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Compare Minivelle vs. Divigel

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

Key takeaways

Minivelle (estradiol patch) and Divigel (estradiol gel) are both estrogen replacement therapies used to treat menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. They are in the same medication class and work by replacing the estrogen your body loses during menopause. However, they have some important differences. Minivelle is a transdermal patch applied twice a week to the lower stomach or buttocks, while Divigel is a topical gel applied daily to the upper thigh. Both medications are only available in a branded version. Common side effects of Minivelle include headaches and breast tenderness, while Divigel may cause vaginal yeast infections, breast tenderness, and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects like blood clots and certain cancers, and you might need to take a progestin if you have a uterus.

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

  • Summary of Minivelle vs. Divigel

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Minivelle (estradiol patch) is a twice-weekly hormonal patch that treats moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms, like hot flashes and night sweats, caused by menopause. It can also prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause. It's a type of hormone replacement therapy. The usual dose is one patch applied to the lower stomach or buttocks twice a week, or every 3 to 4 days. Potential side effects include headache, breast tenderness, and back 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 Minivelle vs. Divigel

    Indications for
    •Hot flashes, night sweats, and flushes caused by menopause
    •Prevent osteoporosis that happens after menopause
    Indications for
    •Hot flashes and night sweats due to menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Minivelle vs. Divigel

    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Typically has fewer side effects than oral estrogen pills
    •Delivers a consistent dose of estrogen over time
    •Good option if you have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available in different strengths, allowing you to customize your dose
    Cons
    •Commonly causes headache, breast tenderness, and back pain
    •Need to apply a new patch twice a week
    •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 Minivelle vs. Divigel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (up to 50%)
    •Common cold symptoms (up to 20%)
    •Breast tenderness (up to 17%)
    •Sinus swelling (up to 13%)
    •Bleeding in-between periods (up to 11%)
    •Depression (up to 11%)
    •Back pain (up to 11%)
    •Sinus headache (up to 10%)
    •Indigestion (up to 9%)
    •Weight gain (up to 9%)
    •Joint pain (up to 9%)
    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 Minivelle 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
    •Severe allergic reactions
    •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 Minivelle vs. Divigel

    Learn more about Minivelle
    Learn more about Estradiol gel

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