Climara vs. Vivelle-Dot

Climara (estradiol) Transdermal System and Vivelle-Dot (estradiol transdermal system) are forms of the estrogen hormone used to treat vasomotor, vulvar, and vaginal atrophy symptoms due to menopause, hypoestrogenism, and to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis.

Vivelle-Dot also reduces urgency or irritation of urination. Vivelle-Dot is also used to treat ovarian disorders, infertility, and abnormal vaginal bleeding.

Side effects of Climara and Vivelle-Dot that are similar include skin redness/irritation at the application site, acne, skin color changes, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset or pain, 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, and break-through bleeding.

Both Climara and Vivelle-Dot may interact with St. John's wort, blood thinners, ritonavir, carbamazepine, erythromycin and other antibiotics, and ketoconazole or other azole antifungals.

Vivelle-Dot may also interact with phenobarbital.

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.

Common side effects of Vivelle-Dot include:

• skin redness/irritation at the application site,
• nausea,
• vomiting,
• upset stomach,
• constipation,
• bloating,
• breast swelling and tenderness,
• nipple discharge,
• headache,
• back pain,
• joint pain,
• weight changes,
• acne,
• skin color changes,
• increased facial hair,
• thinning scalp hair,
• 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 Vivelle-Dot including:

• mental/mood changes (such as depression, memory loss),
• breast lumps,
• unusual vaginal bleeding (such as spotting, breakthrough bleeding, 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.

Vivelle-Dot (estradiol transdermal system) is a form of the female hormone estrogen used to treat certain symptoms of menopause such as dryness, burning, and itching of the vaginal area. Vivelle-Dot reduces urgency or irritation of urination. Vivelle-Dot is also used to treat ovarian disorders, infertility, and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Some estradiol skin patches are used to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis.

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.

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.

Vivelle-Dot may interact with St. John's wort, phenobarbital, blood thinners, ritonavir, carbamazepine, antibiotics, or antifungals. Tell your doctor all medication you are taking.

The recommended dosage of Climara is 6.5 cm2 (0.025 mg/day) applied to the skin once a week.

Vivelle-Dot transdermal skin patches release the drug slowly, and the dose is absorbed through your skin. The patch is usually replaced twice a week (every 3 to 4 days). Use this medication as directed by your doctor and follow the dosing schedule.