Vivelle

Who is Vivelle for ?

Estradiol transdermal system is used to treat symptoms associated with menopause: hot flashes (feelings of warmth in the face, neck, and chest), sweating, sleep disturbances, vaginal discomfort (dryness and itching), poor concentration, and irritability. It is also used in the treatment of female hypogonadism, female castration, primary ovarian failure, conditions caused by low amounts of estrogen such as atrophic vaginitis, and uterine bleeding caused by a hormonal imbalance. Estradiol transdermal system is also used with diet, calcium supplements, and exercise to slow the progression of osteoporosis, a disease common in women after menopause resulting in bones that break easily. This medication is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Estradiol is a form of estrogen used for estrogen replacement therapy. Estrogen replacement therapy is often indicated after menopause because estrogen levels often decline as a woman ages.

When should I be careful taking Vivelle ?

Do not use estradiol transdermal system if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant, call your doctor immediately. Discuss with your doctor the risks associated with the use of estradiol transdermal system and the development of endometrial cancer.

Before using estradiol transdermal system,

• ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to estrogen or any other drugs.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially antibiotics or anti-infectives; anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin); carbamazepine (Tegretol); phenobarbital; phenylbutazone; phenytoin (Dilantin); primidone (Mysoline); rifampin; steroids (Decadron, Medrol, Prednisone); and vitamins.
• tell your doctor if you have or have ever had breast lumps or cancer; high blood pressure; high blood cholesterol and fats; diabetes; asthma; a history of stroke, blood clots, toxemia (high blood pressure during pregnancy), or heart attack; epilepsy (seizures); migraine headaches; a history of depression; bone, liver, heart, gallbladder, or kidney disease; jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); genital bleeding; or excessive weight gain and fluid retention (bloating) during the menstrual cycle.
• if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using estradiol transdermal system.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you wear contact lenses.
• tell your doctor if you use tobacco products.
• plan to avoid unnecessary or prolonged exposure to sunlight and to wear protective clothing, sunglasses, and sunscreen. Estradiol transdermal system may make your skin sensitive to sunlight.

Side Effects

Although side effects from estradiol transdermal system are not common, they can occur. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• rash
• redness or irritation at the application site
• upset stomach
• stomach cramps
• bloating
• diarrhea
• appetite and weight changes
• glucose intolerance (increased blood sugar)
• acne
• swelling of hands, feet, or lower legs (fluid retention)
• increased blood pressure
• bleeding or spotting between menstrual periods
• changes in menstrual flow
• painful or missed periods
• breast tenderness, enlargement, or secretion
• intolerance to contact lenses
• a spotty darkening of the skin, especially on the face

If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• sudden, severe headache
• sudden, severe vomiting
• sudden partial or complete loss of vision
• speech problems
• crushing chest pain or chest heaviness
• coughing up blood
• sudden shortness of breath
• calf pain
• severe stomach pain
• yellowing of the skin or eyes
• dizziness or faintness
• weakness or numbness of an arm or leg
• depression
• unusual bleeding
• loss of appetite