Vivelle
The estrogen patch is a delivery system for estradiol used as hormone replacement therapy to treat the symptoms of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, and to prevent osteoporosis. Originally marketed as VivelleĀ® (Novartis), it was discontinued in 2003 and reintroduced in a smaller form as Vivelle-DotĀ®. Although the estrogen is given transdermally rather than in the standard oral tablets, the estrogen patch carries similar risks and benefits as more conventional forms of estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy.
Administration
Applied to the skin (not breasts) twice weekly.