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Compare Vivelle-Dot vs. Minivelle

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

Key takeaways

Vivelle-Dot (estradiol) and Minivelle (estradiol) are both estrogen replacement medications used to treat menopause symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, and to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause. They are both transdermal patches applied twice a week. Both medications are available by prescription only and are not controlled substances. They share similar side effects, such as headaches, common cold symptoms, and breast tenderness. Both medications can also cause weight gain and have serious risks, including increasing the risk of blood clots and certain types of cancer. They are bioidentical hormones, meaning they are chemically similar to the hormones naturally found in your body. You should apply these patches to your lower stomach or buttocks, avoiding the waistline to prevent them from falling off.

  • Vivelle-dot (estradiol patch)
    Minivelle (estradiol patch)
  • Vivelle-dot (estradiol patch)
    Minivelle (estradiol patch)

  • Summary of Vivelle-Dot vs. Minivelle

    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

    Minivelle (estradiol patch) is a twice-weekly hormonal patch that treats moderate-to-severe vasomotor symptoms, like hot flashes and night sweats, caused by menopause. It can also prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause. It's a type 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. Potential side effects include headache, breast tenderness, and back pain.

  • Indications of Vivelle-Dot vs. Minivelle

    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, night sweats, and flushes caused by menopause
    •Prevent osteoporosis that happens after menopause

  • Pros and Cons of Vivelle-Dot vs. Minivelle

    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
    •Typically has fewer side effects than oral estrogen pills
    •Delivers a consistent dose of estrogen over time
    •Good option if you have trouble swallowing pills
    •Available in different strengths, allowing you to customize your dose
    Cons
    •Commonly causes headache, breast tenderness, and back pain
    •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 of Vivelle-Dot vs. Minivelle

    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
    •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 of Vivelle-Dot vs. Minivelle

    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 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

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

    Learn more about Vivelle-dot
    Learn more about Minivelle

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