Estradiol and Itching: What Users Say

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 9, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Used Sandoz brand for the first 8 Estradiol patches. No problem. Pharmacy switched to Mylan, a horrible experience. I use twice a week. After the first 2 days, it starts to itch and turn red. Burning sensation by day 3, and it's hard to remove and leaves deep red burn marks and continues to itch for a week. Marks remain on my body for over a month now. Not recommended!"

• Tig...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 23, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I was put on the Minivelle patch several years ago. It worked great. A year ago, my pharmacy changed to this estradiol patch made by Mylan. I didn't notice until I used it. The patch does not stay on, but the worst part is what it does to my skin. I have horrid red patches that hurt and itch, and they do not go away. Now I am having trouble finding a place to place the patch because I am covered in the scars from using this brand. I use CVS Pharmacy. They told me they cannot get the patch, which is why they switched to Mylan. I am contacting Noven to see what is going on. I see my doctor next month. I cannot continue using this product. It is horrible."

• Tig...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• December 23, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I was put on the Minivelle patch several years ago. It worked great. A year ago, my pharmacy changed to this estradiol patch made by Mylan. I didn't notice until I used it. The patch does not stay on, but the worst part is what it does to my skin. I have horrid red patches that hurt and itch, and they do not go away. Now I am having trouble finding a place to place the patch because I am covered in the scars from using this brand. I use CVS Pharmacy. They told me they cannot get the patch, which is why they switched to Mylan. I am contacting Noven to see what is going on. I see my doctor next month. I cannot continue using this product. It is horrible."

• Mer...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 22, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I’ve used lots of different patches over the years. My favorites have been the Vivelle Dot and the Sandoz patch. The Mylan estradiol patch is worthless - you’re supposed to wear it a week, but it only stays on lasts a day or two, it smells, and it causes skin irritation. Unfortunately, it’s the only one that I know that my insurance will pay for. I’ve been using Sandoz, but have to pay $65 a month for it. Does anybody have a suggestion on a patch estrogen that Priority Health pays for?"

• Maj...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• July 30, 2019

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have used the estradiol patch but will probably have to change to something else. I initially did fine and was happy with the patch. However, this past month, something has changed. The patch areas have become itchy, red, and irritated. I called my healthcare provider, she is also on the same patch and has experienced the same issue this past month. Obviously, the Mylan company has changed something...adhesive? Something that isn’t working. I made a call to customer service, and they didn’t seem too concerned. Houston...we have a problem. Mylan...fess up to what changes you made and fix it!"

• Sal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 26, 2022

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Horrible! Like having a cheap crisp packet stuck on your skin - except they don’t stick! Crinkly - sounds like you’re wearing a nappy! Itchy, uncomfortable, and pathetic adhesion. Not sure if they actually help with symptoms as my anxiety and rages are raised by the awfulness of using these patches! No more!"

• Jun...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 23, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I had the Sandoz patch, and it was great - a nice, thin patch that I forget is there except that I feel much better. The next month, I got the Mylan patch that is covered by my provider. It is thicker and catches just a little bit on the edges. More importantly, it leaves red marks underneath upon removing it and small marks that look like burns around the edge. I've also seemed to have some itching around the patch while it is on. I will be switching back to Sandoz."

• Sus...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 15, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "This patch is so frustrating. It only stays on a couple of days because the material it is made of allows the water to soak in when you shower. Then the skin stays wet underneath and starts smelling sour. The adhesive on the edges irritates my skin and causes itching. What good is it if I can only get about 3 days out of it? I used to use a thinner patch made out of a different material, and I never could tell I even had it on, but the company quit producing it."

• RCa...
• October 18, 2019

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I was so upset when insurance bumped my price on Minivelle and forced me to go to this generic patch. It’s terrible. Leaves an awful rash, itches, and doesn’t stick. I think it should be illegal to sell these as a comparable product! Bring back Minivelle, please! It works perfect!"

• Ali...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have been on Vivelle Dot for 8 years. Love it and no issues at all. I cannot find it anymore and have checked several pharmacies. I had to switch to Mylan generic. Absolutely awful. It does not stick well and comes off. It leaves red marks on my skin and is itchy. I do not feel I am getting the same amount of hormones, and my body can tell the difference. I have used it for 2 months. The patch is supposed to last 3 1/2 days, and I am sometimes changing after 2 days. Not happy with this. I hope to find Vivelle again. I am looking for other options."

• All...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 9, 2019

For Hypoestrogenism "The generic Mylan estradiol 7-day patch is useless. It does not stick for more than two days, it itches, makes my skin red, and makes me feel unwell. I agree with the poor experiences previously reported by others. I called Mylan to file a formal complaint and suggest that you do too. Maybe they will get the message."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• September 22, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "The Estradiol Patch causes redness, severe itching, and burning. I have marks that are taking months to heal. I have had other brands that do not cause this reaction. I am having a hard time getting a brand other than Mylan from my pharmacy."

• LKa...
• November 12, 2020

"I am taking estradiol for Turner syndrome. The pharmacy OscoDrug switched from Mylan 0.025 generic estradiol patch to Dotti with terrible side effects including local redness and itching, as well as systemic ones: increased migraine frequency, depression, mood swings, fatigue, generalized malaise, and body aches. Mylan had some of these but to a lesser extent. The insurance will not cover Vivelle-Dot brand name, it seems that's the best on the market so far. We'll go through the appeal process. Generally, insurance and the pharmacy both want to push a cheap variation like Dotti. You need to fight for Vivelle-Dot like for everything that's right, don't give up, it's all worth it!"

