Estradiol Patch and Hot Flashes: What Users Say

• NJ ...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 12, 2015

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "This refers to the Mylan estradiol twice weekly patches. After 16 comfortable years using Vivelle Dot estradiol patches, I was supplied by Express Scripts with the new, supposedly 'generic' Mylan estradiol transdermal dot patches in the same strength, 0.025 mg. During the 4 1/2 weeks I used the Mylan product, I developed hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog, and urinary tract infections. I could not understand what was wrong until I recalled that my symptoms began when I started the Mylan product. I found out that Vivelle Dots are still under patent. Mylan patented its own competing transdermal patch in order not to infringe the Novertis patent. It is NOT the same product. A return to Vivelle Dots solved my problem."

• Ann...
• June 2, 2020

For Oophorectomy "I had a hysterectomy/bilateral oophorectomy in February 2019. Immediately after surgery, I had hot flashes and high blood pressure. I was put on Climara, and everything was better. My employer changed insurance providers 1/2020, and they no longer covered Climara. They substituted Sandoz. I started Sandoz in March 2020 after Climara ran out. I noticed right away that the Sandoz patches do not stick. After being on them a few weeks, I’ve had a 20 lb weight gain, pitting edema in my legs, hot flashes, and headaches. I went to my doctor, and all blood work was normal. Thyroid function is okay. The problem is the Sandoz patches. They are faulty. They curl even under hydrocolloid dressings. The inconsistent hormone level is wrecking havoc on my body. I filed a complaint with Sandoz. I now have to pay $150 for Climara instead of the $25 for Sandoz. If Sandoz isn’t working for you, file a grievance with the company. They are putting out an inferior product. I’m also filing a complaint with the FDA."

• Hot...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2019

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I was using Vivelle Dot and then Minivelle for 10+ years. Due to the cost and no insurance, I switched to the generic patch. It does NOT work. The change in my estrogen levels was drastic... as if I wasn’t getting any at all. The hot flashes and night sweats returned. These patches are trash. I will be paying the outrageous price for Minivelle to get my hormones balanced again."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 5, 2019

For Oophorectomy "I cannot believe how terrible this patch is. I was on the 0.05 mg Estradiol Transdermal System by Noven, which was incredibly helpful after the removal of my ovaries at age 31. It eased some of the depression, anxiety, and complete lack of energy. My insurance changed, and instead of being filled at CVS, now I have to go to Walgreens, and this is the new patch. I've been on it 3 days and feeling crazy. It's a large, awkward foam patch that flapped off on the second day. The hot flashes all night are back, digestion issues, crying all day, and the emotional volatility. I'm relieved I found that I am not alone and will be attempting to switch to any other brand."

• Jlo...
• May 23, 2021

For Primary Ovarian Failure "Last month, Walmart Pharmacy replaced my estradiol patch with the 'Mylan' manufacturer. I was shocked to see how big this patch is, it's bigger than the mouth of a colostomy bag, as thick as a regular cotton round, and it's not sticky enough to stay for days. I shower twice a day, the patch is off after two showers. Technically, I have to change my patch every day. The worst part is aside from the rashes I have now on my pelvic area because of this patch, I'm having hot flashes. It's not effective at all. I cannot do anything since my insurance already paid for three months of refill. And since I have to replace the patch every day, I have already run out of it. Now, I have to endure more 'hot flashes' for two more months. This is the worst patch I've used since my hysterectomy. Well, thank you 'Mylan' for making my life miserable for three months. I will rate negative on the effectiveness if it's available in the choices."

• CoC...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2019

For Oophorectomy "My new doctor switched me to this massive thick sponge from Depo Estradiol that I had been using successfully for years. I now have constant asthma and horrible hot flashes, can't sleep, and am exhausted all the time. I took it off last night, and lo and behold, for the first time in a month, I woke up without asthma! The Depo never gave me asthma. As an aside, when I opened the first one, I honestly could not believe what I was seeing. It is ridiculous. Thick, huge, ugly. It really is the dumbest, cheapest hunk of garbage out there. Mylan, you can do better!!"

• BRa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• December 2, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I was switched from the Sandoz Estradiol Patch to Mylan Estradiol Patch by my insurance company. Sandoz was working fine, Mylan doesn't work well at all. I'm awake half the night with hot flashes and night sweats. This is crazy. Also, sticking problems as others have said. I will be begging my GYN for something different!"

