Prescription Required 
Formulation : 
Description
Indications
This medication is a hormone (estrogen) primarily used by women to alleviate symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness. These symptoms arise due to the body’s decreased production of estrogen. This medication may also be prescribed for women who are unable to produce sufficient estrogen, as seen in conditions like hypogonadism or primary ovarian failure. Some estrogen products may also be recommended for women post-menopause to prevent bone loss (osteoporosis).
Uses and Dosage
Peel off the backing from the patch and apply it to a clean, dry area of the body as directed. Only certain areas of the body are suitable for patch application, and different brands of patches may be applied to different areas. If you have any questions about where to apply the patch, consult your doctor or pharmacist. Press the patch firmly in place for approximately 10 seconds to ensure it adheres properly. Do not apply the patch on the breast or on oily, broken, or irritated skin. Avoid applying the patch to areas of the skin that might be easily rubbed off, such as the waistline.
Follow your doctor’s instructions for medication use. Typically, the patch is replaced twice a week (every 3 to 4 days). Adhere to the dosing schedule meticulously.
The dosage is determined by your medical condition and response to treatment.
When replacing the patch, be sure to apply the new one to a different area. Wait at least 1 week before applying a patch to the same area. Fold the old patch in half with the sticky side together and discard it in the trash away from children and pets. Do not flush the patch down the toilet.
If a patch falls off, reapply it to a different area. If the patch does not stick completely, apply a new one and wear it for the remaining scheduled period. Do not wear two patches simultaneously.
Use this medication regularly to derive the most benefit from it. To help you remember, change the patch on the same days each week. You may find it helpful to mark your calendar as a reminder.
Inform your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.
Side Effects
Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention:
- back pain
- difficulty with moving
- muscle aches, pain, or stiffness
- stuffy or runny nose
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any serious side effects:
- bloating
- blurred vision
- breast tenderness, enlargement, pain, or discharge
- change in vaginal discharge
- changes in skin color
- changes in vision
- chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
- chills
- clay-colored stools
- clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
- confusion
- constipation
- cough
- darkening of the urine
- diarrhea
- difficulty with swallowing
Caution
- Before using estradiol, inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or if you have any other allergies.
- This product may contain inactive ingredients that can cause allergic reactions or other issues.
- Prior to using this medication, disclose your medical history to your doctor or pharmacist, especially if you have a history of vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, certain cancers (such as breast cancer, cancer of the uterus/ovaries), blood clots, stroke, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease,, a family or personal history of a certain swelling disorder (angioedema), blood clotting disorders, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol/triglyceride levels, obesity, lupus, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), mineral imbalance (low or high levels of calcium in the blood), a certain hormone problem (hypoparathyroidism), uterus problems, gallbladder disease, asthma, seizures, migraine headaches, or a certain blood disorder (porphyria), as well as mental/mood disorders (such as dementia, depression).
- Do not smoke or use tobacco while using this medication, as estrogens combined with smoking can further increase your risk of stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attack, especially in women older than 35.
- Inform your doctor if you have recently had or will be having surgery or if you will be immobile for an extended period (such as a long plane flight). These conditions elevate your risk of developing blood clots, particularly when taking an estrogen product. Your doctor may recommend stopping this medication for a period or taking special precautions.
- If you are scheduled for an MRI test, inform the testing personnel that you are using this patch, as some patches may contain metals that can cause serious burns during an MRI. Ask your doctor whether you need to remove your patch before the test, apply a new patch afterward, and how to do so properly.
- This medication may cause blotchy, dark areas on your face and skin (melasma). Sunlight can exacerbate this effect, so limit your time in the sun, avoid tanning booths and sunlamps, and use sunscreen and protective clothing when outdoors.
- If you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, you may experience vision problems or difficulty wearing your contact lenses. Contact your eye doctor if these problems occur.
- Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, potentially affecting their growth and development.
- Discuss the possible effects of this medication with the doctor, and monitor your child’s growth periodically.
- This medication should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or suspect that you may be pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
- This medication passes into breast milk and may reduce the quality and quantity of breast milk produced. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Form and Strength
Minivelle is available in the following forms and strengths:
- Minivelle patch:
- 0.025 mg
- 0.0375 mg
- 0.05 mg
- 0.075 mg
- 0.1 mg
- estradiol transdermal patch:
- 0.05 mg
FAQ
How long does it take for Minivelle to work?
Onset of efficacy is within 1 to 2 weeks after the start of therapy and that efficacy is fully sustained during the 7-day patch wear period with some diminution of effect during the treatment-free week of each cycle.
What are the first signs that Minivelle is working?
You may notice physical symptoms get better first, for example, at the correct dose of estrogen, hot flushes and night sweats are often much better after 4-6 weeks.
Resources
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/7573298/#:~:text=The%20combined%20data%20also%20showed,free%20week%20of%20each%20cycle
- https://www.healthinmenopause.co.uk/information/resources/starting-hrt-what-to-expect#:~:text=Some%20women%20notice%20a%20difference,better%20after%204%2D6%20weeks
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/estradiol-transdermal-route/side-effects/drg-20075306?
- https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2012/203752lbl.pdf
- https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-162872/minivelle-transdermal/details
- https://www.drugs.com/mtm/minivelle-skin-patch.html
