start therapy with Climara 0.025 mg per day applied to the skin once-weekly. Dosage adjustment should be guided by the clinical response ( 2.1 ) Place Climara on a clean, dry area of the lower abdomen (below the umbilicus) or upper quadrant of the buttock. Do not apply Climara to the breasts ( 2.5 ) 2.1 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. 2.2 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. 2.3 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.. 2.4 Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Start therapy with Climara 0.025 mg per day applied to the skin once weekly. 2.5 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. 2.6 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.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Climara (estradiol transdermal system), 0.025 mg per day—each 6.5 cm 2 system contains 2 mg of estradiol Climara (estradiol transdermal system), 0.0375 mg per day—each 9.375 cm 2 system contains 2.85 mg of estradiol Climara (estradiol transdermal system), 0.05 mg per day—each 12.5 cm 2 system contains 3.8 mg of estradiol Climara (estradiol transdermal system), 0.060 mg per day—each 15 cm 2 system contains 4.55 mg of estradiol Climara (estradiol transdermal system), 0.075 mg per day—each 18.75 cm 2 system contains 5.7 mg of estradiol Climara (estradiol transdermal system), 0.1 mg per day—each 25.0 cm 2 system contains 7.6 mg of estradiol Transdermal system: 0.025 mg per day, 0.0375 mg per day, 0.05 mg per day, 0.06 mg per day, 0.075 mg per day and 0.1 mg per day ( 3 )

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS Climara is contraindicated in women with any of the following conditions: Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Breast cancer or history of breast cancer [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Estrogen-dependent neoplasia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Active DVT, PE, or a history of these conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke or MI), or a history of these conditions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Known anaphylactic reaction, or angioedema, or hypersensitivity to Climara Hepatic impairment or disease Protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency, or other known thrombophilic disorders Undiagnosed abnormal genital bleeding ( 4 , 5.2 ) Breast cancer or a history of breast cancer ( 4 , 5.2 ) Estrogen-dependent neoplasia ( 4 , 5.2 ) Active DVT, PE or a history of these conditions ( 4 , 5.1 ) Active arterial thromboembolic disease (for example, stroke or MI), or a history of these conditions ( 4 , 5.1 ) Known anaphylactic reaction, or angioedema, or hypersensitivity to Climara ( 4 ) Hepatic impairment or disease ( 4 , 5.10 ) Protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency, or other known thrombophilic disorders ( 4 )

