Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Prempro vs. Climara

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

Key takeaways

Prempro (conjugated estrogens / medroxyprogesterone acetate) and Climara (estradiol) are both used to treat menopausal symptoms and prevent osteoporosis, but they have some key differences. Prempro is an oral medication that combines estrogen and progestin, making it suitable for those with a uterus to protect against uterine cancer. In contrast, Climara is a transdermal patch that only contains estrogen, so if you have a uterus, you'll need a separate progestin prescription. Prempro is taken daily, while Climara is applied once or twice a week. Prempro has no generic form, which can make it more expensive, whereas Climara has multiple brands and strengths available. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects like cancer, blood clots, and strokes, but Climara generally has milder side effects compared to oral estrogen pills.

  • Prempro
    Climara (estradiol patch)
  • Prempro
    Climara (estradiol patch)

  • Summary of Prempro vs. Climara

    Summary for Estrogen replacement / Progestin
    Prescription only

    Prempro is a combination estrogen/progestin medication that relieves menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness and hot flashes. It's also used for preventing osteoporosis after menopause. This hormone replacement therapy is an option for people with a uterus. The medication is brand only since there is no generic available. Follow your prescriber's instructions for the correct dose. Prempro is taken by mouth once a day with the same dose each day. Premphase is also taken daily but contains two types of tablets: one with estrogen and one with conjugated estrogens plus medroxyprogesterone, taken on different days. Common side effects include breast pain, headaches, and menstrual cramps.

    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.

  • Indications of Prempro vs. Climara

    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) of menopause, like hot flashes and night sweats
    •Moderate-to-severe vaginal symptoms due to menopause, like vaginal dryness and irritation
    •Prevention of bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause
    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

  • Pros and Cons of Prempro vs. Climara

    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement / Progestin
    Pros
    •Only need to take once a day by mouth
    •Relieves multiple menopausal symptoms
    •Includes a progestin which helps protect your uterus
    •Lowers your risk of fractures by keeping your bones healthy
    Cons
    •Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Has more possible side effects than similar alternatives
    •Not safe if you have liver problems
    •Can't be used if you have a history of breast cancer
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Prempro vs. Climara

    Common Side Effects for
    •Breast pain (up to 36%)
    •Headaches (up to 19%)
    •Stomach pain (up to 17%)
    •Menstrual cramps (up to 13%)
    •Gas (up to 8%)
    •Nausea (up to 8%)
    •Depression (up to 8%)
    •More vaginal discharge than usual (up to 8%)
    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%)

  • Warnings of Prempro vs. Climara

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of blood clot
    •Breast cancer
    •Uterine (endometrial) cancer
    •Dementia
    •Gallbladder and liver problems
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •Vision problems
    •High triglycerides
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid Retention
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Worsening of other medical conditions
    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

  • Prices with our coupons for Prempro vs. Climara

    Learn more about Prempro
    Learn more about Climara

Compare other Osteoporosis drugs

Estradiol vs PremproPremarin Vaginal Cream vs PremproPremarin vs PremproPrempro vs AloraPrempro vs ClimaraPrempro vs Depo EstradiolPrempro vs DivigelPrempro vs ElestrinPrempro vs Estrace Vaginal CreamPrempro vs Estradiol NorethindronePrempro vs Estradiol PatchPrempro vs EstringPrempro vs EvamistPrempro vs MinivellePrempro vs ProveraPrempro vs Vivelle DotPremarin Vaginal Cream vs AloraPremarin Vaginal Cream vs ClimaraPremarin Vaginal Cream vs DivigelPremarin Vaginal Cream vs ElestrinPremarin Vaginal Cream vs Estrace Vaginal CreamPremarin Vaginal Cream vs Estradiol NorethindronePremarin Vaginal Cream vs Estradiol PatchPremarin Vaginal Cream vs EvamistPremarin Vaginal Cream vs FemringPremarin Vaginal Cream vs MinivellePremarin Vaginal Cream vs ProveraPremarin Vaginal Cream vs Vivelle DotPremarin vs AloraPremarin vs Premarin Vaginal Cream
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.