Vivelle-Dot Is a Prescription Estradiol Patch Used to Treat Menopause Symptoms

Vivelle-Dot (Estradiol transdermal system) is a prescription estrogen patch that delivers the hormone estradiol through your skin to treat menopause symptoms like hot flashes, night sweats, and vaginal dryness. It's also approved to help prevent bone loss (osteoporosis) after menopause.

If you've been prescribed Vivelle-Dot—or your doctor is considering it—this guide covers everything you need to know: what it is, what it treats, how to use it, who shouldn't take it, and what it costs in 2026.

What Is Vivelle-Dot?

Vivelle-Dot is a brand-name medication that contains Estradiol, a form of estrogen that's identical to the estrogen your body naturally produces. It belongs to the drug class known as estrogen hormone replacement therapy (HRT).

Key facts:

• Brand name: Vivelle-Dot (also sometimes referred to simply as Vivelle)
• Generic name: Estradiol transdermal system
• Manufacturer: Noven Pharmaceuticals / Sandoz (Novartis)
• FDA approved: Yes, for menopause symptoms, hypoestrogenism, and osteoporosis prevention
• Controlled substance: No — Vivelle-Dot is not a controlled substance
• Generic available: Yes — generic estradiol patches are available and significantly cheaper

Other brand-name estradiol patches include Climara, Minivelle, Alora, Dotti, Lyllana, and Menostar.

What Is Vivelle-Dot Used For?

Vivelle-Dot is FDA-approved for four indications:

1. Moderate to severe hot flashes (vasomotor symptoms) — The most common reason it's prescribed. Hot flashes and night sweats affect up to 80% of menopausal women.
2. Vaginal dryness and atrophy — Estrogen helps maintain vaginal tissue health, reducing dryness, itching, and discomfort during intercourse.
3. Hypoestrogenism — Low estrogen caused by conditions like primary ovarian failure, surgical menopause (after ovary removal), or hypogonadism.
4. Osteoporosis prevention — Estrogen helps maintain bone density. Vivelle-Dot is approved to prevent postmenopausal bone loss when other treatments aren't suitable.

Vivelle-Dot is also used off-label for perimenopause symptom management, hormone therapy for transgender women, and migraine prevention in menstrual migraine.

How Is Vivelle-Dot Taken?

Vivelle-Dot is a small, thin patch applied directly to your skin. Here's how to use it:

Application

• Apply to clean, dry skin on your lower abdomen or upper buttock area
• Do not apply to your breasts or waistline
• Press the patch firmly against your skin for 10 seconds to ensure it sticks
• Make sure the area is free of lotions, oils, or powder

Schedule

• Replace the patch twice per week (every 3 to 4 days)
• Choose two consistent days each week (e.g., Sunday and Wednesday)
• Rotate application sites — wait at least 1 week before applying to the same spot

Available Strengths

Vivelle-Dot comes in five strengths, measured by how much estradiol the patch delivers per day:

• 0.025 mg/day
• 0.0375 mg/day
• 0.05 mg/day
• 0.075 mg/day
• 0.1 mg/day

Most doctors start at 0.0375 mg/day and adjust based on symptom response. The goal is to use the lowest effective dose for the shortest time needed.

Who Should Not Take Vivelle-Dot?

Vivelle-Dot is not safe for everyone. It is contraindicated (should not be used) in people with:

• Undiagnosed abnormal vaginal bleeding
• Known or suspected breast cancer
• Known or suspected estrogen-dependent cancers
• Active or history of blood clots (DVT or pulmonary embolism)
• Recent stroke or heart attack
• Liver disease or dysfunction
• Known clotting disorders (protein C, protein S, or antithrombin deficiency)
• Known or suspected pregnancy
• Allergy to any ingredient in the patch

Women who still have a uterus must take a progestin alongside Vivelle-Dot to protect against endometrial cancer. For more on risks and side effects, read our guide to Vivelle side effects.

How Much Does Vivelle-Dot Cost?

The cost of Vivelle-Dot depends on whether you're filling brand-name or generic, and whether you have insurance:

• Brand-name Vivelle-Dot: $150 to $450 per month (8 patches per box)
• Generic Estradiol patches: $30 to $80 per month without insurance
• With a discount card (GoodRx, SingleCare): As low as $25 to $50 per month for generic
• With insurance: Generic estradiol patches typically have a $10 to $30 copay

There is no active manufacturer savings program for brand-name Vivelle-Dot as of 2026. However, generic estradiol patches are widely available and much more affordable. For more savings tips, see our guide to saving money on Vivelle.

Availability in 2026

Estradiol patches have experienced intermittent shortages since 2024, driven by increased demand for menopause HRT and a limited number of manufacturers. While not formally listed on the FDA shortage database, many patients report difficulty finding both brand and generic estradiol patches at their local pharmacies.

If you're having trouble filling your prescription, use Medfinder to check which pharmacies near you have it in stock. You can also talk to your doctor about alternative estradiol formulations.

Final Thoughts

Vivelle-Dot is a well-established, effective treatment for menopause symptoms that has been used by millions of women. The transdermal patch delivery offers steady hormone levels and avoids first-pass liver metabolism, which is an advantage over oral estrogen for many patients. If you think Vivelle-Dot might be right for you, talk to your doctor about whether estrogen therapy fits your health profile and symptoms.

Ready to fill your prescription? Search Medfinder to find Vivelle or generic Estradiol patches near you.