Some important information to know about Climara (estradiol)
In the treatment of menopausal symptoms, Climara (estradiol) may be prescribed by doctors to eligible individuals.
The medical review team at Chemist2U has prepared some information about Climara (estradiol) that you can discuss with your doctor. Whether you get your prescriptions online or in person, it’s important to follow your doctor’s recommendations closely.
In this article

How does Climara (estradiol) work?
Climara (estradiol) contains estradiol, a form of estrogen. Climara (estradiol) generally delivers estradiol continuously and steadily, mirroring the natural release by women’s ovaries before menopause. Unlike oral medications, Climara (estradiol) is designed to bypass the stomach and liver.
This method can assist with absorption and may help with the maintenance of balanced estrogen levels in the body. When supplementing estrogen production under a doctor’s guidance, Climara (estradiol) may help manage symptoms associated with menopause.1
How do you take Climara (estradiol)?
Prescribed Climara (estradiol) is administered as an adhesive patch, delivering estradiol through your skin into your blood. Your doctor may have specific directions, but the Climara (estradiol) patch application is generally on the buttocks or lower abdomen.
What’s more, if your doctor provides you with an e-prescription for Climara (estradiol), they may instruct you to avoid applications on the breasts or areas where the skin is hairy or folded. The same word of caution may also apply to the waistline, as tight clothing may interfere with the adhesion.
To apply the patch, ensure your skin is clean, dry and free of oil, irritation or damage. Start by tearing open the pouch at the notched corner and removing the Climara (estradiol) patch.
Afterwards, hold the edge of the patch and peel off half the protective backing. As you press the exposed part of the patch onto your skin, continue peeling off the remaining backing. Once the patch is on your skin, press it firmly for about ten seconds, making sure the edges stick well.2
Who can take Climara (estradiol)?
A Climara (estradiol) patch prescription may generally be provided to women experiencing menopausal symptoms due to decreased estrogen levels. This can happen naturally during menopause or after a surgery that affects hormone production.
Climara (estradiol) therapy and other forms of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) are usually intended for short-term use.3 It’s thought to work by managing symptoms such as genital dryness, night sweats or hot flushes, disrupted sleep, irritability, dizziness, headaches, nervousness and depression.
It was also developed to help prevent bone mineral density loss, which can make bones weaker and more prone to fractures.4
Estradiol is not appropriate for all women, particularly those with a history of some cancers, unexplained vaginal bleeding, thrombophilia, history of some cardiovascular disease and active liver disease, and those aged 60 or over.
Before seeking a pharmacy online, always consult with your doctor to determine if Climara (estradiol) is the right hormone therapy option for managing your menopausal symptoms.
Side effects of Climara (estradiol)
All medications can have side effects, even Climara (estradiol). Generally, these are minor and temporary, but some may require medical attention.5
The common side effects of Climara (estradiol) include skin reactions like redness, rash, itching, stinging and blisters where the patch was applied.6 You might also experience bloating from fluid retention, unexplained tiredness and pain in the back and pelvis.
Reproductive side effects can include breast tenderness or enlargement, vaginal itching or discharge and irregular menstrual bleeding. Leg cramps, headaches, dizziness, increased sweating, nausea and stomach pain are also some of the nervous system and gastrointestinal system side effects.
As for metabolic and psychiatric side effects, changes in body weight, nervousness and depressive moods have also been reported.
If you notice any serious side effects such as coughing blood, unusual swelling or pain, sudden shortness of breath or fainting, seek medical attention immediately. The same applies to allergic reactions such as hives and severe gastrointestinal system side effects like yellowing of the skin or eyes.
Climara (estradiol) and other medications
It’s essential to inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking, including vitamins, supplements or other medications. Climara (estradiol) may interact with other medications, potentially altering their effectiveness or how Climara (estradiol) works.
This could require adjustments to your medication regimen with the supervision of your doctor. They’ll let you know which medicines to be cautious about or avoid while using Climara (estradiol).7
Medicines you should not use with Climara (estradiol)
There are various medications that may interfere with Climara (estradiol) and affect how well it works.
These include prescribed treatments for chest pain, high blood pressure and irregular heartbeat, such as verapamil, diltiazem and ACE inhibitors. Macrolide antibiotics such as clarithromycin and erythromycin can also interact with Climara (estradiol).
Additionally, medications for epilepsy, such as hydantoins, barbiturates, primidone and carbamazepine, as well as rifampicin for tuberculosis, may cause drug interactions. Herbal supplements with St John’s Wort, HIV medications such as ritonavir and nevirapine, and certain hepatitis C treatments like boceprevir and telaprevir are also known to interact with Climara (estradiol).
Antifungal treatments, including ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole and fluconazole, along with grapefruit juice and diabetes medications like insulin, may be avoided or monitored closely with the assistance of your doctor.8
As always, before seeking a chemist delivery service for your prescription medications, consult your doctor.
How to order home delivery of Climara (estradiol) with Chemist2U
At Chemist2U, we’re committed to making medication easy, starting with our convenient home delivery service. Here’s how it works:
- Download the app or use this website. If you’re using an Apple device, you can download our user-friendly app on the App Store or on the Google Play Store if you’re an Android user. You can also shop using our website.
- Upload your prescriptions online. Just enter your address and contact details, and then under ‘New Script’, upload your eScript.
- Add other products. Need more than just your prescription medications? You can also add over-the-counter medication and general pharmacy products that you would expect at a typical community pharmacy.
- Dispensing by local pharmacists. Rest assured, your order will be carefully filled by a qualified pharmacist from a partner pharmacy in your area.
- Home delivery. We cover all capital cities and major regional areas across Australia. Order before the cutoff for same-day delivery directly from the chemist to your doorstep. (Note that a minority of products, inc. Ozempic and Mounjaro, are delivered via AusPost. Allow 1 to 3 business days in capital cities and major regional centres.
Have general questions about medications like your estradiol patch? Use our Ask a Pharmacist service for general pharmacy advice. For any order-related concerns, contact our customer service team using the web chat icon at the bottom right of this page.
Making your medication easy is our priority. Order home delivery of your prescription medications with Chemist2U today!
References
1. https://www.nps.org.au/assets/medicines/a3be27d2-adf9-46a3-9d14-a53300fefde1.pdf
2. https://www.nps.org.au/assets/medicines/a3be27d2-adf9-46a3-9d14-a53300fefde1.pdf
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK549797/
4. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23460719/
5. https://www.nps.org.au/assets/medicines/a3be27d2-adf9-46a3-9d14-a53300fefde1.pdf
6. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/cmt.5.4.383.389
7. https://www.nps.org.au/assets/medicines/a3be27d2-adf9-46a3-9d14-a53300fefde1.pdf
8. https://www.nps.org.au/assets/medicines/a3be27d2-adf9-46a3-9d14-a53300fefde1.pdf