What is Vivelle Dot?

Vivelle Dot and the generic alternative estradiol patches are used to treat certain symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, and vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation. These symptoms are caused by the body making less estrogen. Vivelle-Dot is also used to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become thin and weak and break easily, in women who are experiencing or have experienced menopause. It may also be prescribed to treat ovarian disorders. Estradiol is a form of estrogen, a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries. Estrogen is necessary for many processes in the body.

How does Vivelle Dot work?

Vivelle Dot patch is an estrogen hormone. The hormone from the patch is absorbed through your skin into your body. It works by preventing symptoms, such as feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest, or sudden strong feelings of heat and sweating (hot flashes) in women during menopause.

Always read the patient information and instructions carefully before using this medication.

• Apply the skin patch to clean, dry skin on your stomach or buttocks.
• Press the patch firmly into place for at least 10 seconds.
• Choose a different spot within these skin areas each time you apply a new patch.
• Do not use the same skin area twice within 7 days.
• Do not apply a skin patch to your breasts or a patch where it might be rubbed off by tight clothing, such as under an elastic waistband.
• If a patch falls off, try sticking it back into place. If it does not stick well, put on a new patch on a different skin area and leave it on only for the rest of your wearing time. Do not change your patch removal schedule.
• Remove the patch and apply a new one on the same day(s) each week to stay on your once-weekly or twice-weekly schedule.
• After removing a skin patch, fold it in half so it sticks together. Discard the folded patch in a place children and pets cannot get to.
• If you forget to change your patch, change it as soon as you remember or wait until your next scheduled patch change. Do not apply two patches at one time.
• Store patches at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep each patch in its pouch until you are ready to use it.

Make sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist:

• If you have any drug allergies.
• Which other prescription and non-prescription medications you currently take.
• Your medical history, especially of vaginal bleeding, cancer, blood clots, stroke, heart disease, heart attack, liver disease or kidney disease.
• Your family medical history especially breast lumps, cancer, blood clots, angioedema, blood clotting disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, triglyceride levels, obesity, lupus, underactive thyroid, mineral imbalance, hypoparathyroidism, uterus problems such as fibroids, endometriosis, gallbladder disease, asthma, seizures, migraine headaches or porphyria.
• Your personal and family history of mental or mood disorders such as dementia or depression.
• If you just had or will be having surgery, or if you will be confined to a chair or bed for a long time such as a long plane flight. These conditions increase your risk of getting blood clots, especially if you are taking an estrogen product.
• If you are breast-feeding.

Also be aware that:

• Estradiol may increase your risk of developing a condition that may lead to uterine cancer. Your doctor may prescribe a progestin to help lower this risk.
• If you need major surgery or will be on long-term bed rest, you may need to stop using this medicine for a short time.
• You should not use this medication if you are pregnant.
• You should not smoke or use tobacco while using this medication. Estrogens combined with smoking further increases your risk of stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure and heart attack, especially in women older than 35.
• If you are going to have an MRI test, tell testing personnel that you are using this patch. Some patches may contain metals that can cause serious burns during an MRI.
• Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. It may affect their growth or development.

Common side-effects may include but are not limited to:

• Headaches, breast pain or back pain.
• Stuffy nose, sinus pain or sore throat.
• Vaginal itching or discharge, changes in your menstrual periods or breakthrough bleeding.
• Bloating, stomach cramps, swelling or rapid weight gain, nausea or vomiting.
• Redness or irritation where the patch was worn.
• Thinning scalp hair.

Remove the skin patch and contact your doctor if you experience any of the following side-effects:

• Heart attack symptoms such as chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder or sweating.
• Signs of increased blood pressure such as severe headaches, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety or nosebleeds.
• Signs of a stroke such sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, slurred speech or problems with your vision or balance.
• Signs of a blood clot such as sudden vision loss, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath, coughing up blood, pain or warmth in one or both legs.
• Swelling or tenderness in your stomach.
• Yellowing of the skin or eyes.
• A breast lump.
• Memory problems, confusion or unusual behavior.
• Vomiting, constipation, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness, bone pain or lack of energy.

Q: What is the generic alternative to Vivelle Dot?

A: The Vivelle Dot generic alternative is known as estradiol patches. Estradiol patches are available in strengths of 50mcg, 75mcg and 100mcg and may offer better savings than Vivelle Dot.

Q: What is the strength of Vivelle Dot?

A: Both Vivelle Dot and the generic alternative estradiol patches are available in strengths of 50mcg, 75mcg and 100mcg. Vivelle Dot is also available in strengths of 25mcg and 37.5mcg.