Indications
Minivelle is a prescription medicine patch used to treat moderate to severe vasomotor symptoms due to menopause, as well as Vulvar and Vaginal Atrophy in Menopause, Hypoestrogenism from Castration, Hypogonadism, and to prevent postmenopausal osteoporosis. It is used by women to help reduce symptoms of menopause (such as hot flashes, vaginal dryness).
Minivelle is a medication that contains estradiol, a form of the hormone estrogen. It is given to women who have low estrogen levels due to menopause or other conditions. The medication is delivered in a transdermal patch, which is applied directly to the skin.
The estradiol in Minivelle works by binding to estrogen receptors in the body, which can help to relieve the symptoms of menopause such as hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. It can also be used to prevent osteoporosis after menopause.
Use and Dosage
Minivelle is available in different dosages and is administered by applying the patch to the skin. To use Minivelle, first peel off the backing from the patch and apply it to a clean, dry area of the body as directed. Do not apply the patch on the breast or on oily, broken, or irritated skin, and avoid applying it to areas that might cause it to be easily rubbed off, such as the waistline. Minivelle should only be applied to certain areas of the body, and if you have any questions about where to apply it, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Press the patch firmly in place for about 10 seconds to make sure it stays on. The patch is usually replaced twice a week, every 3 to 4 days, so follow the dosing schedule carefully. When replacing your patch, make sure to apply the new patch to a different area, and wait at least 1 week before applying it to the same area.
If a patch falls off, reapply it to a different area. If it does not stick properly, apply a new patch, and wear it for the rest of the scheduled period. Do not wear 2 patches at the same time. If you miss a dose, apply it as soon as you remember.
Use Minivelle regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, change the patch on the same days each week and mark your calendar as a reminder. When disposing of the patch, fold the old patch in half with the sticky side together and throw it away in the trash, away from children and pets. Do not flush the patch down the toilet.
Side Effects
Common Side Effects of Minivelle (Estradiol Transdermal System):
- Back pain
- Bloating
- Breakthrough bleeding
- Breast pain
- Changes in your menstrual periods
- Headache
- Nausea
- Rapid weight gain
- Redness or irritation where the patch was worn
- Sinus pain
- Sore throat
- Stomach cramps
- Stuffy nose
- Swelling
- Thinning scalp hair
- Vaginal itching or discharge
- Vomiting
Serious Side Effects of Minivelle (Estradiol Transdermal System):
- Anxiety
- Blurred vision
- Bone pain
- Breast lump
- Chest pain or pressure
- Confusion
- Constipation
- Coughing up blood
- Difficulty breathing
- Hives
- Increased thirst or urination
- Lack of energy
- Memory problems
- Muscle weakness
- Nausea
- Nosebleed
- Pain or warmth in one or both legs
- Pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder
- Pelvic pain
- Pounding in your neck or ears
- Problems with vision or balance
- Severe headache
- Shortness of breath
- Slurred speech
- Stabbing chest pain
- Sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body)
- Sudden severe headache
- Sudden vision loss
- Sweating
- Swelling of your face lips tongue or throat
- Swelling or tenderness in your stomach
- Unusual behavior
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Vomiting
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Forms and Strength
Minivelle (Estradiol Transdermal System) is available in the following forms and strength:
Minivelle: Patch
- 0.025mg
- 0.0375mg
- 0.05mg
- 0.075mg
- 0.1mg
Estradiol Transdermal System: Patch
- 0.05mg
Cautions
- Increased risk of endometrial cancer from unopposed estrogen.
- Increased risk of cardiovascular disorders, including stroke, heart attack, and blood clots.
- Increased risk of breast cancer.
- Clinically significant elevations in blood pressure in some women taking estrogen alone or estrogen with progestins. Women with pre-existing hypertension should be monitored.
- Exacerbation of asthma, diabetes mellitus, epilepsy, migraine, porphyria, systemic lupus erythematosus, and hepatic hemangiomas in some women.
- Cholestatic jaundice, a rare but serious liver disorder, may occur with estrogen treatment.
- Women who wear contact lenses may experience a decrease in visual acuity or intolerance to lenses.
- Hypocalcemia may occur when estrogens are administered with thyroid hormone.
- Women should be advised to report abnormal vaginal bleeding.
- Women should be advised to seek immediate medical attention if they have symptoms suggestive of anaphylaxis or angioedema (e.g., swollen face, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing; difficulty swallowing).
- Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not use Minivelle.
- Women with a history of breast or endometrial cancer, blood clotting disorders, liver disease, or certain other medical conditions should use Minivelle with caution or avoid using it altogether.
- Women who smoke, have high cholesterol or triglycerides, or a history of cardiovascular disease may be at an increased risk of cardiovascular events while using Minivelle.
- Minivelle may interact with other medications, including herbal supplements and over-the-counter medications.
- Long-term use of estrogen therapy, including Minivelle, may increase the risk of dementia in women over the age of 65.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Minivelle be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No, Minivelle should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Can I wear two estradiol patches at a time?
No. Wearing more than one estradiol patch at once raises your risk of side effects.
Are estrogen patches used in gender-affirming hormone therapy?
Yes, estrogen patches like estradiol are sometimes a preferred option used off-label in estrogen-based gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) if you are an active smoker or if you are experiencing migraine or mood swings from estrogen injections.
How should Minivelle be stored?
Minivelle should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and light. The patches should be kept in their protective pouches until ready to use.
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