Comprehensive medication guide to {drug} including estimated pricing, availability information, side effects, and how to find it in stock at your local pharmacy.
Vivelle-Dot is a brand-name estradiol transdermal patch used for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in menopausal and postmenopausal women. It delivers 17β-estradiol through the skin to treat moderate to severe hot flashes, vaginal dryness, and other menopause symptoms. It is also approved for treating hypoestrogenism due to hypogonadism, castration, or primary ovarian failure, and for the prevention of postmenopausal osteoporosis.
Vivelle-Dot is manufactured by Noven Pharmaceuticals (a Sandoz/Novartis company). Generic estradiol patches are also available from manufacturers including Mylan, Amneal, and Zydus.
Vivelle-Dot delivers 17β-estradiol through the skin directly into the bloodstream, bypassing the liver's first-pass metabolism. This transdermal delivery provides steady estrogen levels throughout the day with a lower risk of blood clots compared to oral estrogen formulations. Once absorbed, estradiol binds to estrogen receptors in target tissues throughout the body, regulating gene expression involved in thermoregulation (reducing hot flashes), bone metabolism (preventing osteoporosis), vaginal health, and cardiovascular function.
Patches are applied twice weekly (every 3-4 days) to the lower abdomen or upper buttock area. The typical starting dose is 0.0375 mg/day.
Vivelle-Dot and generic estradiol patches have a findability score of 40, meaning patients frequently experience difficulty locating this medication in stock. Intermittent shortages have been reported since 2024, driven by surging demand for hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and a limited manufacturing base. Shortages vary by strength and region, so availability can differ significantly depending on where you live. Using a tool like Medfinder can help you locate pharmacies that currently have Vivelle or its generic equivalent in stock near you.
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Vivelle-Dot is most commonly prescribed by:
Telehealth services also prescribe estradiol patches, making it easier to get a prescription without an in-person visit.
No. Vivelle-Dot (estradiol) is not a controlled substance and has no DEA scheduling. It is a prescription medication that requires a doctor's order, but it does not have the restrictions associated with controlled substances like opioids or stimulants.
Serious side effects that require immediate medical attention include blood clots, stroke, heart attack, severe allergic reactions, and sudden vision changes. Women with an intact uterus should take a progestin alongside estrogen to reduce the risk of endometrial cancer.
If you cannot find Vivelle-Dot in stock, your doctor may recommend one of these alternatives:
Vivelle-Dot can interact with several medications. Always tell your doctor about everything you take, including supplements.
Vivelle-Dot is a widely prescribed estradiol patch for managing menopause symptoms, but ongoing supply chain issues have made it harder to find in 2026. With a findability score of just 40, patients may need to check multiple pharmacies or switch to generic estradiol patches. The good news is that generic versions are therapeutically equivalent and significantly cheaper — as low as $25-$50 per month with a discount card. If you're struggling to find Vivelle-Dot, use Medfinder to check real-time pharmacy availability near you, talk to your doctor about alternative formulations, and consider discount programs like GoodRx or SingleCare to reduce your out-of-pocket costs.
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