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Compare Climara vs. Divigel

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

Key takeaways

Climara (estradiol) and Divigel (estradiol) are both estrogen replacement therapies used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats. Climara is a transdermal patch that you apply to your skin once or twice a week, while Divigel is a topical gel that you apply daily. Both Climara and Divigel available in both generic and brand forms. Climara patches should be avoided during swimming or bathing if you use the once-weekly version, but Divigel requires you to wait at least an hour after application before showering. Both medications can raise your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes, and if you have a uterus, you will need to take a progestin medication alongside either treatment to lower your risk of uterine cancer. Additionally, Divigel carries a risk of transferring estrogen to others through skin contact, while weight gain has been reported with Climara.

  • Climara (estradiol patch)
    Estradiol gel (Divigel)
  • Climara (estradiol patch)
    Estradiol gel (Divigel)

  • Summary of Climara vs. Divigel

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    The Climara (estradiol patch) is a once-weekly hormonal patch that relieves menopause symptoms and treats low estrogen levels. It can also help prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in people who have gone through menopause. The patch is a type of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and typically has fewer side effects than oral estrogen pills. You'll apply one patch to the skin of your lower stomach or the upper buttocks once a week. Potential side effects of this hormone patch include breast pain, headaches, and stomach pain.

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Estradiol gel (Divigel) is a hormone replacement therapy used to treat symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and night sweats. It comes as single-use packets, and the dose is applied to the skin on your upper thigh once a day. The gel is available as both a brand-name and a generic medication. Common side effects include vaginal yeast infections, breast tenderness, and abnormal vaginal bleeding.

  • Indications of Climara vs. Divigel

    Indications for
    •Hot flashes, night sweats, and flushes caused by menopause
    •Vaginal dryness and irritation caused by menopause
    •Low estrogen levels due to certain conditions
    •Prevention of osteoporosis after menopause
    Indications for
    •Hot flashes and night sweats due to menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Climara vs. Divigel

    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Relieves multiple menopause symptoms
    •Only need to apply once a week
    •Might have fewer side effects than oral estrogen pills
    •Available in different strengths, allowing you to customize your dose
    Cons
    •Commonly causes breast pain, headaches, and stomach pain
    •Can cause skin irritation, redness, and itchiness at the patch site
    •Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Might need to take it with another hormone called progestin if you have a healthy uterus
    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Relieves bothersome menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats
    •Applied directly to the skin on the thighs
    •Only need to use once a day
    •Available in multiple strengths to customize your dose
    Cons
    •Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Risk of exposing others to estrogen through skin contact
    •Might also need to take a progestin medication if you have a uterus
    •Need to wait for the gel to dry completely before bathing, showering, or swimming

  • Common Side Effects of Climara vs. Divigel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Breast pain (up to 29%)
    •Headache (up to 18%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (up to 17%)
    •Stomach pain (up to 16%)
    •Swelling (up to 13%)
    •Back and body pain (up to 11%)
    •Depression (up to 8%)
    •Vaginal discharge (up to 7%)
    •Excessive gas (up to 7%)
    •Itching (up to 6%)
    •Nausea (up to 6%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Abnormal vaginal bleeding (4-10%)
    •Breast tenderness (3-9%)
    •Common cold symptoms (4-6%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (2-6%)
    •Vaginal yeast infection (1-6%)

  • Warnings of Climara vs. Divigel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Blood clots and related complications (e.g., heart attack, stroke)
    •Uterine (endometrial) cancer
    •Breast cancer
    •Ovarian cancer
    •Dementia
    •Gallbladder and liver problems
    •Vision problems
    •High triglycerides
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid Retention
    •Worsening of other health conditions
    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of blood clot
    •Uterine (endometrial) cancer
    •Breast cancer
    •Dementia
    •Gallbladder and liver problems
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •Vision problems
    •High triglycerides
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid Retention
    •Worsening of other medical conditions
    •Potential skin-to-skin transfer

  • Prices with our coupons for Climara vs. Divigel

    Learn more about Climara
    Learn more about Estradiol gel

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