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Compare Vivelle-Dot vs. Estrace

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

Key takeaways

Climara (estradiol) and Estrace (estradiol) are both estrogen replacement therapies, but they differ in their forms and uses. Climara is a transdermal patch applied to the skin once or twice a week, primarily treating multiple menopause symptoms like hot flashes and preventing osteoporosis. In contrast, Estrace is a vaginal cream used to relieve vaginal symptoms of menopause, such as dryness and itching, and is applied daily at first, then reduced to a few times a week. Climara is more likely to cause systemic side effects like headaches and weight gain, while Estrace has a lower risk of serious side effects because it is applied locally. However, both can increase the risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes. Neither Climara nor Estrace are suitable for those with liver problems. Estrace can be challenging to use and may cause vaginal irritation. Both medications require a prescription and have generic forms available.

  • Vivelle-dot (estradiol patch)
    Estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream
  • Vivelle-dot (estradiol patch)
    Estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream

  • Summary of Vivelle-Dot vs. Estrace

    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

    Estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream is used to lessen certain symptoms related to menopause, such as vaginal itching and dryness. It's a hormone replacement therapy that's made of estradiol, a form of estrogen. Estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream is applied vaginally with an applicator. Typically, your gynecologist or healthcare professional (HCP) will prescribe it daily for a few weeks, and then lower the dose to a few times a week after that. Some side effects of estradiol (Estrace) vaginal cream include vaginal burning and irritation.

  • Indications of Vivelle-Dot vs. Estrace

    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
    •Treatment of vaginal itching, dryness, and burning due to menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Vivelle-Dot vs. Estrace

    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
    •Only need to use it 1 to 3 times per week after your symptoms improve
    •Applied directly to the vagina where symptoms are occurring
    •Available as a lower-cost generic
    Cons
    •Might be challenging and uncomfortable to use
    •Raises your risk for certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
    •Some people might need to take it with another hormone called progestin

  • Common Side Effects of Vivelle-Dot vs. Estrace

    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
    •Application site burning and irritation
    •Breast pain or tenderness
    •Headache
    •Irregular vaginal bleeding or spotting
    •Nausea or vomiting
    •Bloating
    •Hair loss
    •Vaginal yeast infection

  • Warnings of Vivelle-Dot vs. Estrace

    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 (endometrial) cancer
    •Breast cancer
    •Blood clots and strokes
    •Heart disease and heart attacks
    •Dementia
    •Gallbladder and liver problems
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •Vision problems
    •High triglycerides
    •Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
    •Fluid retention (edema)
    •Worsening of other health conditions

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

    Learn more about Vivelle-dot
    Learn more about Estradiol

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