Compare Climara vs. Activella
Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, warnings, and more.
Key takeaways
Climara (estradiol) and Activella (estradiol/norethindrone) are both used to treat menopausal symptoms and prevent osteoporosis, but they have some key differences. Climara is a transdermal patch that only contains estradiol, while Activella is an oral tablet that combines estradiol with norethindrone, a progestin. Because Climara only has estrogen, if you still have your uterus, you will need to take a separate progestin to lower your risk of uterine cancer. Activella already includes norethindrone, which helps protect your uterus. Climara is applied once or twice a week, whereas Activella is taken daily. Both medications can cause weight gain and increase the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes, but Activella may cause more side effects since it exposes your whole body to the medication. Additionally, both Climara and Activella might not be suitable if you have liver problems.
- Climara (estradiol patch)Activella (estradiol / norethindrone)
- Climara (estradiol patch)Activella (estradiol / norethindrone)
Summary of Climara vs. Activella
Summary for Estrogen replacementPrescription onlyThe 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 / ProgestinPrescription onlyActivella 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.
Indications of Climara vs. Activella
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 menopauseIndications forIn females who have a healthy uterus:
•Moderate-to-severe symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, like vaginal dryness•Prevention of osteoporosis in females who've reached menopausePros and Cons of Climara vs. Activella
Pros and Const for Estrogen replacementPros•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 doseCons•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 uterusPros and Const for Estrogen replacement / ProgestinPros•Taken by mouth once daily•Includes a progestin to protect against endometrial cancer•Available as a lower-cost generic medicationCons•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 osteoporosisCommon Side Effects of Climara vs. Activella
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•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%)Warnings of Climara vs. Activella
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 conditionsCommon 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 conditionsPrices with our coupons for Climara vs. Activella
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