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Estrogens increase the risk of gallbladder disease ( 5.4 ) Discontinue estrogen if severe hypercalcemia, loss of vision, severe hypertriglyceridemia or cholestatic jaundice occurs ( 5.5 , 5.6 , 5.9 , 5.10 ) Monitor thyroid function in women on thyroid hormone replacement therapy ( 5.11 , 5.18 ) 5.1 Cardiovascular Disorders Increased risks of stroke and DVT are reported with estrogen-alone therapy. Increased risks of PE, DVT, stroke and MI are reported with estrogen plus progestin therapy. Immediately discontinue estrogen with or without progestogen therapy if any of these occur or are suspected. Manage appropriately any risk factors for arterial vascular disease (for example, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, tobacco use, hypercholesterolemia, and obesity) and/or venous thromboembolism (VTE) (for example, personal history or family history of VTE, obesity, and systemic lupus erythematosus). Stroke The WHI estrogen-alone substudy reported a statistically significant increased risk of stroke in women 50 to 79 years of age receiving daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone compared to women in the same age group receiving placebo (45 versus 33 strokes per 10,000 women-years, respectively). The increase in risk was demonstrated in year 1 and persisted [see Clinical Studies (14.3) ] . Immediately discontinue estrogen-alone therapy if a stroke occurs or is suspected. Subgroup analyses of women 50 to 59 years of age suggest no increased risk of stroke for those women receiving CE (0.625 mg)-alone versus those receiving placebo (18 versus 21 per 10,000 women-years). 1 The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported a statistically significant increased risk of stroke in women 50 to 79 years of age receiving daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) compared to women in the same age group receiving placebo (33 versus 25 strokes per 10,000 women years, respectively) [see Clinical Studies (14.3) ] . The increase in risk was demonstrated after the first year and persisted. 1 Immediately discontinue estrogen plus progestogen therapy if a stroke occurs or is suspected. Coronary Heart Disease The WHI estrogen-alone substudy reported no overall effect on coronary heart disease (CHD) events (defined as nonfatal MI, silent MI, or CHD death) in women receiving estrogen-alone compared to placebo 2 [see Clinical Studies (14.3) ] . Subgroup analyses of women 50 to 59 years of age, who were less than 10 years since menopause, suggest a reduction (not statistically significant) of CHD events in those women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg)-alone compared to placebo (8 versus 16 per 10,000 women-years). 1 The WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy reported an increased risk (not statistically significant) of CHD events in women receiving daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) compared to women receiving placebo (41 versus 34 per 10,000 women-years). 1 An increase in relative risk was demonstrated in year 1, and a trend toward decreasing relative risk was reported in years 2 through 5 [see Clinical Studies (14.3) ] . In postmenopausal women with documented heart disease (n = 2,763), average 66.7 years of age, in a controlled clinical trial of secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease (Heart and Estrogen/Progestin Replacement Study; HERS), treatment with daily CE (0.625 mg) plus MPA (2.5 mg) demonstrated no cardiovascular benefit. During an average follow-up of 4.1 years, treatment with CE plus MPA did not reduce the overall rate of CHD events in postmenopausal women with established CHD. There were more CHD events in the CE plus MPA-treated group than in the placebo group in year 1, but not during the subsequent years. Two thousand three hundred twenty-one (2,321) women from the original HERS trial agreed to participate in an open label extension of HERS, HERS II. Average follow-up in HERS II was an additional 2.7 years, for a total of 6.8 years overall. Rates of CHD events were comparable among women in the CE plus MPA group and the placebo gro …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Cardiovascular Disorders [see Boxed Warning , and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Malignant Neoplasms [see Boxed Warning , and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥10 percent) with Climara are: breast pain, upper respiratory tract infections, headaches, abdominal pain, pain, and edema. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. at 1-888-84-BAYER (1-888-842-2937) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data described below reflect pooled data from 5 clinical trials of Climara. A total of 614 women were exposed to Climara for 3 months (193 women at 0.025 mg per day, 201 women at 0.05 mg per day, 194 women at 0.1 mg per day) in randomized, double-blind trials of clinical efficacy versus placebo and versus active comparator. All women were postmenopausal, had a serum estradiol level of less than 20 pg/mL, and a minimum of five moderate to severe hot flushes per week or a minimum of 15 hot flushes per week of any severity at baseline. Included in this table are an additional 25 postmenopausal hysterectomized women exposed to Climara 0.025 mg per day for 6 to 24 months (N=16 at 24 months) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of Climara for the prevention of osteoporosis. Table 1: Treatment-Emergent Adverse Reactions Reported at a Frequency of ≥5 Percent and More Frequent in Women Receiving Climara Climara Body System Adverse Reactions 0.025 mg/day Adverse reactions occurring at rate of ≥5 percent in Climara trials of clinical efficacy versus placebo and versus active comparator; and trial of Climara versus placebo for the prevention of osteoporosis (N=219) 0.05 mg/day Adverse reactions occurring at rate of ≥5 percent in Climara trials of clinical efficacy versus placebo and versus active comparator (N=201) 0.1 mg/day (N=194) Placebo Adverse reactions occurring in placebo group in Climara trial of clinical efficacy versus placebo (N=72) Body as a Whole 21% 39% 37% 29% Headache 5% 18% 13% 10% Pain 1% 8% 11% 7% Back Pain 4% 8% 9% 6% Edema 0.5% 13% 10% 6% Digestive System 9% 21% 29% 18% Abdominal Pain 0% 11% 16% 8% Nausea 1% 5% 6% 3% Flatulence 1% 3% 7% 1% Musculoskeletal System 7% 9% 11% 4% Arthralgia 1% 5% 5% 3% Nervous System 13% 10% 11% 1% Depression 1% 5% 8% 0% Urogenital System 12% 18% 41% 11% Breast Pain 5% 8% 29% 4% Leukorrhea 1% 6% 7% 1% Respiratory System 15% 26% 29% 14% URTI 6% 17% 17% 8% Pharyngitis 0.5% 3% 7% 3% Sinusitis 4% 4% 5% 3% Rhinitis 2% 4% 6% 1% Skin and Appendages 19% 12% 12% 15% Pruritus 0.5% 6% 3% 6% 6.2 Postmarketing Experience The following adverse reactions have been identified during post-approval use of Climara. Because these reactions are reported voluntarily from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Genitourinary System Changes in bleeding pattern, pelvic pain Breast Breast cancer, breast pain, breast tenderness Cardiovascular Changes in blood pressure, palpitations, hot flashes Gastrointestinal Vomiting, abdominal pain, abdominal distension, nausea Skin Alopecia, hyperhidrosis, night sweats, urticaria, rash Eyes Visual disturbances, contact lens intolerance, Central Nervous System Depression, migraine, paresthesia, dizziness, anxiety, irritability, mood swings, nervousness, insomnia, headache Miscellaneous Fatigue, menopausal symptoms, weight increase, application site reaction, anaphylactic reactions

