Vivelle-Dot Side Effects

Headaches, sinus infection, and breast tenderness are the most common side effects reported with Vivelle-Dot. Side effects of the estrogen patch are minor in most cases and can usually be treated easily. Some side effects of Vivelle-Dot, while rare, are potentially serious and should be reported to your healthcare provider, including heavy vaginal bleeding, vision changes, or chest pain.

 

An Introduction to Vivelle-Dot Side Effects

As with any medicine, Vivelle-Dot® (estradiol patch) can cause side effects. However, not everyone who uses the medication will experience side effects. In fact, most people tolerate it quite well. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.
 
(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Vivelle-Dot. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Vivelle-Dot side effects with you.)
 

Common Side Effects of Vivelle-Dot

Vivelle-Dot has been thoroughly studied in clinical trials. In these studies, the side effects that occurred in a group of people taking the drug were documented and then compared to the side effects that occurred in another group of people taking a placebo (a patch that does not contain any active ingredients). As a result, it was possible to see what side effects occurred, how often they appeared, and how they compared to the group not taking the medicine.
 
In these studies, the most common side effects of Vivelle-Dot included:
 
  • Headaches -- in up to 50 percent of women
  • Breast tenderness -- up to 17 percent
  • Sinus infection -- up to 13.1 percent
  • Sinus headache -- up to 10.9 percent
  • Upper respiratory tract infection (such as the common cold) -- up to 10.7 percent
  • Back pain -- up to 10.6 percent
  • Unexpected vaginal bleeding or spotting -- up to 10.6 percent.
     
Other common Vivelle-Dot side effects (occurring in 5 to 10 percent of people) included:
 
(Vivelle-Dot Side Effects Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;