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Compare Minivelle 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. Both Activella and Climara might not be suitable if you have liver problems, or if you have a history of certain cancers or blood clots.

Minivelle (estradiol patch)
Activella (estradiol / norethindrone)
Minivelle (estradiol patch)
Activella (estradiol / norethindrone)
Summary of Minivelle vs. Activella
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 / 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.
Indications of Minivelle vs. Activella
Indications for

•Hot flashes, night sweats, and flushes caused by menopause

•Prevent osteoporosis that happens after menopause

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
Pros and Cons of Minivelle vs. Activella
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 / 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
Common Side Effects of Minivelle vs. Activella
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

•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 Minivelle 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

•Severe allergic reactions

•Worsening of other health conditions

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
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Compare Minivelle vs. Activella

Key takeaways

Summary of Minivelle vs. Activella

Indications of Minivelle vs. Activella

Pros and Cons of Minivelle vs. Activella

Common Side Effects of Minivelle vs. Activella

Warnings of Minivelle vs. Activella

Prices with our coupons for Minivelle vs. Activella

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