• Sar...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 1, 2019

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I had been using Mylan Estradiol patches for a year and a half. No problems. My pharmacy changed to Estradiol made by Grove Pharmaceuticals, what a mess. Within a week, HOT FLASHES all night long and no sleep. They don't stick. I found a pharmacy that carries Mylan Estradiol patches, and after two days of wearing the patches, I got my first good night's sleep without HOT FLASHES at night."

• CeC...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• January 24, 2019

For Oophorectomy "Was on pills from 2002 to 2009 when I had a gallbladder removed - suspected the estrogen pills were involved. Switched to a patch - Vivelle 2/week and did fine until insurance pulled me off in 2018 mid-year - switched to Mylan - which do not work. Went back on Vivelle and all was fine until my insurance again refused and it is costing me $400+/month, so had to go back on Mylan. Started Sunday, and by Tuesday having hot flashes and put on a new patch Thursday (Sun/Th schedule), and by afternoon hot flashes were in full force. Mylan does not work."

• Sun...
• August 23, 2018

For Oophorectomy "My insurance only covers the generic patches. The first 2 months of use were fine. Then I noticed the patch started to peel up at the corners and the hot flashes were trying to come back. I contacted Mylan since I was due to refill my script. They told me to try the box with the same lot number as before, and if I experienced the same issues, to let them know. I contacted Mylan, Mylan contacted the pharmacy, and Walgreen told the Mylan rep that they already swapped the lot out for me, which they didn't. I called and talked to the pharmacist, and this issue had happened to multiple customers. But the pharmacist should have verified the patient the box was swapped out for, as it was not me. Today I get a letter from Mylan pretty much stating thanks for letting us know, but we don't have a problem. I will not get another refill of Mylan nor ever use another Mylan product. Mylan worked until they didn't, and if you let them know it doesn't, it's you and not their product because they do quality checks."

• Joa...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 3, 2019

For Hypoestrogenism "I’m 9 years post-hysterectomy. I started out with Vivelle Dot, then changed to Minivelle Dot when it came out. Never had any trouble. Insurance change last year (2018). Since there’s now a generic for Minivelle, I can pay $15 for Mylan or pay a penalty for the brand name and pay $188 for Minivelle. With a coupon, $135. I’ve tried to deal with all the problems with the Mylan patches for a YEAR! They do NOT deliver the same amount of estradiol as Minivelle. I’ve gained 20 lbs and have gotten horrible wrinkles. I firmly believe it’s the patch and lack of estrogen. Patches fall off, which is irritating. I still have hot flashes and night sweats. My endocrinologist even did an estrogen level test, and it was lower than in 2017 when on Minivelle. If my gyno will request Minivelle, my insurance will allow it and not charge a penalty. With a coupon, it should be about $40. I’m hoping!!!"

• swe...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• January 8, 2019

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I was on Minivelle patches for 2 years when my insurance decided they would no longer pay for them. I was given the generic by Mylan, and it is bigger than the Minivelle patch. It helps some. When I was on the Minivelle patch, I was able to sleep through the night and did not experience any hot flashes. With the Mylan patch, I do not sleep through the night, and hot flashes are sporadic. My rating is based off of the Mylan brand. I would give Minivelle a 9."

• kat...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• October 6, 2018

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Vivelle Dot worked for me for hot flashes, headaches, and general crankiness, but the cost! $144 a month is considerable and annoying, given what it's made of. BTW, these coupon ads do not reflect reality, in that I have taken them to all the pharmacies listed by them, and not once were they worth more than $3.00, and most of the time, nothing at all. I did try Minneville and Estrodal patches, and neither one did a thing for my symptoms, and every time the pharmacist would tell it, 'it's the same thing.' Quite obviously, the generic is not the same thing."

• 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!!!"

• Lin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 24, 2022

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have used a patch for over 30 years with no issues. Recently, when I had my prescription refilled, I was given the Mylan patch. Absolutely the worst results imaginable. The patch will not stay on. I am not getting the medicine that I need. Suffering from hot flashes, headaches, irritability, etc. Cannot get another prescription filled because I can't afford to pay out of pocket, and insurance won't pay for another three months. How this is on the market is a puzzle to me. So very frustrated. Wish I could give it a zero."

• Lau...
• Taken for 5 to 10 years
• July 11, 2019

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have been using the Estradiol patch, generic for many years by Mylan, and it has worked fine. My pharmacist recently changed to Grove Pharmaceuticals, and it is awful. They don't work, and they don't stick well. Hot flashes are every 10 minutes, and disrupted sleep. I called the pharmacist and requested a special order to go back to the Mylan brand."