Drug Interactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

7 DRUG INTERACTIONS In vitro and in vivo studies have shown that estrogens are metabolized partially by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4). Therefore, inducers or inhibitors of CYP3A4 may affect estrogen drug metabolism. Inducers of CYP3A4 such as St. John's wort (hypericum perforatum) preparations, phenobarbital, carbamazepine, and rifampin may reduce plasma concentrations of estrogens, possibly resulting in a decrease in therapeutic effects and/or changes in the uterine bleeding profile. Inhibitors of CYP3A4 such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, ketoconazole, itraconazole, ritonavir and grapefruit juice may increase plasma concentrations of estrogens and may result in adverse reactions. Inducers and/or inhibitors of CYP3A4 may affect estrogen drug metabolism and decrease or increase the estrogen plasma concentration. ( 7 )

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Climara is not indicated for use in pregnancy. There are no data with the use of Climara in pregnant women; however, epidemiologic studies and meta-analyses have not found an increased risk of genital or nongenital birth defects (including cardiac anomalies and limb-reduction defects) following exposure to combined hormonal contraceptives (estrogens and progestins) before conception or during early pregnancy. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary Estrogens are present in human milk and can reduce milk production in breast-feeding women. This reduction can occur at any time but is less likely to occur once breast-feeding is well-established. The developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered along with the mother's clinical need for Climara and any potential adverse effects on the breastfed child from Climara or from the underlying maternal condition. 8.4 Pediatric Use In general, Climara is not indicated for use in pediatric patients. Clinical studies have not been conducted in the pediatric population. If estrogen is administered to patients whose bone growth is not complete, periodic monitoring of bone metabolism and effects on epiphyseal centers is recommended during estrogen administration. 8.5 Geriatric Use There have not been sufficient numbers of geriatric women involved in clinical studies utilizing Climara to determine whether those over 65 years of age differ from younger subjects in their response to Climara. The Women's Health Initiative Studies In the WHI estrogen-alone substudy (daily CE [0.625 mg]-alone versus placebo), there was a higher relative risk of stroke in women greater than 65 years of age [see Clinical Studies (14.3) ] . In the WHI estrogen plus progestin substudy (daily CE [0.625 mg] plus MPA [2.5 mg] versus placebo), there was a higher relative risk of nonfatal stroke and invasive breast cancer in women greater than 65 years of age [see Clinical Studies (14.3) ] . The Women's Health Initiative Memory Study In the WHIMS ancillary studies of postmenopausal women 65 to 79 years of age, there was an increased risk of developing probable dementia in women receiving estrogen-alone or estrogen plus progestin when compared to placebo [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , and Clinical Studies (14.4) ] . Since both ancillary studies were conducted in women 65 to 79 years of age, it is unknown whether these findings apply to younger postmenopausal women 8 [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , and Clinical Studies (14.4) ] .

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Endogenous estrogens are largely responsible for the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system and secondary sexual characteristics. Although circulating estrogens exist in a dynamic equilibrium of metabolic interconversions, estradiol is the principal intracellular human estrogen and is substantially more potent than its metabolites, estrone and estriol at the receptor level. The primary source of estrogen in normally cycling adult women is the ovarian follicle, which secretes 70 to 500 mcg of estradiol daily, depending on the phase of the menstrual cycle. After menopause, most endogenous estrogen is produced by conversion of androstenedione, which is secreted by the adrenal cortex, to estrone in the peripheral tissues. Thus, estrone and the sulfate conjugated form, estrone sulfate, are the most abundant circulating estrogens in postmenopausal women. Estrogens act through binding to nuclear receptors in estrogen-responsive tissues. To date, two estrogen receptors have been identified. These vary in proportion from tissue to tissue. Circulating estrogens modulate the pituitary secretion of the gonadotropins, luteinizing hormone (LH) and FSH, through a negative feedback mechanism. Estrogens act to reduce the elevated levels of these hormones seen in postmenopausal women.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION Climara (estradiol transdermal system), is designed to release estradiol continuously upon application to intact skin. Six (6.5, 9.375, 12.5, 15, 18.75 and 25 cm 2 ) systems are available to provide nominal in vivo delivery of 0.025, 0.0375, 0.05, 0.06, 0.075 or 0.1 mg respectively of estradiol per day. The period of use is 7 days. Each system has a contact surface area of either 6.5, 9.375, 12.5, 15, 18.75 or 25 cm 2 , and contains 2, 2.85, 3.8, 4.55, 5.7 or 7.6 mg of estradiol USP respectively. The composition of the systems per unit area is identical. Estradiol USP is a white, crystalline powder, chemically described as estra-1,3,5(10)-triene-3, 17β-diol. It has an empirical formula of C 18 H 24 O 2 and molecular weight of 272.38. The structural formula is: The Climara transdermal system comprises three layers. Proceeding from the visible surface toward the surface attached to the skin, these layers are: A translucent polyethylene film. An acrylate adhesive matrix containing estradiol USP. A protective liner of siliconized or fluoropolymer-coated polyester film is attached to the adhesive surface and must be removed before the system can be used. The active component of the transdermal system is estradiol. The remaining components of the transdermal system (acrylate copolymer adhesive, fatty acid esters, and polyethylene backing) are pharmacologically inactive. Chemical Structure Image

