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Compare Prempro vs. Minivelle

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

Key takeaways

Prempro (conjugated estrogens/medroxyprogesterone) and Minivelle (estradiol) are prescription medications used to treat menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, as well as to help prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause. However, they differ in several ways. Prempro is a combination of estrogen and progestin and is taken by mouth once a day, while Minivelle is an estrogen-only patch applied to the skin twice a week. Both medications are only available in a branded version. Common side effects of Prempro include breast pain, headaches, and menstrual cramps, while common Minivelle side effects include headache, breast tenderness, and back pain. Prempro includes a progestin, which is important for people with a uterus to help protect against uterine cancer, while Minivelle only contains an estrogen. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects like blood clots and certain cancers, so it's important to discuss these risks with your prescriber.

Prempro
Minivelle (estradiol patch)
Prempro
Minivelle (estradiol patch)
Summary of Prempro vs. Minivelle
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
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 Prempro vs. Minivelle
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, night sweats, and flushes caused by menopause

•Prevent osteoporosis that happens after menopause
Pros and Cons of Prempro vs. Minivelle
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

•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 Prempro vs. Minivelle
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

•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 Prempro vs. Minivelle
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 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
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Compare Prempro vs. Minivelle

Key takeaways

Summary of Prempro vs. Minivelle

Indications of Prempro vs. Minivelle

Pros and Cons of Prempro vs. Minivelle

Common Side Effects of Prempro vs. Minivelle

Warnings of Prempro vs. Minivelle

Prices with our coupons for Prempro vs. Minivelle

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