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Compare Vivelle-Dot vs. Depo-Estradiol

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

Key takeaways

Climara (estradiol) and Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate) are both estrogen replacement therapies, but they differ in their forms and administration. Climara is a transdermal patch applied to the skin once or twice a week, while Depo-Estradiol is an intramuscular injection given every 3 to 4 weeks. Climara is available in both generic and brand-name forms, which can make it more affordable, whereas Depo-Estradiol is only available as a brand name injection. Climara can treat a wider range of menopause symptoms, including vaginal dryness, which Depo-Estradiol does not address. Both medications carry similar risks, such as increased chances of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes, and both require the addition of progestin if you have a uterus to lower the risk of uterine cancer. However, Depo-Estradiol is noted for its convenience of monthly dosing and effectiveness in treating severe hot flashes.

  • Vivelle-dot (estradiol patch)
    Depo-estradiol (estradiol cypionate)
  • Vivelle-dot (estradiol patch)
    Depo-estradiol (estradiol cypionate)

  • Summary of Vivelle-Dot vs. Depo-Estradiol

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Vivelle-Dot (estradiol patch) is a twice-weekly hormonal patch used to treat menopause symptoms and low estrogen levels. It also helps prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in people who have gone through menopause. The patch is a form 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. Side effects include headache, breast pain, and sinus swelling. </br> This twice weekly patch is also available as a generic called Dotti.

    Summary for Estrogen replacement
    Prescription only

    Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate) injection is a hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It's used to relieve certain menopause symptoms, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. It can also raise estrogen levels in people who aren't making enough hormones. It's injected into the muscle about once every month. You can store Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate) vials at room temperature, away from light. Some side effects of this medication include injection-site pain, headaches, and breast tenderness.

  • Indications of Vivelle-Dot vs. Depo-Estradiol

    Indications for
    •Hot flashes, night sweats, and flushes caused by menopause
    •Vaginal dryness and irritation caused by menopause
    •Low estrogen levels due to certain conditions
    •Prevention of osteoporosis after menopause
    Indications for
    •Moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) of menopause, like hot flashes and night sweats
    •Low estrogen level caused by hypogonadism

  • Pros and Cons of Vivelle-Dot vs. Depo-Estradiol

    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Typically has fewer side effects than oral estrogen pills
    •Relieves multiple menopause symptoms
    •Good option if you have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available in different strengths, allowing you to customize your dose
    Cons
    •Commonly causes headache, breast pain, and sinus swelling
    •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
    Pros and Const for Estrogen replacement
    Pros
    •Can be injected at home
    •Typically injected once every 3 to 4 weeks
    •Can be stored at room temperature
    Cons
    •Given as an injection
    •Raises the risk of blood clots and strokes
    •If you have your uterus, you have to use Depo-Estradiol (estradiol cypionate) with another hormone called progestin to lower your risk of uterine cancer.

  • Common Side Effects of Vivelle-Dot vs. Depo-Estradiol

    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%)
    Common Side Effects for
    •Injection-site pain
    •Breast tenderness or growth
    •Nausea or vomiting
    •Headaches
    •Stomach cramps
    •Vaginal spotting or irregular bleeding

  • Warnings of Vivelle-Dot vs. Depo-Estradiol

    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
    Common Side Effects for
    •Uterine or endometrial cancer
    •Breast cancer
    •Blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes
    •Risk of dementia
    •Gallbladder problems
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •Vision problems
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid Retention
    •Higher risk of side effects
    •High triglycerides
    •Worsening of other medical conditions

  • Prices with our coupons for Vivelle-Dot vs. Depo-Estradiol

    Learn more about Vivelle-dot
    Learn more about Depo-estradiol

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