What is Vivelle Dot?

Vivelle Dot (Estradiol) is a form of estrogen, a female sex hormone produced by the ovaries and is necessary for many processes in the body. Vivelle Dot is prescribed to treat symptoms of menopause including hot flashes and vaginal dryness, burning or irritation which are a result of the body making less estrogen. Vivelle-Dot may also be used to treat ovarian disorders and to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis, a condition in which the bones become thin, weak and can break easily.

How does Vivelle Dot work?

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

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, pressing the patch firmly into place for ten seconds.
• Each time you use the patch, use a different area and do not use the same area twice within a week.
• You should not apply a Vivelle Dot patch to your breasts or any area it may be rubbed off.
• If a patch falls off, attempt to sticking it back in place. If it does stay on, then put on a new patch on a different skin area. Leave your replacement patch 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. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and your response to treatment. Do not increase or change your Vivelle dosage unless advised to by a doctor.

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 of 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 depression or dementia.
• If you just had or will be having surgery as this may increase the risk of blood clots, especially if you are taking an estrogen product.
• If you will be confined to a chair or bed for a long time such as a long plane flight as 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:

• This medication may increase your risk of developing a condition which could lead to uterine cancer. Your doctor may prescribe a progestin to help lower this risk.
• Vivelle Dot should not be used if you are pregnant.
• Do not smoke or use tobacco if you are taking this medication as together these can 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, you should tell testing personnel that you are using this patch because some patches may contain metals which can cause serious burns during an MRI.
• Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug and it could affect their growth or development.

Common Vivelle Dot side effects may include but are not limited to:

• Headache, back pain or breast pain.
• Stuffy nose, sinus pain or sore throat.
• Changes in your menstrual periods, breakthrough bleeding or vaginal itching or discharge.
• Bloating or stomach cramps.
• Nausea or vomiting.
• Redness or irritation where the patch was worn.
• Signs of fluid retention such as swelling or rapid weight gain.

Contact your doctor if you experience any of the following Vivelle Dot side effects:

• Signs of heart attacks including chest pains or pressure, sweating or pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder. /li>
• Symptoms of increased blood pressure including severe headaches, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety or nosebleeds.
• Symptoms of a stroke including sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body, slurred speech or problems with your vision or balance.
• Symptoms of a blood clot including 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, jaundice or breast lumps.
• Memory problems, confusion or unusual behavior.
• Vomiting, constipation, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness, bone pain or lack of energy.

Q: What is the Vivelle Dot generic alternative?

A: Generic Vivelle Dot is known as estradiol patches and are available in strengths of 50mcg, 75mcg and 100mcg. Estradiol may offer better savings on your medication than the brand name 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.