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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)

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Depo-Estradiol

(estradiol cypionate)

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Summary for Vivelle-Dot

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.

This twice weekly patch is also available as a generic called Dotti.

Indications for Vivelle-Dot

Pros and Cons for Vivelle-Dot

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

Common Side Effects for Vivelle-Dot

  • 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 for Vivelle-Dot

  • 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

Summary for Depo-Estradiol

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 for Depo-Estradiol

Pros and Cons for Depo-Estradiol

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 for Depo-Estradiol

  • Injection-site pain
  • Breast tenderness or growth
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Headaches
  • Stomach cramps
  • Vaginal spotting or irregular bleeding

Warnings for Depo-Estradiol

  • 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

Price Card Drug Icon
Estradiol3 cartons / 8 twice-weekly patches of 0.05mg/day
$84.47$102.79
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Depo-Estradiol1 vial / 5ml of 5mg/ml
$253.66$303.17
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Compare other Menopause and Estrogen Replacement drugs

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