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Compare Vivelle-Dot vs. Elestrin

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

Key takeaways

Vivelle-Dot (estradiol patch) and Elestrin (estradiol gel) are both estrogen replacement therapies used to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. They are in the same medication class and work by replacing estrogen in the body. However, they differ in their forms and dosing. Vivelle-Dot is a transdermal patch applied twice a week, while Elestrin is a topical gel applied once daily to the upper arm. Vivelle-Dot is available as a generic (Dotti), but Elestrin is only available as a brand-name medication. Common side effects of Vivelle-Dot include headaches and breast tenderness, while Elestrin may cause breast tenderness and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Both medications carry risks of serious side effects like blood clots and certain cancers, and they may require additional progestin therapy if you have a uterus. You should apply the Vivelle-Dot patch to your lower stomach or buttocks, avoiding the waistline to prevent the patch from falling off.

  • Vivelle-dot (estradiol patch)
    Elestrin (estradiol gel)
  • Vivelle-dot (estradiol patch)
    Elestrin (estradiol gel)

  • Summary of Vivelle-Dot vs. Elestrin

    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

    Elestrin (estradiol gel) is a hormone replacement therapy used to relieve menopausal symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. It comes as a pump bottle, and the dose is applied to the skin on your upper arm once a day. The gel is only available as a brand-name medication because there is no generic version. Common side effects include breast tenderness, abnormal vaginal bleeding, and upper respiratory infections.

  • Indications of Vivelle-Dot vs. Elestrin

    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
    •Hot flashes and night sweats due to menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Vivelle-Dot vs. Elestrin

    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
    •Relieves bothersome menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes and night sweats
    •Starts at a lower estrogen dose compared to other estrogen gel pumps
    •Applied directly to the skin on your upper arm
    •Only need to use once a day
    Cons
    •Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Risk of exposing others to estrogen through skin contact
    •Might also need to take a progestin medication if you have a uterus
    •Need to wait for the gel to dry completely before bathing, showering, or swimming

  • Common Side Effects of Vivelle-Dot vs. Elestrin

    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
    •Common cold symptoms (9-10%)
    •Abnormal vaginal bleeding (4-9%)
    •Breast tenderness (7-8%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection (4-6%)

  • Warnings of Vivelle-Dot vs. Elestrin

    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
    •Risk of blood clot
    •Uterine (endometrial) cancer
    •Breast cancer
    •Dementia
    •Gallbladder and liver problems
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •Vision problems
    •High triglycerides
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid Retention
    •Worsening of other medical conditions
    •Potential skin-to-skin transfer

  • Prices with our coupons for Vivelle-Dot vs. Elestrin

    Learn more about Vivelle-dot
    Learn more about Elestrin

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