Climara vs. Minivelle: Comparison
Are Climara and Minivelle the Same Thing?
Climara (estradiol) Transdermal System and Minivelle (estradiol transdermal system) are forms of the estrogen hormone used to treat vasomotor symptoms due to menopause.
Climara is also used to treat vulvar and vaginal atrophy symptoms due to menopause, hypoestrogenism, and to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Side effects of Climara and Minivelle that are similar include skin redness or irritation at the application site, nausea, vomiting, constipation, bloating, breast swelling and tenderness, headache, weight changes, back pain, joint pain, and cold symptoms (runny or stuffy nose, sneezing, sinus pain, sore throat).
Side effects of Climara that are different from Minivelle include acne or skin color changes, abdominal pain, upset stomach, nipple discharge, increased facial hair, thinning scalp hair,
changes in your menstrual periods, and break-through bleeding.
Side effects of Minivelle that are different from Climara include indigestion, flu symptoms, upper respiratory tract infection, weight gain, neck pain, pain in extremities, anxiety, depression, insomnia, changes in menstrual periods, hot flashes, and high blood pressure (hypertension).
Both Climara and Minivelle may interact with St. John's wort, carbamazepine, erythromycin, and ketoconazole or other azole antifungals.
Climara may also interact with blood thinners and ritonavir.
Minivelle may also interact with phenobarbital, rifampin, clarithromycin, ritonavir, and grapefruit juice.
What Are Possible Side Effects of Climara?
Side effects of Climara include:
- skin irritation,
- acne or skin color changes,
- abdominal pain,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- upset stomach,
- constipation bloating,
- breast swelling and tenderness,
- nipple discharge,
- headache,
- weight changes,
- increased facial hair,
- thinning scalp hair,
- back pain,
- joint pain,
- cold symptoms (stuffy nose, sneezing, sinus pain, sore throat),
- changes in your menstrual periods, or
- break-through bleeding.
Tell your doctor if you have serious side effects of Climara Transdermal System including:
- mental/mood changes (such as depression, memory loss),
- breast lumps,
- unusual vaginal bleeding (such as spotting, prolonged or recurrent bleeding),
- increased or new vaginal irritation/itching/odor/discharge,
- severe stomach or abdominal pain,
- persistent nausea or vomiting,
- yellowing eyes or skin,
- dark urine,
- swelling hands/ankles/feet, or
- increased thirst or urination.
What Are Possible Side Effects of Minivelle?
Common side effects of Minivelle include:
- skin redness or irritation at the application site,
- nausea,
- vomiting,
- bloating,
- breast tenderness,
- headache,
- weight changes,
- constipation,
- indigestion,
- flu symptoms,
- runny or stuffy nose,
- upper respiratory tract infection,
- weight gain,
- joint pain,
- back pain,
- neck pain,
- pain in the extremities,
- anxiety,
- depression,
- insomnia,
- changes in menstrual periods,
- hot flashes, and
- high blood pressure.
What Is Climara?
Climara (estradiol) Transdermal System is an estrogen hormone used to treat vasomotor, vulvar, and vaginal atrophy symptoms due to menopause, hypoestrogenism, and to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. Climara Transdermal System should not be used to prevent cardiovascular disease or dementia.
What Is Minivelle?
Minivelle (estradiol transdermal system) is a form of the female hormone estrogen, used to treat moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause.
What Drugs Interact With Climara?
St. John's wort, blood thinners, ritonavir, carbamazepine, erythromycin, and Ketozole or other azole antifungals may interact with Climara. Tell your doctor all medications you take.
What Drugs Interact With Minivelle?
Minivelle may interact with other drugs. Tell your doctor all medications and supplements you use. Minivelle should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
How Should Climara be Taken?
The recommended dosage of Climara is 6.5 cm2 (0.025 mg/day) applied to the skin once a week.
How Should Minivelle be Taken?
The initial dose of Minivelle should be 0.0375 mg per day applied to the skin twice weekly. Place the adhesive side of Minivelle on a clean, dry area on the lower abdomen. Replace twice weekly (every 3-4 days).