Article: Estrogen patch

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 Vivelle® (Novartis), it was discontinued in 2003 and reintroduced in a smaller form as Vivelle-Dot®. 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.

Brand names

• Esclim
• Alora
• Menostar
• Vivelle-Dot

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