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USES: Estrogens are hormones used for replacement in women who are no longer producing proper amounts. This medication is used to treat symptoms associated with menopause and conditions in which hormone levels are low. It may also be used to prevent osteoporosis (bone loss).
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| Overview |
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How To Use |
Side Effects |
Precautions |
Missed Dose |
Drug Interactions |
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Vivelle
Uses
Estrogens are hormones used for replacement in women who are no longer producing proper amounts. This medication is used to treat symptoms associated with menopause and conditions in which hormone levels are low. It may also be used to prevent osteoporosis (bone loss).
Notes
- If the area around the patch becomes red, itchy or irritated, try a new site.
- If the irritation continues or becomes worse, notify your doctor.
- Do not allow anyone else to use this medication.
Storage
- Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
How To Use
- HOW TO USE THIS MEDICATION: Use this medication as prescribed.
- Follow the dosing schedule carefully.
- Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions.
- The patch should be applied to a clean, dry area usually on the abdomen or buttocks.
- It may also be placed on the trunk (torso) or hips (not on arms or legs).
- Do not place the patch on the breast and avoid the waistline since tight clothing may rub the patch off.
- If necessary, clip hair from the site prior to applying the patch.
- Remove the patch from the package, peel off the protective strip and immediately apply it to the site.
- Press firmly for 10 to 20 seconds to make sure it stays in place.
- Be sure the edges are held firmly to the skin.
- Each patch may be worn continually as prescribed even while showering or bathing.
- To prevent skin irritation, do not apply patches to the same site.
- Rotate where they are placed on the skin.
- Ask your pharmacist what to do if a patch starts to fall off.
Side Effects
- This medication may cause dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, stomach upset, bloating, or nausea.
- These effects should disappear as your body adjusts to the medication.
- If they continue or become bothersome, inform your doctor.
- Notify your doctor if you experience severe depression, pain in the groin or calf, sudden severe headache, chest pain, shortness of breath, lumps in the breast, weakness or tingling in the arm or leg, or yellowing of the eyes or skin while taking this medication.
- If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
- Before you use this medication, tell your doctor your entire medical history, including family medical history, especially breast lumps and cancer; high blood pressure; diabetes; asthma; epilepsy (seizures); migraine headaches; liver, heart or kidney disease; depression; toxemia (high blood pressure during pregnancy); jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) during pregnancy; excessive weight gain and fluid retention (bloating) during the menstrual cycle or if you have uterine fibroid tumors.
- Before having surgery, tell the doctor that you use this drug.
- Cigarette smoking can increase the chance of blood clots while using this medication (especially in women past the age of 35).
- Depending on strength, this drug may cause a patchy, darkening of the skin on the face (melasma).
- Higher strengths are more likely to cause melasma.
- Sunlight may intensify this darkening and you may need to avoid prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps.
- Consult your doctor regarding use of sunscreens and protective clothing.
- This medication must not be used during pregnancy.
- If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
- Estradiol is excreted into breast milk.
- Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Missed Dose
- If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
- Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Drug Interactions
- Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may use, especially of seizure medication, barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital), cimetidine, rifampin, thyroid and corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone).
- This product can affect the results of certain lab tests.
- Make sure laboratory personnel and your doctors know you use this drug.
- Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Share
and Enjoy!
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| User Medicine Opinions for Vivelle |
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| Overall: |
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| Low adverse
Reactions |
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| Healing
Power: |
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| No dependency problems: |
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| Cost-Benefit: |
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Sex:
F
Age: 53
Time Taken:
4 years
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| Reason: Hysterectomy |
Date:
20 April 2007 |
Side Effects
None
Additional
Thoughts
The Vivelle dot is fantastic. I had a complete hysterectomy in 2002 and went on the patch pretty quickly after. It nipped the hot flashes, sleeplessness, anxiety, and night sweats in the bud; my sex life is great; and my husband has noticed that I seem to be more even-keeled, moodwise.
I started at .1 mg. and am now at .5 and am still doing fine. That and the hysterectomy has improved my quality of life immensely. I have had problems with my periods since the day they started--very heavy bleeding, clots, extreme pain, sometimes almost fainting, terrible mood swings, pain during/after sex, pain even when not on my period.
I had a complete hysterectomy and was found to have endometriosis, adenomyosis, and generally a messed-up reproductive system. I am now pain free and enjoy my life ALL of the days of the month! For me, the hysterectomy and going on the Vivelle patch enhanced the quality of my life immensely!
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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
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