Climara vs. Climara Pro for Osteoporosis and Menopause: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Climara

(estradiol patch)

Climara Pro

(estradiol / levonorgestrel)

Summary for Climara

Prescription only

The Climara (estradiol patch) is a once-weekly hormonal patch that relieves menopause symptoms and treats low estrogen levels. It can also help prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in people who have gone through menopause. The patch is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and typically has fewer side effects than oral estrogen pills. You'll apply one patch to the skin of your lower stomach or the upper buttocks once a week. Potential side effects of this hormone patch include breast pain, headaches, and stomach pain.

Indications for Climara

Hot flashes, night sweats, and flushes caused by menopause
Vaginal dryness and irritation caused by menopause
Low estrogen levels due to certain conditions
Prevention of osteoporosis after menopause

Pros and Cons for Climara

Pros

Relieves multiple menopause symptoms
Only need to apply once a week
Might have fewer side effects than oral estrogen pills
Available in different strengths, allowing you to customize your dose

Cons

Commonly causes breast pain, headaches, and stomach pain
Can cause skin irritation, redness, and itchiness at the patch site
Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
Might need to take it with another hormone called progestin if you have a healthy uterus

Common Side Effects for Climara

Breast pain (up to 29%)
Headache (up to 18%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 17%)
Stomach pain (up to 16%)
Swelling (up to 13%)
Back and body pain (up to 11%)
Depression (up to 8%)
Vaginal discharge (up to 7%)
Excessive gas (up to 7%)
Itching (up to 6%)
Nausea (up to 6%)

Warnings for Climara

Blood clots and related complications (e.g., heart attack, stroke)
Uterine (endometrial) cancer
Breast cancer
Ovarian cancer
Dementia
Gallbladder and liver problems
Vision problems
High triglycerides
Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
Fluid Retention
Worsening of other health conditions

Summary for Climara Pro

Prescription only

Climara Pro is a patch that's applied to the skin once a week. It's approved to prevent osteoporosis in people who've gone through menopause. This medication can also treat symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats from menopause. The patch is a hormone replacement therapy; it contains the hormones estradiol and levonorgestrel. Side effects include irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting, breast pain, and skin irritation where the patch is applied.

Indications for Climara Pro

Treatment of moderate-to-severe symptoms of menopause (e.g., hot flashes, night sweats) for people with a healthy uterus
Prevention of osteoporosis for people who've gone through menopause with a healthy uterus

Pros and Cons for Climara Pro

Pros

Comes as a patch, so it might be a good option for people who have trouble swallowing pills
Applied once every week
Might have fewer side effects than estrogen pills

Cons

Can fall off if it gets too wet
No lower-cost generic available; brand name only
Not a first-choice option for preventing osteoporosis for people who've gone through menopause

Common Side Effects for Climara Pro

Application site reaction (e.g., skin irritation; 41%)
Vaginal bleeding or spotting (37%)
Breast pain (19%)
Upper respiratory infection (13%)
Depression (6%)
Back pain (6%)
General pain (5%)
Headache (5%)
Flu-like symptoms (5%)

Warnings for Climara Pro

Blood clots and related complications (e.g., heart attacks, strokes)
Breast cancer
Uterine or endometrial cancer
Ovarian cancer
Risk for dementia
Gallbladder problems and jaundice
Changes in calcium levels in the blood
Changes in vision
High triglyceride (fat) levels
Low thyroid hormone levels in people who take thyroid hormone replacement therapy
Buildup of fluids in your body (fluid retention)