• Dif...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• December 10, 2024

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have gone through multiple Mylan generics as well as Lyllana, and none of them work for me. The only thing that keeps me from raging, horrible smells, horrible body aches, and loss of memory is Dotti. I don't have hot flashes, though I have night sweats periodically (Get the BedJet, never slept better!) My symptoms are more along the odder ones: itchy ears, a burning chemical smell that burns my nose, skin sensations like being itchy when nothing is there, hearing sounds that no one else does, weakness, severe fatigue, mood swings, rages, irritability, just overall malaise. If I change from Dotti, it all comes back. I had rashes under some of the other brands of patches, others didn't stick. I am a person who can't take any generic or store brand medications. I usually take 4-5 different generics before I find one that works and doesn't make me suicidal, so I know I'm not like most people. But I would lose my life if they take Dotti away, I can't survive without my Dotti estradiol."

• Hat...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 13, 2019

For Oophorectomy "I’d been using the estradiol patch (generic for Climara), I think, after reading these comments, for years, but my pharmacy said they stopped carrying it. They didn’t tell me it was discontinued! WHY? It was small, transparent, practically invisible. The Mylan patches I get are white, huge, thick, itchy, and unacceptable! Does any generic drug company make a small transparent patch? I’ve asked pharmacists, and they don’t seem to know."

• Bet...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 27, 2019

For Oophorectomy "I did great on the previous estradiol patch! This one almost cost me my job! Angry, crying fits, hot flashes, not to mention the stiffness and itching from the patch! I'm so glad to see others have had the same issues! I want my old patches back!!!"

• Des...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 16, 2018

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "My hot flashes were horrible! I would have to change my night clothes during the night. From the first day I used Climara, they were gone, and I slept through the night. So happy!! I am NOT a fan of medication, but this has been a blessing. It does itch under the patch, and I get a rash sometimes. I had a problem getting a couple of them to stick, but Bayer replaced them. I've only been using it for two months, but I am pleased with its results. The backing is difficult to remove too."

• Sal...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 8, 2018

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Only been on this patch for 2 weeks. Terrible heart palpitations, and it raised my controlled blood pressure to the stage of doubling BP medication. I have had sore hips and pains through my body, and weight gain already, and itchy skin and constipation. So, I have ripped that patch off. Will do this menopause thing naturally."

• Mar...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 26, 2019

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "The Alvogen Estradiol patches are garbage. They never stay stuck to your skin. For the fourth time, I just applied a patch last night, and today it came off. It did not even make it through 24 hours. If they do happen to stay on for the full week, they get filthy and are itchy. The Minivelle patch was great. Small, twice a week, stayed clean, and stayed on. My insurance stopped covering Minivelle. A weekly patch is no good for anybody if it doesn't stay on for the full week. I only get four in a box - for the month! Now I have to wait until next week to apply another patch."

• Tee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• April 30, 2015

For Oophorectomy "Been on Mylan Estradiol transdermal 0.1 mg for 4 months. Apparently, it's the generic version of Vivelle Dot. Well, it's been great in handling the symptoms of surgical menopause. No headaches or migraines, no more brain fog, lots of energy. However, I have gained weight, have trouble sleeping (never had that issue in my life!), and feel like scratching my skin off everywhere I affix the patch. No matter how dry my skin is, this large, thick, ugly patch has trouble sticking, and moisture always gets under it. I end up with an angry, itchy red ring that lasts for a week after it's gone. So I'm switching to name brand Vivelle Dot. I hope to get the same benefits with a smaller, less ugly patch, and hope it resolves the irritation!"

• Con...
• January 15, 2019

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "These are horrible, and at the drug store, I heard another woman complain. I tried them years ago, and they were bigger and worse. They cost a fortune, and they fall off within a couple of days. They are big and thick, and the whole time they are on, they itch. For a month's worth, you are lucky if you get a week's worth of meds. There is a big difference between this and the original brand (which is good). They should be illegal."

• Anonymous
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 4, 2022

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "The Mylan patch is horrible. Doesn’t stay on. Secured it with Tegaderm and ended up with major skin irritation. Switched to Sandoz. No skin irritation, and it also falls off, not as fast as Mylan though. Pharmacist thankfully overrides the refill date as I run out way sooner because they fall off. He recently called my provider and got them to switch to the twice weekly Sandoz patches, so at least now I can usually make it 2-3 days without it falling off except when I go in my hot tub (often) or run/workout and sweat heavily. Ugh! Thinking I may need to try a different route before summer and also need the dose increased because my symptoms are slowly returning. I really had to fight to get this medication despite having horrible debilitating symptoms for almost three years! Has made a HUGE improvement in my quality of life!"

• TLR...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2019

For Hypoestrogenism "This patch is awful. It’s huge, thick, and doesn’t stick. I only had it on one day, no swimming or showering, and it came off. It itches as well. I am having to keep it on me with package tape. I am going to look for something else."

• Tra...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 23, 2022

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "The Mylan patch is awful. It makes my skin red and terribly itchy after one or two days. It does not stay on properly either. When I pull it off, my skin is very red and irritated where the patch was applied. A junk, poorly made product. I have told my doctor, and we will switch. Do not get the Mylan patch. You will regret it."

• Suz...
• September 24, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Don't think it's for me. I felt okay the first few days, then the patch started to make me itch and wouldn't stick properly anyway. Then, four days in, I got a headache, body aches, and anxiety. They want me to stick it out for another ten days. That is very unlikely to happen at this point. I think I'll try other options."