What is Vivelle Patch (Estradiol)?
Vivelle Patch Estradiol is a form of estrogen, the female sex hormone regulates many processes in the body.
Estradiol transdermal patch of skin is used to treat certain symptoms of menopause such as dryness, burning, and itching in the vaginal area. Estradiol transdermal also reduces urgency or irritation of urination.
Estradiol skin, also used to treat ovarian disorders, infertility, and abnormal vaginal bleeding. Some estradiol skin used for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis. Transdermal patches of skin release the drug slowly, and it enters the body through the skin.
Estradiol transdermal may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about Vivelle Patch (Estradiol)?
Do not use this medication if you have any of the following conditions: history of stroke or blood clot, circulation, blood clotting, hormone-related cancers such as breast or uterine cancer, or abnormal vaginal bleeding.
This medication can cause birth defects in the unborn child. Do not use if you are pregnant. The use of effective forms of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Vivelle increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, conditions that can lead to cancer of the uterus. Taking progestins using Vivelle may reduce this risk. If the uterus is not removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take when using transdermal estradiol.
Long-term estradiol treatment may increase the risk of breast cancer, heart attack or stroke. Talk to your doctor about your individual risks before using estradiol long-term. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether to continue with this treatment.
There are regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis, using transdermal estradiol.
What should I discuss with your doctor before taking Vivelle Patch (Estradiol)?
Do not use estradiol transdermal if you have:
• bleeding or blood clotting disorder
• stroke or circulatory
• abnormal vaginal bleeding that a doctor is not checked, or
• any type of breast, uterine, or hormone-dependent cancers
Before using estradiol transdermal, tell your doctor if you have:
• high blood pressure, angina, or heart disease
• high cholesterol or triglycerides
• liver disease
• kidney disease
• Asthma
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder
• Migraine
• Diabetes
• Depression
• gall bladder disease, or
• If you have had your uterus removed (hysterectomy)
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dosage adjustment or special tests to safely use estradiol transdermal.
Vivelle increases the risk of endometrial hyperplasia, conditions that can lead to cancer of the uterus. Taking progestins using estradiol may lower this risk. If the uterus is not removed, your doctor may prescribe a progestin for you to take when using transdermal estradiol.
Long-term estradiol treatment may increase the risk of stroke. Talk to your doctor about your individual risks before using estradiol long-term. Your doctor should check your progress on a regular basis (every 3 to 6 months) to determine whether to continue with this treatment.
FDA pregnancy category X. This medication can cause birth defects. Do not use estradiol transdermal if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are using this medication.
Estradiol can pass into breast milk and may harm a baby. This medication may also slow the production of milk. Do not use if you are breast-feeding baby.
What are the possible side effects of Vivelle Patch (Estradiol)?
Get help from emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swollen face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:
• chest pain or heavy feeling, pain spreading to the arm or shoulder, nausea, sweating, general dislike
• Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body
• sudden headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or balance
• pain or swelling in the lower leg
• abnormal vaginal bleeding
• pain, swelling, or tenderness in the stomach
• jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or
• swelling in the breast
Less serious side effects may include:
• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
• swollen breasts
• changes in acne or skin color
• decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm
• headache and dizziness
• vaginal pain, dryness, or discomfort
• swelling of the ankles or feet
• depression, or
• changes in your menses, breakthrough bleeding
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Consult your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs affect Vivelle Patch (Estradiol)?
Before using estradiol transdermal, tell your doctor if you use any of the following drugs:
• St. John’s Wort
• phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton)
• a blood thinner such as warfarin (Coumadin)
• ritonavir (Norvir)
• carbamazepine (Carbatrol, Tegretol.)
• antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin.), erythromycin (E-Mycin, EES, Erythrocin, Ery-Tab), or rifampin (Rifadin, Rifater, Rifamate, Rimactane); or
• Antifungal drugs such as ketoconazole (Nizoral) or itraconazole (Sporanox)
This list is not complete and there may be other drugs that can interact with estradiol transdermal. Tell your doctor about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you use. This includes vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and drugs prescribed by other doctors. Do not start using a new medication without speaking to your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Vivelle Patch (Estradiol)?
Avoid using other products of estrogen without doctor’s advice.
How should I take Vivelle Patch (Estradiol)?
Use this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not use the medication in larger amounts, or use it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the instructions on your prescription label.
Apply to clean skin, dry skin on the abdomen, lower back or buttocks. Choose a different place within these areas of skin, every time you apply a new patch. Avoid contact with skin that is oily, irritated, or damaged.
Press the patch in place firmly for 10 seconds, especially around the edges.
Do not apply the patch on the chest. Do not apply a patch where it can be erased from tight clothing, such as under an elastic waistband.
If the stain falls, try putting it back in another area of the skin, pressing the patch in place for 10 seconds. If the patch will not stick you can make a new one.
There are regular physical exams and self-examine your breasts for lumps on a monthly basis, using transdermal estradiol.
Keep this medication at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I overdose Vivelle Patch (Estradiol)?
Contact your doctor immediately if you think you have used too much of this medicine. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, and vaginal bleeding.
What happens if I miss a dose of Vivelle Patch (Estradiol)?
Apply to skin as soon as you remember. If it is almost time to apply the following patch missed dose and apply the patch at the next regularly scheduled time. Do not use extra patches to make up the missed dose.
