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Compare Activella vs. Evamist

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

Key takeaways

Activella (estradiol/norethindrone) and Evamist (estradiol) are both used to treat menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, but they have some key differences. Activella is a combination of estradiol and norethindrone, taken as a daily oral tablet, and can also be used to prevent osteoporosis. Evamist, on the other hand, is a topical spray containing only estradiol, applied to the forearm once a day. While Activella includes a progestin to protect the uterus, Evamist requires an additional progestin if you have a uterus to lower the risk of uterine cancer. Activella is available in generic form, making it potentially more affordable, whereas Evamist is only available as a brand name. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects like blood clots, strokes, and certain cancers, but Evamist has a unique risk of transferring the medication to others through skin contact.

  • Activella (estradiol / norethindrone)
    Evamist (estradiol)
  • Activella (estradiol / norethindrone)
    Evamist (estradiol)

  • Summary of Activella vs. Evamist

    Summary for Estrogen replacement / Progestin
    Prescription only

    Activella is a combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that contains estradiol (an estrogen) and norethindrone (a progestin). It's used to treat certain symptoms of menopause, such as night sweats and vaginal dryness, related to low estrogen levels. It can also help prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in females who've reached menopause. The typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth once daily. Some side effects of this medication include breast pain and headache. Activella (estradiol / norethindrone), as well as other HRTs, isn't recommended for people who've had breast cancer. <br> Activella is a brand-name medication. It also comes as a generic and branded generics, such as Mimvey.

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Evamist (estradiol) is a topical hormone spray that helps relieve the hot flashes and night sweats caused by menopause. It's a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that's sprayed onto the skin of your inner forearm once a day. The typical dose ranges from 1 to 3 sprays daily, depending on your symptoms. Some potential side effects of this medication include headache, tender breasts, and back pain.

  • Indications of Activella vs. Evamist

    Indications for

    In females who have a healthy uterus:

    •Moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) of menopause, like hot flashes and night sweats
    •Moderate-to-severe symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, like vaginal dryness
    •Prevention of osteoporosis in females who've reached menopause
    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms of menopause, like hot flashes and night sweats

  • Pros and Cons of Activella vs. Evamist

    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement / Progestin
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    •Includes a progestin to protect against endometrial cancer
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Raises your risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke
    •Not for people who've had breast cancer
    •Not a first-choice option for vaginal symptoms of menopause or for preventing osteoporosis
    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Dries within 2 minutes, doesn't need to be rubbed in
    •Possible option if you can't swallow pills
    •Only needs to be applied once a day
    Cons
    •Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Need to use with progestin to lower your risk of uterine cancer (in females who have uterus)
    •Must cover with clothing to prevent exposure to others

  • Common Side Effects of Activella vs. Evamist

    Common Side Effects for
    •Breast pain (17-24%)
    •Headache (11-17%)
    •Accidental injury (3-17%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection, like cough, cold, sore throat, congestion (10-15%)
    •Sinus infection (7-15%)
    •Postmenopausal bleeding (10-11%)
    •Nausea (10-11%)
    •Weight gain (up to 9%)
    •Ovarian cyst (up to 7%)
    •Stomach flu (up to 6%)
    •Viral infection (up to 6%)
    •Vaginal yeast infection (up to 6%)
    •Mood swings (up to 6%)
    •Back pain (3-6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 12%)
    •Breast tenderness (up to 7%)
    •Nipple pain (up to 7%)
    •Cold-like symptoms (up to 5%)
    •Back pain (up to 5%)
    •Joint pain (up to 4%)

  • Warnings of Activella vs. Evamist

    Common Side Effects for
    •Blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes
    •Breast cancer
    •Uterine or endometrial cancer
    •Dementia
    •Ovarian cancer
    •Liver or gallbladder problems
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •Vision problems
    •High triglyceride (fat) levels
    •Low thyroid hormone levels
    •Buildup of fluids in your body (fluid retention)
    •Worsening of other medical conditions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Uterine or endometrial cancer
    •Breast cancer
    •Blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes
    •Risk of dementia
    •Risk of harm in children (accidental contact with medication)
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Higher risk of side effects
    •Vision problems
    •High triglycerides
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Swelling from fluids
    •Worsening of other medical conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Activella vs. Evamist

    Learn more about Activella
    Learn more about Evamist

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