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Compare Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Divigel

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

Key takeaways

Premarin vaginal cream (conjugated estrogens) and Divigel (estradiol) are both estrogen replacement therapies, but they have different uses and application methods. Premarin vaginal cream is used to treat vaginal symptoms of menopause, such as dryness and pain during sex, and is applied directly into the vagina. In contrast, Divigel is a gel applied to the skin, typically on the upper thigh or arm and is used to treat hot flashes and night sweats. Premarin is available only as a brand-name medication, while Divigel is available as a low-cost generic. Premarin is applied in cycles or twice a week, whereas Divigel is applied once daily. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects, including cancer and blood clots, but Divigel has the unique risk of transferring estrogen to others through skin contact.

  • Premarin vaginal cream
    Estradiol gel (Divigel)
  • Premarin vaginal cream
    Estradiol gel (Divigel)

  • Summary of Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Divigel

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Premarin (conjugated estrogens) vaginal cream is an estrogen hormone cream used to treat adults with vaginal symptoms due to menopause, such as vaginal dryness and pain during sex. Depending on what you're taking the vaginal cream for, the dosage can be different. You might apply it in cycles (daily for 3 weeks, then no cream for 1 week) or simply just twice a week. Common side effects include headache, pelvic pain, and breast 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 Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Divigel

    Indications for
    •Vaginal dryness and irritation
    •Pain during sex caused by menopause
    Indications for
    •Hot flashes and night sweats due to menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Divigel

    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Is applied directly into the vagina to relieve symptoms locally
    •Good option if for those who have trouble swallow pills
    •Smaller amounts are absorbed into the body compared to tablets or injections
    Cons
    •Applying the cream can be messy
    •Need to remember stop taking it for a week if your dosage is in cycles
    •Can take several weeks to improve symptoms
    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 Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Divigel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Breast pain (2-5%)
    •Headache (2-4%)
    •Pelvic pain (3%)
    •Vaginal discharge (2-3%)
    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 Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Divigel

    Common Side Effects for
    •Uterine (endometrial) cancer
    •Breast cancer
    •Blood clots and stroke
    •Heart disease and heart attacks
    •Dementia
    •Gallbladder and liver problems
    •Vision problems
    •High triglycerides
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid Retention
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •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 Premarin Vaginal Cream vs. Divigel

    Learn more about Premarin vaginal cream
    Learn more about Estradiol gel

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