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Compare Climara vs. Evamist

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.

Key takeaways

Estradiol patch (Climara) and estradiol spray (Evamist) are both estrogen replacement therapies used to relieve menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. They are similar in that they both replace estrogen lost during menopause. However, they differ in their application methods and specific uses. Climara is a transdermal patch applied once a week to the lower stomach or upper buttocks, while Evamist is a topical spray applied daily to the inner forearm. Climara is also used to prevent osteoporosis after menopause, whereas Evamist is specifically for moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms. Climara is available as a lower-cost generic, but Evamist does not have a generic version. Both medications can cause breast tendersness and headaches and increase the risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes. If you have a uterus, you may need to take progestin with either medication.

  • Climara (estradiol patch)
    Evamist (estradiol)
  • Climara (estradiol patch)
    Evamist (estradiol)

  • Summary of Climara vs. Evamist

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    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.

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Evamist (estradiol) is a topical hormone spray that helps relieve the hot flashes and night sweats caused by menopause. It's a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that's sprayed onto the skin of your inner forearm once a day. The typical dose ranges from 1 to 3 sprays daily, depending on your symptoms. Some potential side effects of this medication include headache, tender breasts, and back pain.

  • Indications of Climara vs. Evamist

    Indications for
    •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
    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes and night sweats

  • Pros and Cons of Climara vs. Evamist

    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    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
    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Dries within 2 minutes, doesn't need to be rubbed in
    •Possible option if you can't swallow pills
    •Only needs to be applied once a day
    Cons
    •Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Need to use with progestin to lower your risk of uterine cancer (in females who have uterus)
    •Must cover with clothing to prevent exposure to others

  • Common Side Effects of Climara vs. Evamist

    Common Side Effects for
    •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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 12%)
    •Breast tenderness (up to 7%)
    •Nipple pain (up to 7%)
    •Cold-like symptoms (up to 5%)
    •Back pain (up to 5%)
    •Joint pain (up to 4%)

  • Warnings of Climara vs. Evamist

    Common Side Effects for
    •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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Uterine or endometrial cancer
    •Breast cancer
    •Blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes
    •Risk of dementia
    •Risk of harm in children (accidental contact with medication)
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Higher risk of side effects
    •Vision problems
    •High triglycerides
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Swelling from fluids
    •Worsening of other medical conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Climara vs. Evamist

    Learn more about Climara
    Learn more about Evamist

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