What is Vivelle-Dot used for?

Vivelle-Dot is a prescription medication that is used to treat certain symptoms of menopause. Menopause is the time in a woman's life when her period stops, and her ovaries stop producing the hormones estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is an essential hormone for a number of bodily functions, but the supply of it decreases during menopause. When this happens, there are many negative effects such as diminished bone density (Osteoporosis), or other ovarian disorders.

You can buy Vivelle-Dot (Estradiol) online at My Drug Center. We currently do not have the Vivelle-Dot generic available.

How does Vivelle-Dot work?

Vivelle-Dot is a method of hormone replacement therapy, and it comes as a patch. The active ingredient in this medication is Estradiol. The Estradiol dosage in the patch is released slowly through the skin, which is circulated through the body, and helps increase estrogen levels to maintain bodily functions that require this hormone.

Before taking your prescribed medication read all the instructions that was provided by your pharmacist to ensure you are applying the patch correctly. 

Find a clean dry area on the body where the patch won't rub off and apply the patch against the skin. Press and hold for at least 10 seconds to make sure the patch adheres to the skin. Replace the patch every three to four days on a new area of the body waiting at least a week before re-applying in the same spot.

Vivelle-Dot should be used regularly to have optimal results. Do not change or increase your dose. You should continue taking this medication even if you feel well.

Vivelle-Dot may contain medical and non medical ingredients that could cause an allergic reaction. Consult with your doctor about any known allergies before taking Vivelle-Dot. Speak with your doctor about any known medical conditions relating to vaginal bleeding, certain cancers, blood clots, stroke, heart disease, swelling disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, lupus, under active thyroid, mineral imbalance, hormone problems, uterus problems, gallbladder disease, asthma, seizures, migraine headaches, blood disorders, and mental/mood disorders. Tell your doctor about any current medications or supplementation to avoid interactions with Vivelle-Dot dosage.

Smoking tobacco can increase the risk of stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attack in woman over 35 who take Vivelle-Dot.

Before taking Vivelle-Dot speak with your doctor if you are bed ridden or have recently had surgery. Being sedentary for extended periods can increase the risk of blood clots.

While taking Vivelle-Dot you may develop problems wearing your contact lenses. Speak with your eye doctor if vision problems occur during your treatment.

Vivelle-Dot can cause dark patches on your skin (melasma), and direct sunlight and exasperate this effect.  Limit sun exposure, tanning booths, and heat lamps. Wear protective clothing in the sun and wear sunscreen on unprotected areas to avoid discolorations n your skin. 

Vivelle-Dot Side effects can 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.

More serious Vivelle-Dot side effects can be:

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.

If any side effects of Estradiol become unmanageable speak with your doctor or pharmacist for help in managing the side effects. For any serious side effects speak with your doctor right away for further treatment options.

Q: What happens if I suddenly stop taking this medication?

A: There may be a relapse in symptoms as well as side effects. You should speak your doctor before you stop taking this medication.

Q: What is the best dosage to take?

A: The diagnosis with your doctor will be able to determine the best Vivelle-Dot or Estradiol dosage for your treatment. 

Q: What happens if I miss a dose?

A: If you forget to apply a new patch and you're not almost due for a new patch, change the patch as soon as you remember. If it's almost time to change your patch, wait until the scheduled time then resume your regular application schedule. Do not double up on your Vivelle-Dot or Estradiol patches.

Q: What happens if the patch rubs off?

A: Reapply a new patch for duration of the dose and change patch at the next scheduled dose. To dispose of the medication fold the patch together letting the adhesive ends stick together forming a seal. Dispose of in drywaste.

Q: What is the best way to store this medication?

A: This medication is stored at room temperature, and should be kept away from children and pets. Do not throw away this medication in wastewater.

Q: Is this medication safe to use while pregnant or breastfeeding?

A: Speak with your doctor about the risk associated with using this drug while pregnant. It is uncertain if this drug can pass into the breast milk of nursing mother. Consult your doctor to understand the risk in using this medication while breastfeeding.