Safely Buy Minivelle ( Estradiol Transdermal System ) from Canada Prescriptions Plus.

Indications

Minivelle is a transdermal system (patch) that contains the hormone estradiol, which is an estrogen hormone.

Minivelle is primarily used by women to help reduce symptoms associated with menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness.

Minivelle is designed to release estradiol continuously through the skin into the bloodstream.

Use and Dosage

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Peel off the backing from the patch and apply the patch to a clean, dry area of the body as directed. This patch should only be applied to certain areas of the body. Different brands of patches are applied to different areas of the body. If you have any questions about where to apply the patch, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Press the patch firmly in place for about 10 seconds to make sure it stays on. Do not apply the patch on the breast or oily, broken, or irritated skin. Avoid applying the patch to areas of the skin where it might be easily rubbed off (such as the waistline). Use this medication as directed by your doctor. The patch is usually replaced twice a week (every 3 to 4 days). Follow the dosing schedule carefully.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.

When replacing your patch, make sure to apply the new patch to a different area. Wait at least 1 week before applying a patch to the same area. 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.

If a patch falls off, reapply it to a different area. If the patch does not stick completely, apply a new patch and wear it for the rest of the scheduled period. Do not wear 2 patches at the same time.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, change the patch on the same days each week. It may help to mark your calendar as a reminder.

Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Remove the skin patch and call your doctor at once if you have:

• Heart attack symptoms–chest pain or pressure, pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder, nausea, or sweating
• Increased blood pressure–severe headache, blurred vision, pounding in your neck or ears, anxiety, or nosebleed
• Signs of a stroke–sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), sudden severe headache, slurred speech, or problems with vision or balance
• Signs of a blood clot–sudden vision loss, stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath, coughing up blood, or pain or warmth in one or both legs
• Swelling or tenderness in your stomach
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes)
• Unusual vaginal bleeding or pelvic pain
• A breast lump
• Memory problems, confusion, or unusual behavior
• High levels of calcium in your blood–nausea, vomiting, constipation, increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness, bone pain, or lack of energy

Common side effects of Minivelle may include:

• Headache or back pain
• Stuffy nose, sinus pain, or sore throat
• Vaginal itching or discharge, changes in your menstrual periods, or breakthrough bleeding
• Bloating, stomach cramps, nausea, or vomiting
• Breast pain
• Redness or irritation where the patch was worn
• Thinning scalp hair
• Fluid retention (swelling or rapid weight gain)

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur.

Cautions

• Before using estradiol, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
• Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: vaginal bleeding of unknown cause, certain cancers (such as breast cancer, cancer of the uterus/ovaries), blood clots, stroke, heart disease (such as heart attack), liver disease, kidney disease, family medical history (especially breast lumps, cancer, blood clots), family or personal history of a certain swelling disorder (angioedema), blood clotting disorders (such as protein C or protein S deficiency), high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol/triglyceride levels, obesity, lupus, underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), mineral imbalance (low or high level of calcium in the blood), a certain hormone problem (hypoparathyroidism), uterus problems (such as fibroids, endometriosis), gallbladder disease, asthma, seizures, migraine headaches, a certain blood disorder (porphyria), mental/mood disorders (such as dementia, depression).
• Do not smoke or use tobacco. Estrogens combined with smoking further increases your risk of stroke, blood clots, high blood pressure, and heart attack, especially in women older than 35.
• Tell your doctor if you just had or will be having surgery, or if you will be confined to a chair or bed for a long time (such as a long plane flight). These conditions increase your risk of getting blood clots, especially if you are taking an estrogen product. You may need to stop this medication for a time or take special precautions.
• If you are going to have an MRI test, tell testing personnel that you are using this patch. Some patches may contain metals that can cause serious burns during an MRI. Ask your doctor whether you will need to remove your patch before the test and apply a new patch afterward, and how to do so properly.
• This medication may cause blotchy, dark areas on your face and skin (melasma). Sunlight may worsen this effect. Limit your time in the sun. Avoid tanning booths and sunlamps. Use sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
• If you are nearsighted or wear contact lenses, you may develop vision problems or trouble wearing your contact lenses. Contact your eye doctor if these problems occur.
• Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug. It may affect their growth/development. Discuss the possible effects of this medication with the doctor and monitor your child’s growth periodically.
• This medication should not be used during pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.
• This medication passes into breast milk. It may reduce the quality and amount of breast milk produced. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Forms and Strengths

Minivelle is available in the following forms and strengths:

• Minivelle Patch:
  • 0.025 mg
  • 0.05 mg
  • 0.0375 mg
  • 0.075 mg
  • 0.1 mg
• Estradiol Transdermal System Patch:
  • 0.05 mg

FAQ

What should I do if my patch falls off?

If your patch falls off, replace it with a new one but change your patch as scheduled. 

What is the difference between Minivelle vs Vivelle Dot?

Both patches have the same pharmacological effect. However, Minivelle is usually preferred because it is the smallest estrogen patch available. 

Does this patch cause weight gain?

When it comes to adverse effects, there is a direct link between Minivelle Patch & weight gain.

Resources:

1. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-162872/minivelle-transdermal/details
2. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/lookup.cfm?setid=6c5c47ab-28ee-11e1-bfc2-0800200c9a66
3. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/minivelle-skin-patch.html#side-effects