Skip to main content
HomeDrug Comparisons
Drug bottle and Pill

Compare Prempro vs. Activella

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

Key takeaways

Prempro (conjugated estrogens / medroxyprogesterone) and Activella (estradiol / norethindrone) are both used to treat menopausal symptoms and prevent osteoporosis, but they have some differences. Both medications are combination medications that contain estrogen and progestin, but they contain different formulations of these hormones. Prempro combines conjugated estrogens and medroxyprogesterone, while Activella combines estradiol and norethindrone. Both medications carry the risks of serious side effects, such as certain cancers, strokes, and blood clots. Additionally, both medications can cause breast pain, headaches, and vaginal discharge or bleeding. Activella has been shown to cause fewer instances of irregular bleeding and spotting compared to Prempro and can lead to larger drops in triglyceride and cholesterol levels. Both medications are taken once daily. Prempro is only available as a brand-name medication, making it more expensive, whereas Activella is available in a lower-cost generic form.

  • Prempro
    Activella (estradiol / norethindrone)
  • Prempro
    Activella (estradiol / norethindrone)

  • Summary of Prempro vs. Activella

    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 / 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 Prempro vs. Activella

    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

    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 Prempro vs. Activella

    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 / 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 Prempro vs. Activella

    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
    •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 Prempro vs. Activella

    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
    •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

  • Prices with our coupons for Prempro vs. Activella

    Learn more about Prempro
    Learn more about Activella

Compare other Osteoporosis and Menopause drugs

Estradiol vs PremproPremarin Vaginal Cream vs PremproPremarin vs PremproPrempro vs AloraPrempro vs ClimaraPrempro vs Depo EstradiolPrempro vs DivigelPrempro vs ElestrinPrempro vs Estrace Vaginal CreamPrempro vs Estradiol NorethindronePrempro vs Estradiol PatchPrempro vs EstringPrempro vs EvamistPrempro vs MinivellePrempro vs ProveraPrempro vs Vivelle DotAygestin vs ProveraEndometrin vs ProveraEstradiol Patch vs MinivelleFosamax vs MinivelleMinivelle vs ClimaraMinivelle vs DivigelMinivelle vs EstraceMinivelle vs Estradiol NorethindroneMinivelle vs EstringMinivelle vs EvamistPremarin Vaginal Cream vs MinivellePremarin vs MinivelleProvera vs MinivelleVivelle Dot vs Minivelle
View More

Browse medications

View All

Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.