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Vivelle-Dot vs. Evamist

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

Key takeaways

Vivelle-Dot (estradiol patch) and Evamist (estradiol spray) are both estrogen replacement therapies used to treat menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats. They are in the same medication class and work by replacing estrogen that your body loses during menopause. However, they differ in their forms and specific uses. Vivelle-Dot is a transdermal patch applied twice a week, while Evamist is a topical spray applied to your inner forearm once daily. Vivelle-Dot is also used for preventing osteoporosis after menopause, which is not an FDA-approved use for Evamist. Vivelle-Dot is available as a generic called Dotti, but Evamist does not have a generic version. Common side effects for both include headaches, common cold symptoms, and breast tenderness. Both medications can increase the risk of blood clots and certain types of cancer.

Vivelle-Dot

(estradiol patch)

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Evamist

(estradiol)

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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 Evamist

Prescription only

Evamist (estradiol) is a topical hormone spray that helps relieve the hot flashes and night sweats caused by menopause. It's a hormone replacement therapy (HRT) that's sprayed onto the skin of your inner forearm once a day. The typical dose ranges from 1 to 3 sprays daily, depending on your symptoms. Some potential side effects of this medication include headache, tender breasts, and back pain.

Indications for Evamist

Pros and Cons for Evamist

Pros

  • Dries within 2 minutes, doesn't need to be rubbed in
  • Possible option if you can't swallow pills
  • Only needs to be applied once a day

Cons

  • Raises your risk of certain cancers, blood clots, and strokes
  • Need to use with progestin to lower your risk of uterine cancer (in females who have uterus)
  • Must cover with clothing to prevent exposure to others

Common Side Effects for Evamist

  • Headache (up to 12%)
  • Breast tenderness (up to 7%)
  • Nipple pain (up to 7%)
  • Cold-like symptoms (up to 5%)
  • Back pain (up to 5%)
  • Joint pain (up to 4%)

Warnings for Evamist

  • Uterine or endometrial cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Blood clots, heart attacks, and strokes
  • Risk of dementia
  • Risk of harm in children (accidental contact with medication)
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Higher risk of side effects
  • Vision problems
  • High triglycerides
  • Changes in calcium levels in the blood
  • Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
  • Swelling from fluids
  • Worsening of other medical conditions

Prices with our coupons for Vivelle-Dot vs. Evamist

Price Card Drug Icon
Estradiol3 cartons / 8 twice-weekly patches of 0.05mg/day
$84.47$112.54
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Price Card Drug Icon
Evamist1 bottle / 8.1ml of 1.53mg/spray
$75.00$178.80
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