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Compare Vivelle-Dot vs. Activella

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

Key takeaways

Climara (estradiol) and Activella (estradiol/norethindrone) are both used to treat menopausal symptoms and prevent osteoporosis, but they have some key differences. Climara is a transdermal patch that only contains estradiol, while Activella is an oral tablet that combines estradiol with norethindrone, a progestin. Because Climara only has estrogen, if you still have your uterus, you will need to take a separate progestin to lower your risk of uterine cancer. Activella already includes norethindrone, which helps protect your uterus. Climara is applied once or twice a week, whereas Activella is taken daily. Both medications can cause weight gain and increase the risk of blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes, but Activella may cause more side effects since it features an estrogen and progestin. Additionally, Climara might not be suitable if you have liver problems, while Activella is not recommended if you have a history of certain cancers or blood clots.

  • Vivelle-dot (estradiol patch)
    Activella (estradiol / norethindrone)
  • Vivelle-dot (estradiol patch)
    Activella (estradiol / norethindrone)

  • Summary of Vivelle-Dot vs. Activella

    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 / Progestin
    Prescription only

    Activella is a combination hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that contains estradiol (an estrogen) and norethindrone (a progestin). It's used to treat certain symptoms of menopause, such as night sweats and vaginal dryness, related to low estrogen levels. It can also help prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) in females who've reached menopause. The typical dose is 1 tablet by mouth once daily. Some side effects of this medication include breast pain and headache. Activella (estradiol / norethindrone), as well as other HRTs, isn't recommended for people who've had breast cancer. <br> Activella is a brand-name medication. It also comes as a generic and branded generics, such as Mimvey.

  • Indications of Vivelle-Dot vs. Activella

    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

    In females who have a healthy uterus:

    •Moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms (VMS) of menopause, like hot flashes and night sweats
    •Moderate-to-severe symptoms of vulvar and vaginal atrophy, like vaginal dryness
    •Prevention of osteoporosis in females who've reached menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Vivelle-Dot vs. Activella

    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 / Progestin
    Pros
    •Taken by mouth once daily
    •Includes a progestin to protect against endometrial cancer
    •Available as a lower-cost generic medication
    Cons
    •Raises your risk of blood clots, heart attack, and stroke
    •Not for people who've had breast cancer
    •Not a first-choice option for vaginal symptoms of menopause or for preventing osteoporosis

  • Common Side Effects of Vivelle-Dot vs. Activella

    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
    •Breast pain (17-24%)
    •Headache (11-17%)
    •Accidental injury (3-17%)
    •Upper respiratory tract infection, like cough, cold, sore throat, congestion (10-15%)
    •Sinus infection (7-15%)
    •Postmenopausal bleeding (10-11%)
    •Nausea (10-11%)
    •Weight gain (up to 9%)
    •Ovarian cyst (up to 7%)
    •Stomach flu (up to 6%)
    •Viral infection (up to 6%)
    •Vaginal yeast infection (up to 6%)
    •Mood swings (up to 6%)
    •Back pain (3-6%)

  • Warnings of Vivelle-Dot vs. Activella

    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
    •Blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes
    •Breast cancer
    •Uterine or endometrial cancer
    •Dementia
    •Ovarian cancer
    •Liver or gallbladder problems
    •Changes in calcium levels in the blood
    •Vision problems
    •High triglyceride (fat) levels
    •Low thyroid hormone levels
    •Buildup of fluids in your body (fluid retention)
    •Worsening of other medical conditions

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

    Learn more about Vivelle-dot
    Learn more about Activella

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