Vivelle-Dot and Hot Flashes: What Users Say

• Tho...
• November 8, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I would not recommend generic estradiol patch by Mylan. It is a total waste of money. I was given Vivelle-Dot after surgery. It worked great, the brain fog and the mood swings disappeared. I could tolerate myself and my family. My husband and kids would tell me that I seemed happier. I really felt like a brand new person. Over the years, the cost, even with insurance, just gradually went up and now my insurance doesn't pay at all. So the pharmacy switched me to Mylan, the generic. This patch wouldn't stay on for more than a couple of hours before I had to tape it on. The feelings of being on edge, anxiety, mood swings, anger, fatigue, and hot flashes were unbearable. Vivelle-Dot by Novartis is the only one I have found that I can take. I'm now having to have my doctor put brand name only so the pharmacy will fill it, and I have to pay out of pocket for them at $206 a box. The pharmacist keeps trying to switch me back to generic. I keep telling them it's like throwing money away if it doesn't work."

• Hap...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• April 2, 2013

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Was on Vivelle-Dot 0.05 plus Prometrium for 4.5 years; felt great. Stopped for 1 year because I worried that being on HRT for 14 years (Prempro for 10 years) total was risky & maybe I was now 'beyond' the hot flashes, etc. Well... I felt lousy the entire time I was without HRT (1 year)... hot flashes, sleepless nights, brain fog, etc. Now I'm back on Vivelle-Dot & Prometrium... feeling so much better! I don't think I'll ever give up this. Plus, the estrogen helps my osteoporosis & vaginal dryness."

• Spi...
• November 21, 2017

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I recently stopped bioidentical pellets and decided to try Vivelle-Dot 0.05 mg. It totally stopped my migraines; however, this dose did not help with insomnia or hot flashes, and I suspect my GP will increase the dose. Now, my insurance will not cover the cost at all because I am over 65. Through a friend, I found that the manufacturer Novartis makes this patch in Europe under the name of Estradot. I ordered it online with a prescription. The difference is $32/month compared to $286/month for Vivelle-Dot in the US. When I opened the packet, they appear identical and work the same. Once my dose is adjusted, I think these will be fine."

• Hap...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 20, 2015

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "What a godsend! After menopause at 50, I first thought 'Yes, no more periods!' Then the fun started: night sweats, hot flashes at the worst times like during business meetings. My doctor started me on the patch .50, and within 2 days, it was like a miracle - I could sleep without a towel on my pillow, and the hot flashes disappeared. After a year, he dropped the dose to .375, and it's still working. If you are having to fight the sweats and flashes - talk to your doctor. This stuff works!"

• Ang...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 31, 2013

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have been experiencing hot flashes for 3 years, but I could take it no more. I finally caved and asked for the hormones! My doctor prescribed the Vivelle Dot at 0.05, and 3 weeks later, I called and asked when I could expect some relief from these awful hot flashes. It had cured my sleeping issues, and my sex drive came roaring back, and my dry skin improved, but nothing in the hot flash department. It was increased to 0.075, and still no relief from these massive meltdowns. I am getting very upset that I can get no relief and can't wait to see my doctor again next month. I hate to have another increase but am wondering if it will finally help!"

• Ter...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• February 27, 2022

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I am 65 yo. I have no uterus but both ovaries. Menopause began around 55. Severe mood swings, disabling hot flashes all day and night, unable to sleep, severe brain fog (I couldn't put two sentences together), dry skin. I was miserable. My poor husband. I went to 6 female doctors (I figured a male doc would be clueless), always asking the front desk if the doctor treated menopause...they usually have no idea and just say yes. I actually had one ob/gyn tell me she doesn't do menopause, she just delivers babies. Finally, with some luck and persistence, I found one. I began Vivelle-Dot estradiol transdermal patch system 2 times a week. .025, no effect. .050, no effect. .075...boom. Within 3 days no hot flashes, within a week no mood swings & fog cleared. Dry skin gone. Went on Medicare. Medicare wouldn't cover it. I appealed. My doctor appealed. I went back to miserable for 4 months. They wanted me to pay $580 for 3 months supply. Generic off-brand labels want me to pay $68 per month."

• god...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 19, 2013

For Oophorectomy "I had ovarian cancer and had an oophorectomy. My oncologist wanted me to use this drug for at least 10 years. Started with a higher dose and have gone down to 0.05. I have tried dropping it to 0.025, but noticed I was having hot flashes and lack of sleep at night. I have gone back to the 0.05 and enjoy it so much more, although I am now going on my 12th year of taking it. Trying to wean off of it, but without the ovaries, it is hard. Love this patch!!"

• Wel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 28, 2012

For Primary Ovarian Failure "I am in my early forties and menopause hit me at an early age. I struggled with whether or not I should go on HRT due to the risks. With that said, the symptoms were creating sheer havoc in my life (severe hot flashes, night sweats, insomnia, and decreased libido - my poor husband). I am happy to say that after my first application, I slept through the night for the first time in two years! My hot flashes have decreased and I don't have that foggy feeling in my head. I am on Vivelle Dot and a progesterone regimen (light doses). I began Vivelle Dot two weeks ago and would highly recommend it."

• Nee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2018

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I started on Vivelle-Dot after taking several antidepressants, which only made my symptoms worse! I finally convinced doctors I did not need the antidepressants. I take Vivelle 0.375 in addition to progesterone. My postmenopausal symptoms were: hot flashes, 3-4 hours of sleep nightly, brain fog, anxiety, weight loss, and many more. I am working closely with my doctor, and Vivelle-Dot has been life-changing. It does take about 1 1/2 months for minor side effects of the medicine to go away-be patient."

• Anonymous
• January 13, 2010

"My doctor prescribed the Vivelle-Dot patch 1.0 for me right after a total hysterectomy 10 years ago. In recent years, the dose was lowered to 0.075, then 0.05. Two months ago, I stopped taking it altogether without the doctor's permission (my doctor closed her practice). I tried to quit before but was not successful because I always got dull headaches. I was, however, able to stay off of it this time but experienced hot flashes and dull headaches. I never knew what a hot flash was before. I started back on the patch again, and I feel much better - no more hot flashes and headaches. Now, I see that there is even a lower dose, I will ask my next doctor to prescribe me a lower one yet."