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.
