Vivelle-Dot

Vivelle-Dot (estradiol patch) can raise the risk of blood clots. These clots can block the blood flow to other parts of the body, like the leg, lungs, heart, or brain. Some clots can lead to dangerous complications, like heart attack or stroke.

Vaginal bleeding after menopause can be a warning sign of uterine (endometrial) cancer, so let your prescriber know if you notice any unusual bleeding. Using estrogen replacement therapy, like the Vivelle-Dot (estradiol patch), for more than a year can raise your risk of this cancer. If you still have your uterus, taking another hormone called a progestin along with Vivelle-Dot (estradiol patch) can help lower this risk. Progestin works by balancing estrogen's effects and slowing the growth of the uterine lining.

Taking Vivelle-Dot (estradiol patch) with a progestin can raise your risk of breast cancer. The longer you use them, the higher the risk. That's why it's best to use this medication for the shortest time needed. You should have a breast exam every year with a healthcare professional and do monthly self-exams to check for any changes. In addition, check with your prescriber about when to schedule mammograms. Call your prescriber if you notice any abnormal changes or feel lumps, pain, or swelling in your breasts.

Taking Vivelle-Dot (estradiol patch) with a progestin might raise your risk of ovarian cancer. If you're concerned about this risk, talk to your prescriber. Let your prescriber or gynecologist know if you have unusual vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge, or pelvic pain, as these could be signs of ovarian cancer.

Taking estrogen alone or with progestin might raise the risk of dementia, especially in older adults. Talk to your prescriber if you have concerns about memory problems or dementia while taking this medication.

Vivelle-Dot (estradiol patch) can cause gallbladder problems, and some people have even needed to have their gallbladder removed after starting this medication. If you have stomach pain, nausea or vomiting that won't go away, fever, or yellowing of the skin and eyes (jaundice), tell your prescriber right away or get medical attention.

Although very rare, some people taking estrogens had vision problems from a blood clot in the eye. Stop taking Vivelle-Dot (estradiol patch) right away and tell your prescriber if you have sudden vision loss, bulging eyes, double vision, or migraines.

Estrogens like Vivelle-Dot (estradiol patch) can raise your blood fat levels (triglycerides), which can lead to heart problems or inflammation of the pancreas. If you experience sudden stomach or back pain, nausea, vomiting, sudden weight loss, or a fast heart rate, contact your prescriber or get medical care right away.

Vivelle-Dot (estradiol patch) can affect thyroid hormone levels in your blood. If your thyroid is healthy, your body can adjust and keep your hormone levels normal. But if you take thyroid medication, you may need a higher dose while using Vivelle-Dot (estradiol patch). Your prescriber will monitor your thyroid levels during treatment to make sure they stay in a healthy range.

Using estrogen products like Vivelle-Dot (estradiol patch) might cause fluid retention, or edema. The risk is higher if you have heart conditions, like congestive heart failure, or kidney damage. If you notice unusual swelling in any part of your body or sudden weight gain, let your prescriber know. If fluid retention becomes a serious problem, your prescriber might stop your treatment with Vivelle-Dot (estradiol patch).

A few people using Vivelle-Dot (estradiol patch) have had severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis), including hives, itching, and swelling of the lips, tongue, or face. Some also had trouble breathing, stomach pain, or vomiting. Angioedema, which causes swelling of the eyes, face, throat, tongue, hands, legs, or fingers, has also been reported. In serious cases, swelling of the tongue or throat can block your airway, making it hard to breathe. If you have swelling or signs of a severe allergic reaction, get medical help right away.