Short answer: The Vivelle-Dot and Climara labels both say that if you forget to apply a new patch, put on a new one as soon as possible. Vivelle-Dot says to keep the original change schedule after that. Both labels note that missing patches can bring spotting, bleeding or a return of symptoms.
| Situation | What the label says |
|---|---|
| Vivelle-Dot schedule | New patch twice weekly (Vivelle-Dot 2.5) |
| Climara schedule | New patch once weekly (Climara 2.1) |
| Forgot to change it | Apply a new patch as soon as possible (Vivelle-Dot 2.5; Climara Patient Information) |
| After a late change | Keep the original schedule (Vivelle-Dot 2.5) |
| Patch fell off | Vivelle-Dot: reapply it or a new one; Climara: reapply elsewhere or new one for rest of the week |
Section 2.5 says that if a woman has forgotten to apply Vivelle-Dot, she should apply a new patch as soon as possible and then follow the original treatment schedule. It adds that interrupting treatment may make breakthrough bleeding, spotting and a return of symptoms more likely.
Example: you change Vivelle-Dot on Sundays and Thursdays and remember on Friday that you skipped Thursday. Under the label you would put on a new patch Friday and still change it on Sunday.
Climara is changed once a week. The Patient Information says that if you forget to apply a new Climara patch, apply a new one as soon as possible. It also warns that stopping or forgetting patches can cause spotting or bleeding and symptoms may come back.
If a Climara patch falls off, section 2.5 says to reapply it to a different spot, or if it will not stick, apply a new one for the rest of the 7-day interval. Wear only one patch at a time.
Section 2.5 says to reapply the same patch or apply a new one to another spot, and in either case keep the original schedule.
This page summarizes FDA labeling. It is not personalized medical advice; confirm what to do with your prescriber or pharmacist.