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Compare Prempro vs. Elestrin

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

Key takeaways

Prempro (conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone) and Elestrin (estradiol gel) are both medications used to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. They belong to the estrogen replacement class, but they have some key differences. Prempro can also be used to prevent osteoporosis after menopause and is a combination of estrogen and progestin. Common side effects include breast pain, headaches, and menstrual cramps. Prempro includes a progestin, which is important for people with a uterus to help protect against uterine cancer. Elestrin, on the other hand, is a topical gel applied to the skin once a day and contains only estradiol, a type of estrogen. Both medications are only available in a branded version. Common Elestrin side effects include breast tenderness and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Both medications can increase the risk of blood clots and certain cancers. Elestrin requires careful application to avoid transferring the gel to others through skin contact. If you have a uterus, you might need to take a progestin with Elestrin to protect the uterus.

  • Prempro
    Elestrin (estradiol gel)
  • Prempro
    Elestrin (estradiol gel)

  • Summary of Prempro vs. Elestrin

    Summary for Estrogen replacement / Progestin
    Prescription only

    Prempro is a combination estrogen/progestin medication that relieves menopausal symptoms like vaginal dryness and hot flashes. It's also used for preventing osteoporosis after menopause. This hormone replacement therapy is an option for people with a uterus. The medication is brand only since there is no generic available. Follow your prescriber's instructions for the correct dose. Prempro is taken by mouth once a day with the same dose each day. Premphase is also taken daily but contains two types of tablets: one with estrogen and one with conjugated estrogens plus medroxyprogesterone, taken on different days. Common side effects include breast pain, headaches, and menstrual cramps.

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Elestrin (estradiol gel) is a hormone replacement therapy used to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. It comes as a pump bottle, and the dose is applied to the skin on your upper arm once a day. The gel is only available as a brand-name medication because there is no generic version. Common side effects include breast tenderness, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and upper respiratory infections.

  • Indications of Prempro vs. Elestrin

    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) of menopause, like hot flashes and night sweats
    •Moderate-to-severe vaginal symptoms due to menopause, like vaginal dryness and irritation
    •Prevention of bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause
    Indications for
    •Hot flashes and night sweats due to menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Prempro vs. Elestrin

    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement / Progestin
    Pros
    •Only need to take once a day by mouth
    •Relieves multiple menopausal symptoms
    •Includes a progestin which helps protect your uterus
    •Lowers your risk of fractures by keeping your bones healthy
    Cons
    •Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Has more possible side effects than similar alternatives
    •Not safe if you have liver problems
    •Can't be used if you have a history of breast cancer
    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Relieves bothersome menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats
    •Starts at a lower estrogen dose compared to other estrogen gel pumps
    •Applied directly to the skin on your upper arm
    •Only need to use once a day
    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 Prempro vs. Elestrin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Breast pain (up to 36%)
    •Headaches (up to 19%)
    •Stomach pain (up to 17%)
    •Menstrual cramps (up to 13%)
    •Gas (up to 8%)
    •Nausea (up to 8%)
    •Depression (up to 8%)
    •More vaginal discharge than usual (up to 8%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Common cold symptoms (9-10%)
    •Abnormal vaginal bleeding (4-9%)
    •Breast tenderness (7-8%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (4-6%)

  • Warnings of Prempro vs. Elestrin

    Common Side Effects for
    •Risk of blood clot
    •Breast cancer
    •Uterine (endometrial) cancer
    •Dementia
    •Gallbladder and liver problems
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •Vision problems
    •High triglycerides
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid Retention
    •Severe allergic reaction
    •Worsening of other medical 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 Prempro vs. Elestrin

    Learn more about Prempro
    Learn more about Elestrin

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