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Compare Premarin vs. Minivelle

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

Key takeaways

Premarin vaginal cream (conjugated estrogens) and Minivelle (estradiol patch) are both estrogen replacement medications used to treat symptoms related to menopause. While both medications are estrogen replacement therapies, they have some important differences. Premarin is a vaginal cream applied directly to the vagina, while Minivelle is a transdermal patch applied to the skin. Premarin is specifically used for vaginal symptoms, including dryness and irritation, whereas Minivelle also helps prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause. Premarin is applied in cycles or twice a week, while Minivelle is applied twice a week. Common side effects of Premarin include headache and pelvic pain, while Minivelle can cause headaches and breast tenderness. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects like blood clots and cancer and are only available in a branded version.

  • Premarin
    Minivelle (estradiol patch)
  • Premarin
    Minivelle (estradiol patch)

  • Summary of Premarin vs. Minivelle

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Premarin (conjugated estrogens) is an oral estrogen hormone tablet that's used to treat various conditions in adults. Most commonly, it relieves menopausal symptoms such as vaginal dryness and hot flashes. The medication is also used for treating low estrogen levels, certain advanced stages of breast or prostate cancers, and osteoporosis after menopause. Depending on what you're using it for, the medication can be taken daily or in cycles. Side effects include headache, stomach pain, nausea, and breast pain.

    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.

  • Indications of Premarin vs. Minivelle

    Indications for
    •Hot flashes, night sweats, and flushes caused by menopause
    •Vaginal dryness caused by menopause
    •Low estrogen levels due to certain conditions
    •Certain advanced stages of breast cancer
    •Certain advanced stages of prostate cancer
    •Prevention of bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause
    Indications for
    •Hot flashes, night sweats, and flushes caused by menopause
    •Prevent osteoporosis that happens after menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Premarin vs. Minivelle

    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Relieves multiple menopausal symptoms
    •Available in multiple strengths, allowing you to customize your dose
    •Comes as a tablet that you take by mouth
    Cons
    •Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Some people might need to take it with another hormone called progestin
    •Not a first-choice medication for treating bone loss after menopause
    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

  • Common Side Effects of Premarin vs. Minivelle

    Common Side Effects for
    •Headache (13-14%)
    •Abnormal vaginal bleeding (2-13%)
    •Breast pain (7-12%)
    •Stomach pain (8-11%)
    •Passing gas (4-6%)
    •Vaginal discharge (4-5%)
    •Back pain (3-5%)
    •General pain (3-5%)
    •Nausea (3-5%)
    •Insomnia (3-5%)
    •Depression (3-5%)
    •Weakness (2-5%)
    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%)

  • Warnings of Premarin vs. Minivelle

    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
    •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

  • Prices with our coupons for Premarin vs. Minivelle

    Learn more about Premarin
    Learn more about Minivelle

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