Drug Detail:Vivelle-dot (skin patch) (Estradiol transdermal (skin patch) [ es-tra-dye-ole-tranz-derm-al ])
Generic Name: ESTRADIOL 0.025mg in 1d
Dosage Form: patch, extended release
Drug Class: Estrogens
Generally, when estrogen is prescribed for a postmenopausal woman with a uterus, consider addition of a progestogen to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer. Generally, a woman without a uterus does not need to use a progestogen in addition to her estrogen therapy. In some cases, however, hysterectomized women who have a history of endometriosis may need a progestogen [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2, 5.14)].
Use estrogen-alone or in combination with a progestogen at the lowest effective dose and the shortest duration consistent with treatment goals and risks for the individual woman. Reevaluate postmenopausal women periodically as clinically appropriate to determine whether treatment is still necessary.
2.1 Treatment of Moderate to Severe Vasomotor Symptoms due to Menopause
Start therapy with Vivelle-Dot 0.0375 mg per day applied to the skin twice weekly. Make dosage adjustments based on the clinical response. Initiate Vivelle-Dot at once in a woman not currently taking oral estrogens or in a woman switching from another estradiol transdermal therapy. In women who are currently taking oral estrogens, initiate treatment with Vivelle-Dot 1 week after withdrawal of oral hormone therapy, or sooner if menopausal symptoms reappear in less than 1 week. Attempts to taper or discontinue Vivelle-Dot at 3 to 6-month intervals.
Give Vivelle-Dot continuously in a woman who does not have an intact uterus. In a woman with an intact uterus, give Vivelle-Dot on a cyclic schedule (for example, 3 weeks on Vivelle-Dot followed by 1 week off Vivelle-Dot).
2.2 Treatment of Moderate to Severe Symptoms of Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy due to Menopause
Start therapy with Vivelle-Dot 0.0375 mg per day applied to the skin twice weekly. Dosage adjustment should be guided by the clinical response. Attempts to taper or discontinue Vivelle-Dot at 3 to 6-month intervals.
In women not currently taking oral estrogens or in women switching from another estradiol transdermal therapy, treatment with Vivelle-Dot may be initiated at once. In women who are currently taking oral estrogens, initiate treatment with Vivelle-Dot 1 week after withdrawal of oral hormone therapy, or sooner if menopausal symptoms reappear in less than 1 week.
Give Vivelle-Dot continuously in a woman who does not have an intact uterus. In a woman with an intact uterus, give Vivelle-Dot on a cyclic schedule (for example, 3 weeks on Vivelle-Dot followed by 1 week off Vivelle-Dot).
2.4 Prevention of Postmenopausal Osteoporosis
Start therapy with Vivelle-Dot 0.025 mg per day applied to the skin twice weekly.
In women not currently taking oral estrogens or in women switching from another estradiol transdermal therapy, treatment with Vivelle-Dot may be initiated at once. In women who are currently taking oral estrogens, initiate treatment with Vivelle-Dot 1 week after withdrawal of oral hormone therapy, or sooner if menopausal symptoms reappear in less than 1 week.
Vivelle-Dot may be given continuously in a woman who does not have an intact uterus. In a woman with an intact uterus, Vivelle-Dot may be given on a cyclic schedule (for example, 3 weeks on Vivelle-Dot followed by 1 week off Vivelle-Dot).
2.5 Application Instructions
Place the adhesive side of Vivelle-Dot on a clean, dry area of the trunk of the body (including the abdomen or buttocks). Do not apply Vivelle-Dot to the breasts.
Replace Vivelle-Dot twice weekly. Rotate the sites of application, with an interval of at least 1 week allowed between applications to a particular site. Select an area that is not oily, damaged, or irritated. Avoid the waistline, since tight clothing may rub the system off. Apply the system immediately after opening the pouch and removing the protective liner. Press the system firmly in place with the palm of the hand for about 10 seconds, making sure there is good contact, especially around the edges.
In the event that a system falls off, reapply the same system or apply a new system to another location. In either case, continue the original treatment schedule. If a woman has forgotten to apply Vivelle-Dot, have her apply a new system as soon as possible. Apply the new system on the original treatment schedule. The interruption of treatment in women taking Vivelle-Dot might increase the likelihood of breakthrough bleeding, spotting and recurrence of symptoms.
