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.
