Estrogen patch 2502983 208006235 2008-04-25T00:55:39Z Chowbok 54304 clean up, Replaced: ® → (15) using [[Project:AutoWikiBrowser|AWB]] [[Image:Estrogen patch.jpg|thumb|Vivelle-dot, an estrogen patch]] The '''estrogen patch''' is a delivery system for [[estradiol]], which is used as [[hormone replacement therapy]] to treat the problems of [[menopause]], such as [[hot flashes]] and [[vaginal dryness]], and to prevent [[osteoporosis]]. The [[estrogen]] is given [[transdermal patch|transdermally]] rather than via oral [[tablet]]s, meaning that the estrogen patch carries similar risks and benefits that conventional forms of estrogen-only hormone replacement therapy have, but there are also important differences. For example, transdermal estrogen bypasses the liver so avoids the liver effects that occur with use of oral medications, and has slightly different effects on triglycerides and cholesterol than oral estrogens. ==Administration== Applied to fatty areas of the [[skin]], preferably the lower abdomen or buttocks (never [[breasts]]!) twice weekly or weekly, depending on the brand. ==Brand names== *Alora ([[United States]]) *Climara ([[United States]]) *Dermestril ([[United Kingdom]]) *Elleste Solo ([[United States]]) *Esclim ([[United States]]) *Estraderm ([[United Kingdom]]) *Estradot ([[United Kingdom]]) *Evorel ([[United Kingdom]]) *Fematrix ([[United Kingdom]]) *Fempatch ([[United States]]) *FemSeven ([[United Kingdom]]) *Menostar ([[United States]]) *Vivelle-Dot (It was originally marketed as Vivelle ([[Novartis]]), but was superseded by a smaller version with better adhesion in [[2000]], so Vivelle was ultimately discontinued in [[2003]].) [[Category:Estrogens]] [[Category:Transdermal patches]] [[Category:Menopause]] {{pharma-stub}}