10 OVERDOSAGE Overdosage of estrogen may cause nausea, vomiting, breast tenderness, abdominal pain, drowsiness and fatigue, and withdrawal bleeding in women. Treatment of overdose consists of discontinuation of Climara therapy with institution of appropriate symptomatic care.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING 16.1 How Supplied Climara (estradiol transdermal system), 0.025 mg per day — each 6.5 cm 2 system contains 2 mg of estradiol USP Individual Carton of 4 systems NDC 50419-454-04 Climara (estradiol transdermal system), 0.0375 mg per day — each 9.375 cm 2 system contains 2.85 mg of estradiol USP Individual Carton of 4 systems NDC 50419-456-04 Climara (estradiol transdermal system), 0.05 mg per day — each 12.5 cm 2 system contains 3.8 mg of estradiol USP Individual Carton of 4 systems NDC 50419-451-04 Climara (estradiol transdermal system), 0.06 mg per day — each 15 cm 2 system contains 4.55 mg of estradiol USP Individual Carton of 4 systems NDC 50419-459-04 Climara (estradiol transdermal system), 0.075 mg per day — each 18.75 cm 2 system contains 5.7 mg of estradiol USP Individual Carton of 4 systems NDC 50419-453-04 Climara (estradiol transdermal system), 0.1 mg per day — each 25 cm 2 system contains 7.6 mg of estradiol USP Individual Carton of 4 systems NDC 50419-452-04 16.2 Storage and Handling Store at 20°C to 25°C (66°F to 77°F); excursions permitted between 15°C and 30°C (59°F and 86°F). Do not store above 86°F (30°C). Do not store unpouched. Apply immediately upon removal from the protective pouch. Used transdermal systems still contain active hormone. To discard, fold the sticky side of the transdermal system together, place it in a sturdy child-proof container, and place this container in the trash. Used transdermal systems should not be flushed in the toilet.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
188,328
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: ESTRADIOL. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
50419-451-04 50419-451 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. 4 PATCH in 1 CARTON (50419-451-04) / 7 d in 1 PATCH (50419-451-01) December 22, 1994
50419-452-04 50419-452 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. 4 PATCH in 1 CARTON (50419-452-04) / 7 d in 1 PATCH (50419-452-01) December 22, 1994
50419-453-04 50419-453 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. 4 PATCH in 1 CARTON (50419-453-04) / 7 d in 1 PATCH (50419-453-01) March 23, 1998
50419-454-04 50419-454 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. 4 PATCH in 1 CARTON (50419-454-04) / 7 d in 1 PATCH (50419-454-01) March 5, 1999
50419-456-04 50419-456 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. 4 PATCH in 1 CARTON (50419-456-04) / 7 d in 1 PATCH (50419-456-01) May 27, 2003
50419-459-04 50419-459 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. 4 PATCH in 1 CARTON (50419-459-04) / 7 d in 1 PATCH (50419-459-01) January 3, 2008
50419-451 50419-451 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. — December 22, 1994
50419-452 50419-452 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. — December 22, 1994
50419-453 50419-453 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. — March 23, 1998
50419-454 50419-454 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. — March 5, 1999
50419-456 50419-456 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. — May 27, 2003
50419-459 50419-459 Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals Inc. — January 3, 2008

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Orange Book FDA Therapeutic equivalence codes, reference drug flags, patents, exclusivity
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts

Generated September 25, 2026 · 11 sections on this page.