This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Climopax is an estrogen replacement drug. The tablets are used to reduce moderate to severe symptoms of menopause, including feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest, and the sudden intense episodes of heat and sweating known as "hot flashes." Climopax tablets, containing a synthetic form of conjugated estrogens, may also be prescribed for these symptoms.

In addition to the symptoms of menopause, Climopax tablets are prescribed for teenagers who fail to mature at the usual rate, and to relieve the symptoms of certain types of cancer, including some forms of breast and prostate cancer.

In addition, either the tablets or Climopax vaginal cream can be used for other conditions caused by lack of estrogen, such as dry, itchy external genitals and vaginal irritation.

Along with diet, calcium supplements, and exercise, Climopax tablets are also prescribed to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become brittle and easily broken. Before taking Climopax solely for this purpose, you should carefully consider using alternative, nonestrogen therapies.

The addition of progesterone to estrogen-replacement therapy has been shown to reduce the risk of uterine cancer. Climopax combines estrogen and progesterone in a single tablet taken once daily. Climopax is a 28-day supply of tablets. The first 14 contain only estrogen. The second 14 supply both estrogen and progesterone. Both Climopax and Climopax are prescribed to reduce the symptoms of menopause, including vaginal problems, and to prevent osteoporosis.

How to Take

Take conjugated estrogen tablets by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow the tablet with a drink of water. Take the tablets with food. Take your doses at regular intervals, at the same time each day. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. The usual starting dosage is 0.3 milligrams daily, taken continuously or in cycles such as 25 days on Climopax and 5 days off.

Warning and Precautions

Climopax may cause dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Climopax with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.

Smoking while taking Climopax may increase your risk of blood clots (especially in women older than 35 years of age).

Before using Climopax, you will need to have a complete medical and family history exam, which will include blood pressure, breast, stomach, and pelvic organ exams and a Pap smear.

You should have periodic mammograms as determined by your doctor. Follow your doctor's instructions for examining your own breasts, and report any lumps immediately.

Your doctor should reevaluate you every 3 to 6 months to determine whether or not you need to continue taking Climopax.

If you are only being treated for vaginal menopause symptoms, products applied locally such as vaginal creams, tablets, or rings should be considered before products taken by mouth or absorbed through the skin. If you have other medical conditions and are prescribed estrogens for more than one condition, consult your doctor about your treatment plan and its options.

Non-drug therapy to help prevent bone loss includes a weight-bearing exercise plan, as well as adequate daily calcium and vitamin D intake. Consult your doctor of pharmacist for more details.

Diabetes patients - Climopax may affect your blood sugar. Check blood sugar levels closely. Ask your doctor before you change the dose of your diabetes medicine.

Climopax may cause dark skin patches on your face (melasma). Exposure to the sun may make these patches darker, and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding the use of sunscreens and protective clothing.

If you wear contact lenses and you develop problems with them, contact your doctor.

If you will be having surgery or will be confined to a chair or bed for a long period of time (eg, a long plane flight), notify your doctor beforehand. Special precautions may need to be taken in these circumstances while you are taking Climopax.

Climopax may interfere with certain lab tests. Be sure your doctor and lab personnel know you are using Climopax.

Lab tests, including a lipid profile, may be performed while you use Climopax. These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take the medicine at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Contact emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include excessive vaginal bleeding 2 to 7 days following overdose; nausea and vomiting.

Storage

Store Climopax at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Climopax out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

Common side effects: back pain; bloating; breast pain; depression; diarrhea; dizziness; flu syndrome; gas; hair loss; headache; increased cough; increased/decreased interest in sex; indigestion; infection; irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting; itching; joint pain; lightheadedness; leg cramps; muscle aches; nausea; nervousness; pain; runny nose; sinus inflammation; sleeplessness; sore throat; stomach pain; upper respiratory tract infection; vaginal inflammation; weakness; weight changes. Seek medical attention right away if any of these side effects occur.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Climopax. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.