• Unh...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 5, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I had a total abdominal hysterectomy/bilateral oophorectomy in 2/19. I had elevated blood pressure and severe hot flashes, hair loss, and irritability after surgery. My gym put me on a Climara 0.5 mg patch, and it worked to keep symptoms under control. In March 2020, my insurance switched to Sandoz. They are horrible! I’ve gained 15 lbs since switching in less than a month. My belly is bloated, and I have pitting edema in my legs and feet. The patches do not stay on! I’m a nurse, and I’ve used all of my tricks to keep them in place. I tried putting Tegaderm over it, only to have the patch scrunch up under the Tegaderm. My blood pressure is elevated, and the hot flashes are back. I would not recommend Sandoz."

• Gai...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 30, 2021

For Oophorectomy "Been using this patch for almost 20 years now. It has helped me tremendously! No hot flashes! No weight gain! No bad mood swings. After my surgery when I was 29, this patch has made my life through the years so much better. Thankful us ladies have this when our bodies can't make what it needs to."

• Buf...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• July 24, 2022

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Vivelle Dot worked great, but insurance stopped covering. Generic was okay until the last few months when Mylan was the brand I was given. It doesn’t stick well at all, and I’m having open blisters and redness that are painful and itchy. I’m not using them because I’m afraid of getting an infection. I’m also getting hot flashes and night sweats after 10 years without them. I called Mylan but still need to fill out the extensive paperwork for the customer complaint. Tried to get Vivelle again, but it would be $500 a month. I don’t know what to do. I really need the bone benefits from estrogen and don’t absorb oral meds well."

• Anonymous
• October 8, 2009

For Primary Ovarian Failure "It's rather early for me to be rating this product considering it has been just under 2 weeks since I started it. However, I am very pleased with it so far. I was on Vivelle Dot for about 4 months, and after the first month, all my symptoms came back. I have just started this patch, and so far it is wonderful! I feel a million times better, my hair is better, no more hot flashes, and I'm starting to sleep again! The only complaint I have is that the patch is HUGE, and it's thick and beige rather than small and clear like Vivelle. But at this point, I could care less what it looks like as long as it works!"

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 22, 2020

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "I have horrible hot flashes! Turning 61 this year. I wanted Climara, but insurance didn't pay for it, $100.00... no, can't do that! I got Sandoz 0.0375 mg. Love everything about them, they are thin, they stay on, but I still have crazy hot flashes like 3-4 an hour. I'm supposed to put on twice a week, putting it on my calendar now! Maybe it will get better!"

• Tan...
• February 27, 2019

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Mylan patches are too big, gave me a bad skin reaction, and they just don't adhere to the skin. Alvogen was the best for a reasonable copay ($10.00)... now I can change to Climara, but it will cost $48.00 copay... I'll go broke! I'm going to try the Minivelle w/a ($10.00 copay). Hopefully I have success. I hope it works! I don't want to go through that hell again. Anxiety, depression, heat flashes, and fatigue. If not, I'm going to go to Climara and go broke."

• Anonymous
• January 19, 2010

"I have been on the patch since my hysterectomy four years ago. I have gradually decreased the dosage and have tried to get off it totally. I am on the lowest dose now, and after trying another time to stop, I had hot flashes. The only downside to the patch is that it is large and beige, but it works!!"

• 50y...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 19, 2016

For Hypoestrogenism "I used the patch for nighttime hot flashes that wake me up every 2-3 hours. The size was great, and it stuck just fine. That's where the happy union ended. By the second day, the hot flashes seemed to triple, occurring all day and all night. And the flashes were hotter! I also began to have terrible headaches that woke me up earlier than my alarm clock and hung around all day. I never have headaches, so I removed the patch after only 4 days, and the symptoms all went away. Now I'm back to square one, better able to deal with my original symptoms, knowing things could be worse. I'm going to give the name brand Vivelle Dot a try and see what happens."

• Jan...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• August 29, 2021

For Postmenopausal Symptoms "Vivelle dot .0375 worked great for me. Then pharmacy switched to Mylan, which was visually similar, clear, small, and 2 x week. Worked great. Not an awful foam. Did Mylan produce two different versions of the patch? Pharmacy then dropped Mylan in April 2021 and now offers Dotti. Same 2 x week, small transparent patch (but with brand printing all over it :( My hot flashes returned! But only with “some” of the patches, so I’m concerned about Dotti’s quality control. Anyone else have issues with Dotti?"