Key takeaways
Premarin (conjugated estrogens) and Minivelle (estradiol) are both estrogen replacement medications used to treat menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. They can also help prevent bone loss after menopause. However, they have some important differences. Premarin is an oral tablet, while Minivelle is a patch applied to the skin. Premarin is used for a wider range of conditions, including certain advanced stages of breast and prostate cancers. Premarin is taken daily or in cycles, depending on the condition, while Minivelle is applied to the lower stomach or buttocks twice a week. Both medications are only available as a brand. Common side effects of Premarin include headache, stomach pain, and nausea, while Minivelle may cause headaches, breast tenderness, and back pain. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects like blood clots, stroke, and certain cancers. Neither medication contains a progestin, so if you have a uterus you may need to take progestin separately.
