Vivelle Side Effects
Vivelle may cause dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, stomach upset,
bloating, or nausea. These effects should disappear as your body adjusts
to the medication. If they continue or become bothersome, inform your
doctor. Notify your doctor if you experience severe depression, pain in
the groin or calf, sudden severe headache, chest pain, shortness of
breath, lumps in the breast, weakness or tingling in the arm or leg, or
yellowing of the eyes or skin while taking this medication. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
How To Use Vivelle
Vivelle: Use Vivelle as prescribed. Follow the dosing schedule carefully.
Be sure to ask your doctor if you have any questions. The patch should be
applied to a clean, dry area usually on the abdomen or buttocks. It may
also be placed on the trunk (torso) or hips (not on arms or legs). Do not
place the patch on the breast and avoid the waistline since tight clothing
may rub the patch off. If necessary, clip hair from the site prior to
applying the patch. Remove the patch from the package, peel off the
protective strip and immediately apply it to the site. Press firmly for 10
to 20 seconds to make sure it stays in place. Be sure the edges are held
firmly to the skin. Each patch may be worn continually as prescribed even
while showering or bathing. To prevent skin irritation, do not apply
patches to the same site. Rotate where they are placed on the skin. Ask
your pharmacist what to do if a patch starts to fall off.
Vivelle Warning
Vivelle has been reported to increase the chance of womb (endometrial)
cancer in women who have been through menopause. This risk appears to
depend on the length of time this drug is used and the amount of estrogen
per dose. If you use Vivelle for an extended period, you should be
evaluated at least every 6 months. If you experience abnormal vaginal
bleeding, notify your doctor promptly. Vivelle is not effective in
preventing or treating a tendency to lose a fetus (natural habitual
abortion) nor the threat of losing a fetus. Vivelle must not be used
during pregnancy because its use may result in birth defects or cancer
later in the child's life. If you become pregnant or think you may be
pregnant, consult your doctor immediately to discuss the risk to the
fetus.
Vivelle Uses
Estrogens are hormones used for replacement in women who are no longer
producing proper amounts. Vivelle is used to treat symptoms associated
with menopause and conditions in which hormone levels are low. It may also
be used to prevent osteoporosis (bone loss).
Vivelle Precautions
Before you use Vivelle, tell your doctor your entire medical history,
including family medical history, especially breast lumps and cancer; high
blood pressure; diabetes; asthma; epilepsy (seizures); migraine headaches;
liver, heart or kidney disease; depression; toxemia (high blood pressure
during pregnancy); jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes) during pregnancy;
excessive weight gain and fluid retention (bloating) during the menstrual
cycle or if you have uterine fibroid tumors. Before having surgery, tell
the doctor that you use Vivelle. Cigarette smoking can increase the chance
of blood clots while using Vivelle (especially in women past the age of
35). Depending on strength, Vivelle may cause a patchy, darkening of the
skin on the face (melasma). Higher strengths are more likely to cause
melasma. Sunlight may intensify this darkening and you may need to avoid
prolonged sun exposure and sunlamps. Consult your doctor regarding use of
sunscreens and protective clothing. Vivelle must not be used during
pregnancy. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, inform
your doctor immediately. Estradiol is excreted into breast milk. Consult
your doctor before breast-feeding.
Vivelle Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription drugs you may
use, especially of seizure medication, barbiturates (e.g., phenobarbital),
cimetidine, rifampin, thyroid and corticosteroids (e.g., prednisone). This
product can affect the results of certain lab tests. Make sure laboratory
personnel and your doctors know you use Vivelle. Do not start or stop any
medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Vivelle Overdose
If overdose is suspected, remove the patch. Contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may
include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps.
Vivelle Notes
If the area around the patch becomes red, itchy or irritated, try a new
site. If the irritation continues or becomes worse, notify your doctor. Do
not allow anyone else to use Vivelle.
Missed Vivelle Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as remembered; do not use if it is
almost time for the next dose, instead, skip the missed dose and resume
your usual dosing schedule. Do not "double-up" the dose to catch up.
Vivelle Storage
Store at room temperature away from sunlight and moisture.
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