Estrogen patch

  The estrogen patch is a delivery system for estradiol, which is used as hormone replacement therapy to treat the problems of menopause, such as hot flashes and vaginal dryness, and to prevent osteoporosis. The estrogen is given transdermally rather than via oral tablets, meaning that the estrogen patch carries similar risks and benefits that conventional forms of estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy have, but there are also important differences. For example, transdermal estrogen bypasses the liver so avoids the liver effects that occur with use of oral medications, and has slightly different effects on triglycerides and cholesterol than oral estrogens.

Additional recommended knowledge

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Administration

Applied to fatty areas of the skin, preferably the lower abdomen or buttocks (never breasts!) twice weekly or weekly, depending on the brand.

Brand names

• Alora® (United States)
• Climara® (United States)
• Dermestril® (United Kingdom)
• Elleste Solo® (United States)
• Esclim® (United States)
• Estraderm® (United Kingdom)
• Estradot® (United Kingdom)
• Evorel® (United Kingdom)
• Fematrix® (United Kingdom)
• Fempatch® (United States)
• FemSeven® (United Kingdom)
• Menostar® (United States)
• Vivelle-Dot® (It was originally marketed as Vivelle® (Novartis), but was superseded by a smaller version with better adhesion in 2000, so Vivelle® was ultimately discontinued in 2003.)