Vivelle Side Effects
Generic name: estradiol
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 3, 2024.
Note: This document provides detailed information about Vivelle Side Effects associated with estradiol. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Vivelle.
Applies to estradiol: vaginal capsule liquid filled, vaginal cream, vaginal insert extended release, vaginal tablet.
Other dosage forms:
Important warnings
This medicine can cause some serious health issues
Common side effects of Vivelle
Some side effects of estradiol may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.
Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:
More common side effects
- back pain
- headache
- itching or pain of the vagina or genital area
- thick, white vaginal discharge with mild or no odor
- weight gain
Less common side effects
- body aches or pain
- chills
- cough
- diarrhea
- ear congestion
- loss of voice
- nasal congestion
- runny nose
- sneezing
- sore throat
Incidence not known
- feeling sad or empty
- headache, severe and throbbing
- irritability
- lack of appetite
- tiredness
- trouble concentrating
- trouble sleeping
- welts
Serious side effects of Vivelle
Along with its needed effects, estradiol (the active ingredient contained in Vivelle) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.
Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking estradiol:
Less common side effects
Incidence not known
- change in vaginal discharge
- clear or bloody discharge from the nipple
- decrease in the amount of urine
- dimpling of the breast skin
- fast heartbeat
- fever
- hives, itching, or rash
- hoarseness
- inverted nipple
- irritation
- joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- lump in the breast or under the arm
- noisy, rattling breathing
- pain or feeling of pressure in the pelvis
- pain, redness, or swelling in the arm or leg
- persistent crusting or scaling of the nipple
- redness of the skin
- redness or swelling of the breast
- sore on the skin of the breast that does not heal
- swelling of the eyelids, face, fingers, lips, hands, feet, or lower legs
- tightness in the chest
- troubled breathing at rest
- troubled breathing or swallowing
- vaginal bleeding
Get emergency help immediately if any of the following symptoms of overdose occur while taking estradiol:
Symptoms of overdose
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- nausea
- stomach pain
- tenderness of the breasts
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- vomiting
For healthcare professionals
Applies to estradiol: compounding powder, intramuscular solution, oral tablet, transdermal emulsion, transdermal film extended release, transdermal gel, transdermal spray, vaginal ring.
Genitourinary adverse events
- Very common (10% or more): Breast pain (29%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Vulvovaginal pruritus, leukorrhea, vaginal hemorrhage, vaginal discharge, vaginal discomfort, menopause symptoms, breakthrough bleeding or spotting, dysmenorrhea, breast swelling, menorrhagia, metrorrhagia, endometrial hyperplasia
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Urinary problems
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Galactorrhea
- Postmarketing reports: Vaginal irritation, vaginal pain, genital pruritus, changes in bleeding pattern, pelvic pain, breast tenderness, vaginal ulceration, uterine fibroids[Ref]
Gastrointestinal
- Very common (10% or more): Abdominal pain (16%),
- Common (1% to 10%): Flatulence, nausea, diarrhea
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vomiting
- Postmarketing reports: Abdominal distension[Ref]
Musculoskeletal
- Very common (10% or more): Back pain (11%), arthralgia (11%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Leg cramps[Ref]
Cardiovascular
- Common (1% to 10%): Varicose veins, cardiac symptoms (e.g. palpitations)
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Hot flush, hypertension, venous thromboembolic disease
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Arterial hypertension
- Postmarketing reports: Deep vein thrombosis, changes in blood pressure[Ref]
Nervous system
- Very common (10% or more): Headache (18%)
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vertigo, migraine
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Aggravation of epilepsy
- Postmarketing reports: Migraine aggravated, paresthesia, dizziness[Ref]
Oncologic
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Benign breast neoplasm, increased volume of uterine leiomyoma
- Postmarketing reports: Endometrial cancer, breast cancer[Ref]
Other
- Very common (10% or more): Pain (11%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Edema
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Weight increased, asthenia
- Postmarketing reports: Drug ineffectiveness, blood estrogen increase, fatigue, exacerbation of hereditary angioedema[Ref]
Psychiatric
- Common (1% to 10%): Depression
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Sleep disorders, nervousness, mood swings
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Change in libido
- Postmarketing reports: Vaginismus, insomnia, anxiety, irritability[Ref]
Dermatologic
- Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Rash
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Skin discoloration, acne
- Postmarketing reports: Urticaria, erythematous or pruritic rash, alopecia, hyperhidrosis, night sweats, contact dermatitis, eczema[Ref]
Ocular
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vision abnormal NOS
- Postmarketing reports: Visual disturbances, contact lens intolerance[Ref]
Hepatic
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Liver function tests abnormalities
- Postmarketing reports: Cholestatic jaundice[Ref]
Metabolic
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Glucose intolerance
- Postmarketing reports: Fluid retention[Ref]
Hypersensitivity
- Rare (less than 0.1%): Anaphylactic reaction (with a past history of allergic reaction)
- Postmarketing reports: Anaphylactic reactions, hypersensitivity[Ref]
Immunologic
- Very common (10% or more): Upper respiratory tract infection (17%)
- Common (1% to 10%): Vulvovaginal mycotic infection, pharyngitis, rhinitis, sinusitis, moniliasis genital
- Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Vaginitis/vaginal candidosis[Ref]
Local
- Common (1% to 10%): Skin irritation (topical gel)
- Postmarketing reports: Application site reaction[Ref]
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More about Vivelle (estradiol)
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- Reviews (2)
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: estrogens
- Breastfeeding
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Further information
Vivelle side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.